How do you use deck clips
Rachel Hickman
Published Feb 12, 2026
The decking clip is designed for concealed fastening of grooved decking boards made of wood or WPC onto a wooden substructure. The decking clip is fastened in the groove between two individual boards. The boards are screwed together at a 45° angle.
What is the purpose of a decking clip?
The decking clip is designed for concealed fastening of grooved decking boards made of wood or WPC onto a wooden substructure. The decking clip is fastened in the groove between two individual boards. The boards are screwed together at a 45° angle.
Are hidden deck fasteners worth it?
Hidden deck fasteners are a nice way to keep the surface of your deck looking clear and unencumbered. But they are not the right fastener for all decks. In fact, using hidden deck fasteners inappropriately is a formula for failure. Some deck projects require the stronger fastening power of face screws.
How many deck clips do I need?
The general rule of thumb for standard deck fasteners is 350 screws for every 100 square feet of decking, which is based on standard 6″ wide boards (5-1/2″ actual), and 16″ joist spacing.What is a hidden deck fastener?
Hidden Deck Fasteners give your deck a smooth, unmarred surface. They can be used for composite decking, grooved boards, softwoods, hardwoods, and more! Check out all the different hidden fasteners available from trusted brands like CAMO, AZEK, and Trex at DecksDirect.
How far apart should composite deck clips be?
The most common is 16 inches on center. For a more rigid feel, 12 inches on center. Install blocking between each joist every four to six feet to reduce movement up and down and twisting of the joists, using exterior screws.
How many Trex starter clips do I need?
You will need 0.75 clips for every lineal foot of decking. For example, 40 feet of decking would require 30 start clips. NOTE: When using hidden fasteners (both start and connector clips), one must be used on every joist.
Do you have to screw decking into every joist?
Each deck board should be fastened with two screws at each point where the board crosses a joist to ensure the stability and durability of your deck’s surface. Boards should be fastened to rim joists with three screws.How do you secure the last piece of composite decking?
Position the clip on the outside of the rim joist securing it with a single screw inserted perpendicular to the joist. After positioning the last deck board in place, secure it by angling a screw through the clip and into the board at a 30˚- 45˚ angle.
What is a rim joist on a deck?In the framing of a deck or floor system, a rim joist is attached perpendicular to the joists, and provides lateral support for the ends of the joists while capping off the end of the floor or deck system. … It is also confusingly called a header (header also refers to other framing components) or rim board.
Article first time published onDo Trex clips work with Timbertech?
Most hidden deck fasteners are compatible with the major decking brands like Trex, Timbertech or Azek. The benefit of grooving your own boards is that you can make the groove however you like.
Can you use hidden fasteners on wood decking?
Decking can be installed with hidden fasteners to create a clean looking surface that is smooth to bare feet. Hidden fasteners can be used with composite, vinyl, cedar, ipe or other exotic hardwood material.
Are Trex hidden fasteners any good?
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Price! Great price for Trex Hideaway Hidden decking fasteners. … These fasteners do a great job of consistent spacing and look great but there is a little learning curve installing them and it’s a slower process.
Can I use CAMO Fasteners on Trex?
With CAMO, you’re guaranteed ClipDRIVE, DRIVE, and LEVER all have a one-year tool warranty, while CAMO Universal Deck Clips are warranted for use in leading grooved deck boards, including Trex®, TimberTech®, AZEK®, Fiberon®, Deckorators®, and more.
Can CAMO screws be used on Trex decking?
The clips install quickly on their own and are backed by a CAMO warranty for use in leading grooved decking, including Trex®, TimberTech®, AZEK®, Deckorators®, Fiberon®, MoistureShield®, and more.
How far apart do you put Trex fasteners?
Q: What size gap between the boards? A: The Trex Hideaway hidden fastener will automatically create a 1/4” space between each decking board.
How do you hide the ends of Trex decking?
Composite decking ends can be finished by picture framing, raised fascia board, painting the ends, attaching decking veneer, composite nosing strips, vinyl stair nosing cove, composite corner trim or plastic end caps.
How do you put a border on a deck?
- Add Blocking to Corners. Place a solid block at all four corners of the deck, leaving 11″ clear space between the inside of the block and the corner. …
- Add Corner Support Joist. …
- Add Two Flat Blocks. …
- Continue Blocking Edge. …
- Add Second Support Joist. …
- Block Substructure.
What fasteners to use with Trex?
Trex recommends the use of two screws per joist. All recommended screws are designed to be installed flush with decking surface. DO NOT countersink screws. Use recommended stainless steel screws in any areas near bodies of saltwater. 2-3/4″ or 3″ screws can be used with Trex 2×6 product.
What are starter clips for composite decking?
This starter clips are the hidden fixings used for a secure fit in the decking board. Made from stainless steel material, giving a long run to the product. It is fixed at the edge of the deck or against the wall for a seamless, fastener free appearance across the entire surface.
How many fasteners do you need for Trex decking?
Trex recommends the use of two screws per joist. All recommended screws are designed to be installed flush with decking surface.
Should deck joists be 2x6 or 2x8?
For upper-level decks, 2×10 is recommended as the minimum size to use for strong guard post connections. 2×6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards. … Most decks use 16″ on center spacing for joists.
Should deck boards be butted together?
We recommend butting treated deck boards together because as the moisture dries from the wood, the boards will shrink and naturally form gaps to allow water drainage. (Depending on moisture content, cedar, cypress and especially hardwood decking may require deliberate spacing for consistent joint sizes.)
How many clips do I need for composite decking?
Fixing Clips: You will need 23 clips per square metre. For example, if you have 45 square metres x 23 = 1,035 fixing clips. Or, you can also work it out as roughly 12 clips per board. Starter Clips: You will need 12 starter clips to run on the first board.
Should I use nails or screws for decking?
The Consensus: For a deck build it’s best to use a combination of nails and screws. … Screws are superior for laying down the decking. They hold things flush better and have a better fastener/tensile strength, which keeps boards from popping up over time.
Which side of deck board should face up?
Lay deck boards so that the best-looking face is facing up! Wood is stable when its moisture content is held above 30%(fiber saturation point). As wood dries below 30% it shrinks. Wood shrinks and swells twice as much in the direction parallel to the growth rings as it does perpendicular to the growth rings.
What length deck screws should I use?
Most decking screws are 8-gauge and, while 2 1/2 inches is the minimum length needed to hold decking boards to the joists, 3-inch screws are commonly used to provide extra holding power against the upward pressure of shrinking or warping boards.