Best Hidden Deck Fasteners Reviews 2024 : Our Top 7 Picks

Who doesn’t love or admire deck boards?

Deck boards are what everyone notices when it comes to most decks. These decks are always at risk of being impaired in appearance due to the presence of screws and nails.

This is where hidden deck fasteners come in use. These fasteners act as better alternatives to traditional fastening methods by securing the deck boards properly.

Since there are so many options to choose from, it becomes difficult to settle for a good quality hidden deck fastener that will serve the best purpose for your deck.

So, we’ve categorized some of the best hidden deck fasteners that will be effective for any deck boards.

What Are Hidden Deck Fasteners and What Are the Benefits of Using Them?

Hidden deck fasteners are fasteners that act by securing the deck boards with the help of a clip.

This clip is adjusted to the board through a groove on its side and then screwed into the horizontal joist. 

These work even better than traditional fasteners by doing a pretty good job at securing your deck boards.

Apart from holding the deck board, these fasteners also make sure that there is an even amount of spacing between the boards.

These fasteners also ensure that there is no possibility of nails or screws, causing any barrier to the deck boards.

Hidden fasteners are very beneficial since they help out in so many ways. They save time, labor, and money.

You don’t have to do a lot of measurement or screwing at the time of using these fasteners as they are already designed to keep the deck boards in place.

They also provide a defined look to the deck surfaces. So, you can also enjoy a pleasing view of your deck surfaces through these deck fasteners.

Top Recommended Best Hidden Fasteners for Wood Decking

If you’re looking for the most suitable hidden deck fastener for your desk board, it is important to check out all the features of each product. Here are some great hidden deck fasteners that will be excellent choices-

1. Hideaway Universal Hidden Fastener

This one is a great option if you’re looking for a hidden fastener with premium quality. Its decking option comes with a grooved edge that makes it suitable to use with different kinds of deck boards.

The hidden deck fastening system can be easily installed between the deck boards, creating a precise look for the deck spaces. It later fastens the boards to the horizontal joists, so the spaces between the boards are consistent.

There are clips that come with the fastener, which are versatile and easy to handle without difficulty.

This versatility allows you to use the fastener with any kind of grooved deck boards. It also maintains the uniform and straight shape of the boards.

Self-gapping hardware is the principal part of this fastening system. This hardware does a pretty good job at maintaining the attachment between the deck boards.

The deck screw is built with stainless-steel that, adds to the durability and longevity of the product. It is easy to install and can be effortlessly used for framing wooden deck boards.

Highlighted Features:

• Comes with a strong build, so that the attachment between deck boards is firm
• Durable and long-lasting stainless-steel deck screw
• Uniform and even fastening for better security
• Simple installation so gets easier on the part of the installer

2. CAMO Deck Fasteners

This is one of the best hidden fasteners for wood decking, considering its impeccable quality and outstanding style. It comes with premium fastening properties that will be suitable for many kinds of decking boards.

The product also comes with a high-quality stainless-steel wood screw that delivers the best performance and lasts a pretty long time. 

Its spacer body comes with a material of nylon and also bears similar durability. The head is trim styled and can be perfect for different deck boards.

Moreover, the clips that come with this fastening system are suitable for 90° grooved deck boards.

The CAMO stand-up tool is a good option for fastening the clips. You can use this fastener with different materials other than wood.

Composite and its different variations, as well as PVC, can be fastened using this one.

This fastening system can be characterized as a one-pass fastening system. It implies that, unlike other traditional fasteners, this system will not require any kind of partial fastening.

With this fastening system, a joist spacing of 16 inches is created, resulting in a 3/16-inch gap between the deck boards. Overall, this fastener is a pretty good choice for anyone.

Highlighted Features:

• Comes with stainless-steel screws that offer the best performance
• Suitable for grooved deck boards so that you can select one accordingly
• Creates a uniform and even spacing between the joist spaces as well as deck boards for stronger attachment
• Can be used for wood as well as composite and PVC, so you can enjoy this fastening system with multiple options

3. FastenMaster Cortex Composite Decking Hidden Fasteners

This is one of the best hidden fasteners for decking, considering the high-quality and unique design. You can definitely count on this one for a strong and secured attachment of your deck boards.

It comes in a material of good quality stainless-steel that offers durability and strength for a long time.

There is an additional three-layer epoxy coating over the steel material for delivering a smooth finish to the product.

It comes in rum color that looks pretty good with deck boards. So, in terms of quality and appearance, you can’t find anything like this.

The head style in this fastener is flat, unlike other fasteners, so you can expect maximum results with this one.

This hidden fastening system does a good job in hiding among the wooden, composite, or PVC decking boards. Both the installation and removal process are simple and easy in the case of this fastener.

Besides, it delivers a sleek surface to your deck boards and does a good job at preventing any kind of rust and corrosion.

You can also count on this hidden fastener to do a pretty tough job at handling harsh conditions and lasting for a long time.

Highlighted Features:

• Has a strong build of steel and epoxy coating so that you get maximum strength out of it
• Responsible for strong and secure attachment
• Can be used for wood, PVC and composite deck boards, so it is a versatile option
• Rust and corrosion-resistant so lasts a long time

4. Trex Hideaway Start Clips

Another unique fastener, this one will be a good option if you want something basic yet of superior quality. It comes with a pretty strong and secure fastening system that is applicable for many kinds of grooved deck boards.

This one is designed to keep users of Trex decking in mind. So, it can be considered a great compatible option for Trex deck boards. It features a black, stainless steel build that offers high durability and longevity.

The installation process of this fastener is pretty simple and does not occupy a large amount of time.

It provides a smooth, sleek, and clean surface to the deck boards and maintains the uniformity of the deck boards.

With a fastening system like this, no screws are visible from the walking surface, and it makes the fastener more unique.

You can easily go for this one if quality and style are your preferences. It will work best on Trex grooved deck boards and deliver a flawless finish.

The fastening system is very secure and safe when it comes to attaching the deck boards together.

Highlighted Features:

• Delivers a smooth, sleek finish, so it looks cleaner
• Stainless-steel build that ensures maximum longevity
• No screws are visible, so the final surface is uniform and even
• Does a pretty good job at ensuring secured attachment between the deck boards

5. Simpson Strong Fastening Piece

This is the best hidden fastener for treated wood decking because of its solid properties at maintaining a uniform and even surface of wooden deck boards.

The material and quality of the fastener are strong enough to deliver an outstanding response.

Although it is more suitable for wooden deck boards, you can try it out with composite boards as well.

This hidden fastener is metal reinforced, so you can expect some amazing features from it. The metal reinforcement is responsible for a high pullover resistance that works best for treated wood decking.

You can also expect a high amount of holding power due to the tough and strong metal reinforcement in this fastener.

A material of Type 300 series stainless-steel plate offers the best response in harsh weather conditions. It comes in a quantity of 175 pieces, so you know if it’s worth the price you’re paying for.

Besides, it is also responsible for preventing over-driving of the screw from maintaining a fixed consistency.

The attachment between the deck boards through this fastener is angled to the joist so that strong security is maintained.

Highlighted Features:

• Bears metal reinforcement to elicit stronger resistance
• Has a high-quality, tough, and durable material of steel for maximum longevity
• Shows superior response, especially in harsh conditions
• Angled attachment ensures strength and security between the deck boards

6. Tiger Claw Deck Board Fasteners

If you’re looking for the best hidden deck fasteners, it’s highly likely that you’ve considered buying one from Tiger Claw.

These fasteners have made quite a name of their own due to their sophisticated style and supreme quality.

For this reason, it can be considered one of the most sought hidden deck fasteners of modern time.

With a strong material of stainless-steel and a square Torx head style, you will not be disappointed by this fastening system.

The material is built keeping in mind the different decking systems of wood, PVC or composite, and even hardwood.

So, if you’re looking for a standard fastening system that will deliver amazing performance, this is the one you should go for.

The exterior has a black oxide finish to maintain a smooth and sleek finish on the deck board surfaces.

This one is a grooved board fastener that comes without screws, so you need to buy the screws separately. The installation process is pretty simple but involves a pneumatic gun for much quicker delivery.

Highlighted Features:

• Comes with a high-quality steel material for best performance
• Black oxide finish is responsible for sleek surface design
• Suitable for most grooved boards so a pretty good option for anyone
• Amazing fastening service for composite and hardwood boards

7. TurboClip 89192 Composite Decking Fastener

While looking for good quality composite decking hidden fasteners, this one can be right up your alley.

Although most fasteners are designed for wood decking, you can achieve the best possible results of composite decking through this one.

When it comes to composite decking fasteners, the quality and design should be made according to the deck boards you’re seeking them for. This one by TurboClip is a pretty good option.

It is capable of creating a ¼-inch opening between the respective deck boards. The attachment is secured well, and the coverage of this fastening system is around 100 sq ft.

This fastening system comes with 192 clips, which are categorized ad assembled into 12 sticks.

There are six starter clips along with sixteen deck clips per stick to form a uniform assembly among the existing clips.

The material of the fastener is stainless steel that offers maximum durability. You can count on this hidden fastener for any kind of composite decking. It offers resilience against corrosion to a great extent.

Highlighted Features:

• Suitable for all types of composite decking, offering maximum strength and durability
• High-quality stainless-steel material delivers a smooth and uniform finish to the deck surface
• Prevents corrosion and rust in the long run
• Creates uniform and even gaps between deck boards, maintaining a secure attachment

8. TimberTech CONCEALoc Fastener Box

If you’re searching for hidden deck fasteners for cedar, this one will not disappoint you. It comes with amazing features that make your hidden fastening game stronger and more sophisticated.

This one is super easy to use and install, so most users tend to select this one. It is also a great fastener for cedar decking, but you can try it out for most wood boards.

It is designed to keep TimberTech and AZEK grooved deck boards in mind. This one delivers a flawless finish to the deck surfaces revealing the smooth and sleek surface of the deck boards.

There is a consistent spacing between both sides of the deck board that allows a uniform alignment between respective boards.

The box comes with 175 fasteners, 184 screws, and a driver bit that makes it easy to use even if you’re a beginner in deck fastening.

The 1/8″ – 3/16″ gapping provides a secure attachment and makes the fastening results stronger. There are the provision of 100 sq. feet of coverage, which is pretty decent for a hidden deck fastener.

Highlighted Features:

• Adequate gapping and secure attachment ensure strong fastening
• Consistent spacing maintains uniformity
• Uniform and even surface created as a result of fastening
• Comes with a solid build to last for a long time

9. Tiger Claw TC-2S Hidden Deck Fastener for Softwoods

Another unique addition to the Tiger Claw hidden deck fasteners, this one will surely impress you with impeccable quality and amazing design.

When you’re looking for high-quality and smooth-finish providing decking boards, Tiger Claw has always been one step ahead. Its outstanding design and flawless finish have always been a competition for many hidden deck fasteners.

So, if you’re planning to settle for a versatile fastener, you can easily go for this one.

It comes with a stainless-steel clip system that offers strength and resilience to rust and corrosion. This means that it will be durable and will resist any kind of external impact for a long time. A hidden deck fastening system like this will surely be a head-turner!

This deck board fastener is highly compatible with softwood decking boards. Starting from cedar and redwood deck board to pressure-treated lumber, you can easily count on this deck board fastener for the best results.

It involves a simple three-step installation process that yields a decking surface that is smooth, sleek, and fastener-free.

Overall, it is a great fastener that will be suitable for beginners as well as professionals. Its solid build and astounding performance are surely amazing to possess in a hidden deck fastener.

Highlighted Features:

• Versatile option for deck board fastening
• Compatible with most kinds of softwood decking
• Solid build with high-quality stainless steel that imparts maximum durability and resilience
• Prevents any kind of corrosion and rust
• Delivers a smooth and uniform surface and maintains the integrity of deck board surfaces

10. CAMO EdgeXClip Deck Fasteners

If you’re looking for hidden deck fasteners for pressure treated lumber, this one is a catch. Apart from pressure treated lumber, it works great for other deck board surfaces as well.

So, even if you’re searching for a durable fastening system that will work out for hardwood, cedar, and composite, this one will be perfect as well.

It creates a beautiful and attractive fastener-free deck surface that looks appealing to the eyes.

This Camo hidden deck fastening system will work on almost every kind of decking, so if you want something more versatile, the Camo one will be just right for you.

This deck board fastener will fit any 5-1/4″ to 5-3/4″ hardwood, composite, or PVC deck board and generate a secured attachment between the boards.

It comes with dual screw guides that are capable of fastening two sides through a single tool only. A uniform and even spacing are maintained through this high-performance fastening system.

This fastening system utilizes an angled installation process to deliver a smooth and sleek finish to the deck board surface. With a fastener like this, you can’t go wrong.

Highlighted features:

• Suitable for pressure treated lumber decking as well as hardwood or composite decking
• Versatile option so it goes with most kinds of deck board types
• Both sides of decking can be fastened using single tool so it is easy to use
• Ensures safe and secure gap and attachment

11. DeckWise Deck Fastening System

If you’re looking for concealed deck fasteners, you can’t go wrong with the Ipe Clip hidden fastener. It has a pretty solid build that delivers a flawless result to the overall deck surface.

There is an incorporation of both plastic and stainless steel material in the deck fastening system. This kind of material helps in building strong resilience against any kind of corrosion.

The drive system of the deck fastener is Torx, which is compatible with most of the wood, composite, and PVC as well as hardwood deck boards.

It comes in a brown color that looks pleasant and attractive. The overall performance of the fastener is very strong when it comes to secure attachment between respective deck boards.

There are 525 hidden deck clips that come with black stainless-steel screws. A driver and some drill bits are also included in this unique kit. All these features make this fastening system very sophisticated in design.

Apart from that, there is a spacer leg included in the kit, which allows a fixed and consistent spacing between the deck boards.

Highlighted features:

• Suitable for most composite, PVC and hardwood deck boards so can be considered a perfect option for anyone
• Attractive color and appearance so blend well with the deck boards
• High-quality material that imparts strong, lasting power

Comparison Table

Hidden Deck Fasteners Buying Guide

It is not easy when you have to choose the best hidden deck fasteners out of so many unique options available in the market.

To make the ideal choice, it is important to be aware of all the necessary features that you need to look for when you’re buying deck board fasteners for the first time.

Here are some of the things you need to look for:

Material

Of course, the material plays an effective role in the hidden fastening system. When you’re looking for deck board fasteners, make sure the material is top-notch stainless-steel.

The higher the quality of the steel, the more durable it will be, and the higher will be its performance. Good quality steel material also ensures the ability of the fastener to resist corrosion and rust.

Compatible Decking

Most hidden deck fasteners do not work properly or fail to work because of the lack of compatibility with the decking.

There are some hidden deck fasteners like Camo, which are versatile options and can go with any kind of decking board.

But many other brands are compatible with specific decking like hardwood, composite, PVC, and pressure treated lumber.

So, when you’re choosing a hidden deck fastener, make sure it is compatible with the decking board you possess.

If your deck system is wood, look for the best hidden fasteners for wood decking that fulfill your requirement.

Spacing and Attachment

Probably an important basis of selecting hidden deck fasteners is the spacing it creates and how secure it attaches the decking boards together.

When you’re buying hidden fasteners for your deck boards, buy the ones that come with an appropriate number of screws and that create adequate joist spacing.

Also, make sure that the attachments between respective boards are secure enough to withstand any kind of impact.

With such features to keep in mind, you can wisely choose an appropriate hidden fastener for your decking easily.

Related: Get a roller for staining deck from our list

Types of Hidden Deck Fasteners

Hidden deck fasteners come in a lot of categories. Sometimes the selection of these fasteners also depends to some extent on what type they are.

There are four different types of hidden deck fasteners that you can choose from-

1. Edge System

Edge systems are compatible with hardwood decking, composite and PVC decking, as well as some softwood ones.

You can use them for both grooved and non-grooved deck boards without any difficulty. It is a versatile type of hidden deck fastener that works out for almost every kind of decking.

2. Groove Clips

Groove clips are suitable for many kinds of decking boards. From fiberglass to composite, you can try this out for almost any kind of decking.

The clips are featured as corrosion-proof metal or fiberglass material that imparts maximum durability. They are perfect for adequate spacing between the joists.

3. Screw and Plug

The screw-and-plug system operates with different kinds of screws and plugs, along with a driver to achieve high performance. 

Although it is a complicated fastening system, it works best for composite or PVC decking.

This type of fastening system is suitable for an entire deck as well as simply perimeter fastening.

4. Hidden Beneath the Deck Boards

These kinds of fasteners include brackets and strips that provide strong protection to many kinds of decking.

Pros and Cons of Hidden Deck Fasteners

Like everything else, hidden deck fasteners also come with their own pros and cons. They are beneficial in many ways, but they might be ineffective for others due to some of their drawbacks.

A complete idea of their benefits and drawbacks can help you make your mind about buying them.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of hidden deck fasteners;

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Hidden Deck Fasteners Worth It?

Hidden deck fasteners are great options to keep your desk boards smooth and in good shape.

But if you fail to pick out if the fastener goes with your deck boards or simply face screws would be good; the result might not be effective. So, to make the most out of these fasteners, it is necessary to choose the suitable one.

2. How Do Fasteners Perform In Harsh Situations?

Mostly hidden fasteners use stainless-steel material that works well with harsh conditions easily.

Although it depends on the type of deck boards, usually, most hidden fasteners do a good job in keeping the deck boards securely in place.

3. Why Is Oxide Coating Applied On Hidden Fasteners?

In the case of most hidden fasteners, black oxide coating is applied to prevent any shine from peeking through the material. Ultimately it does a pretty good job in keeping the fastener hidden.

4. Do Fasteners Protect From Rust And Corrosion?

Yes, hidden deck fasteners protect deck boards from rust and corrosion. They shield the deck boards from occasional impairing of deterioration from screws and nails.

5. Why Are Hidden Fasteners Important?

Hidden fasteners can secure the deck boards together and create a uniform and sleek surface for the boards. They also play an important role in providing a shield to the deck boards from any impact.

Final Words

Wrapping it up, it can be said that choosing the best hidden deck fasteners can be difficult if the necessary information is not known regarding the products.

So, before you decide to invest your money in a product, try to gather all the info about it beforehand. That’ll save you all the hassles in the future.

Our discussion covers all the essential aspects of hidden deck fasteners. So, it will be helpful enough for you to make your choice through our reviews.

Let us know in the comments what you think about our recommendations.