Typically if you install Trex decking on a 45 degree angle you need 12 o.c. Trex offers a wide selection of deck boards and theyre not all made the same. deck joists. ft. (4.6 m2) 1 bucket covers 500 sq. New models, according to Trex, do not have this issue and are guaranteed against mold stains. Chalk lines are typically used in construction to mark straight lines. Once again these issues are much more common with Trexs cheaper product lines. In fact, fix as many moisture related problems before constructing any outdoor deck. 0000074192 00000 n . Hidden Fasteners vs Deck Screws. So Trex agreed to replace the defective decking but decided as a matter of policy that they would only replace 113 of the 144 defective boards. I called and filed a complaint. Each deck screw has a hole bored via the peak of the decking so that the screw head will be visible on the boards surface. The Best Way to Attach Runners on Wood Privacy Fence Posts. H\n0yCBji+q L4 We highly recommend them. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Lifestyle, All Rights Reserved. However, they can work with any board of the same profile (check carefully before purchase). The end result? Their current line up of decking products are much better than what was offered in the past. Thats the reason we have lemon laws for cars and laws protecting consumers. 7 people found this helpful Helpful Report abuse C. Hotchkiss What a marvelous solution Color fading is something the company knows about and acknowledges. Avoid potential problems. FYI: heed the joist spacing. For example, many of the composite decking options require a particular fastener. These work fine but we prefer using the nails. With so many brands, types, and sizes available, matching a hidden fastener to your decking can be daunting. Purchased Trex deck fasteners, immediately had issue with screws breaking, adjusted drill not to over torque screws but they still kept breaking. Additionally, it is far more difficult to pull the deck boards completely to the joists when using these fasteners, due in large part to the difficult angle of access to the fastener. Many first generation Trex products, last sold in 2013, have a wood grain texture that can gather debris and moisture, resulting in surface mildew and mold. Tannin can then leach into your deck causing discolorations. Deck boards are thin so they cant safely span longer distances than 16. We recommend using Trex Elevations light gauge steel framing for most of our projects. Its frequently the last and most neglected choice when creating a new outdoor living area. Watch our how-to tutorial before you start your build. 2) The screws may not always fit properly due to variations in thicknesses of different woods. National Nail offers several types of clips for grooved decking. A fun and crucial element of the job is selecting the decks dimensions, shape, color, and finish of the main boards. Easy claims process. 11. The first method is to screw directly through the board into the joist below. Any suggestions on how to possibly prevent it from happening again? Sanding is not recommended for Trex decking products. 0000009934 00000 n // Leaf Group, Remodeling Magazine: Hidden Deck Fasteners, Remodeling Magazine: Blind Faith - Hidden Fasteners. Your first problem that you will have is that you are installing Trex. Because with a Trex deck you cant sand or refinish the deck. Going public in 1999, Trex has become the worlds largest manufacturer of wood alternative decking products offering the industrys widest array of composite deck products, which are available in more than 40 countries around the world. Use an oscillating blade to cut the screws. 0000001502 00000 n Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. In most situations, these venerable old standbys come in a variety of solid colors to assist match the head of the screw with the deck surface around, which helps to disguise the fasteners. Now that you know more about the technical and practical aspects of choosing the best hidden fastener, its time to look at real-world examples. Screws are not provided but are readily available. Trex manufactures its own bit for this purpose. G) One of the biggest problems with older Trex decking is color fading. Dirt clings to composite decking more so than wood and it stands out a lot more too. My old wooden deck was painted and lasted 30 years. DIY users benefit from its ease of use; professionals benefit from the systems speed. So how do deck screws differ from hidden deck fasteners? SEE PRODUCTS. Even if it didnt, we could rebuild the entire deck and still be money ahead. FIB-0096-LIT 3/14 Preparation First Board Typical residential joist This is especially helpful for noticeable spots like, Easily maintain consistent gaps in between your floorboards with the use of self-gapping Trex hidden fasteners. Properly pitched and drained ground below the deck. Wed love to hear from you. But hidden fasteners are not right for all decks. In plug systems, the screws are inserted with a good counter sink to make it possible to insert a tiny plug and fill up the hole with the main deck surface. 0000002733 00000 n This can be an issue with an older deck once fading has occurred since the new deck boards wont match the old. 0000004506 00000 n Do not over-tighten screws. <]/Prev 211191>> In the end, it provides a clean, fastener-free appearance across the entire deck surface. In fact, Trex is so confident in the stain resietance of their products they back their entire decking portfolio with a 25 year Limited Fade & Stain Warranty. Once the Trex deck got loose, slightly pry it from the board. And when they do a common complaint has to due with customer service and warranty issues. Here's a short list or decks where you should not use hidden deck fasteners: Hidden deck fasteners can be a beautiful design element for a deck project - if your deck qualifies. I am not going to be playing soccer on my deck. This durability aspect will effectively support a durable deck, ensuring that it can withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy foot traffic. Cortex fasteners are hidden by collated plugs made of the same material as your chosen deck boards. Another hidden fastener option is the prong fastener. And this creates a secondary issue where some of the deck is in sunlight and some isnt. Additionally, certain composite decking boards might need holes pre-drilled before screws can be added, which might increase the projects time and cost. Deck boards will expand and contract width-wise throughout their usable lifetime. Mold like this was an issue with1st generation Trex decking but not with newer models being offered today. Alternatively, if a stain is applied to the finished deck, the plugs become almost unnoticeable. Grease badly stains Trex decking. The Mataverde Hidden Deck Fastener is black for lower visibility, stainless steel for higher strength and durability, and longer for superior holding power. We build using Trex composite decking regularly because its known for its gorgeous style and long lifespan. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. One variety of hidden fasteners requires screwing into the deck board from the underside. Cleaning complaints are fairly common problems with Trex decking that are actually an issue with all types of composite decking. We have tested nearly every deck screw, concealed and hidden deck fastener on the market. While all of the hidden fasteners in this guide are relatively easy to install, a variety of different approaches are used. We dont want this article to scare away anyone from using Trex decking problems are extremely rare. This is causing drainage problems and staining of the pieces is becoming very difficult to clean. . It's available in versions for the company's Elevations steel framing or for wood framing. Thermally Modified Hem-Fir Siding Gallery, Thermally Modified Hardwood Siding Gallery, 6 Things You Should Know About Hidden Fasteners for Decking, Thicker decking (21-mm or 5/4 nominal thickness) works best, Narrower decking (4 nominal) works best with hidden fasteners, The closer your deck is to the ground, the more important using thicker and narrower deck boards become for best performance. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. Deck screws of stainless steel have a zinc epoxy coating for better corrosion resistance. It is always critical to plan for proper under-deck drainage, (even more so with low clearance decks). I've repaired a couple of hidden fastener deck jobs were they had worked themselves loose from the decking allowing the boards to become misaligned. Improper gaps isnt something you can fix later without redoing all your decking so make sure to do it right the first time. As mentioned above, you can screw through the edges using a precision guide or use hidden fasteners designed specifically for composite decking. 8 0 obj <> endobj However, problems start to creep up when contractors use more than one face screw across the width of a board. If your question isn't answered here, you may also contact us with any questions you may have. Copyright 2023 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Hire a certified Trex pro or a builder with experience installing Trex brand products. Hidden Deck Clips. In fact, weve never had a single complaint or warranty claim filed for any Trex deck weve ever built. Standard lumber is called 6-inch-wide, but the actual dimension is 5 inches wide. While great for driveways, wooden decks and siding, 1500 psi pressure washers will damage older decking, possibly voiding your warranty. endstream endobj 25 0 obj <>/Metadata 6 0 R/Pages 22 0 R/Type/Catalog/ViewerPreferences<>>> endobj 26 0 obj <>/Font<>/Properties<>/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/TrimBox[0 0 612 792]/Type/Page>> endobj 27 0 obj <>stream hbbd```b``V DrH>3) I would NEVER ever recommend this brand. These easy-to-use clips are primarily designed to work with the high-quality, recycled composite boards made by TREX. Trex Hideaway hidden fasteners into the deck board, offset the fastener screw hole 1/2" towards the long point of Larger tubs cover around 100 square feet. People love them. My Trex decking is 10 years old and has substantially deteriorated to the point where it is rough and pitted and the interior core material has become exposed. WHY CHOOSE IT: Easy, top-down installation. It disturbs us and I fear others We are experimenting by covering parts most effected with weights. For example, the Trex Enhance Naturals Composite Deck Board, the trending composite board these days, comes in two colors only, toasted sand and foggy wharf (that's a light brown and light gray). 0000010436 00000 n Pro Tip: Check with Trex before using any cleaning product on the deck. The trex boards seem to have a bow in them preventing them from snugging up to the fasteners. 0000154608 00000 n Sale. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. H\j@@Ydf*HG}P$qw#-4pss.7FkoDdkXI(lpxE~'I[;^0|Q2UU}H\/QT6m8CqD'4_$,zYuIUb)5TF*' 30: Why You Need a Home Inspection and What to Expect. Excessive bounce could become a problem in the future. Additionally, they allow the installer to drill pilot holes to prevent splitting exotic hardwoods used in some high-end decks. You dont have to think about it. 0000004890 00000 n If you have to snap a line make sure you use blue chalk and plan on cutting the line so none of the blue remains. Its permanent and wont wash off. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Written by Chris Nolan on Tue, Oct 30, 2018 @ 05:10 AM . Some installers and homeowners favor clip systems because they often hide the joist to build color continuity throughout the main deck surface. I have scrubbed on knees, power washed the deck three times and followed the customer service step by step instructions with no success. Trex Select. This is accomplished by inserting the clips serrated edge into the boards groove, where it bites down on the board to provide a secure hold. Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. 5 years ago the rest started falling apart. With the premium grade Trex decking products, were confident you should get over the 25 year warranty period provided the decking is installed properly, the deck is built right, and its all well maintained. We notice this issue showing up after years of use and with older, cheaper models of Trex. Just a few months after installation, mold started to appear. With screw and plug systems, the width of the board doesnt matter at all, but most guides used for drilling through the sides of boards have a limit to the board size they will fit. Any suggestions on how to possibly prevent it from happening again? Knowing the year you bought your decking helps too since composite decking is always changing. In order to keep the fastener straight and secure, cut a piece of scrap groove board and use to help hold the hidden fastener down before screwing in. The fasteners want to grab onto the boards before they're in the right place. A bucket with enough clips for 500 square feet is available for larger installations, and a star driver is included. 0000001598 00000 n These fasteners drive sharp prongs into the sides of deck boards and then attach with nails or screws to the deck joists. This pack is sufficient for 50 square feet of deck. 0 I would seriously consider another manufacturer for the screws, and drive them by depth not torque. Improper installation will void the warranty in most cases so make sure if a problem occurs its the product thats the problem and not the installer. Where To Buy Trex FAQ You can find these, While there are pros and cons of hidden deck fasteners, d. eck screws remain a viable option for fastening your floorboards. Muro T-Screw M-TX0300SEP listed above is approved for 2x6 decking (can also be Some Trex customers say their decking is virtually impossible to keep clean, even if you dont walk on it. 3) If a screw has pulled out, it could cause damage to your flooring. This material will not rot, so moisture is not an issue here I believe. Composite decking and deck hardware has come a long way. 0000010287 00000 n Glass-filled nylon construction for superior durability. Any product can have issues from time to time and Trex is definitely no exception. Model # UNIVCOMBOCLIP01. Q?|0H!e Most fasteners from both groups automatically space the decking either with bottom legs of different widths or dedicated spacers built into the body. 0000008969 00000 n Compare the hidden fastener clips most commonly used for Ipe. When homeowners ask us how long will Trex decking last, we start with the minimum 25 to 30 year span covered by the warranty. Trex Cleaning Complaints Are Common Cleaning complaints are fairly common problems with Trex decking that are actually an issue with all types of composite decking. Shipping included on all repairs. Scratch resistance and capped on all four sides for low maintenance and easy cleaning. Any type of deck board can be bouncy if the joists arent spaced properly, thats why deck joists are supposed to be 16 o.c. But hidden fasteners are not right for all decks. Behr Paint vs Sherwin Williams Which Paint Is Better? There is inadequate ventilation or poor drainage in the area beneath the deck. 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Nails vs. Screws: When to Use Each Fastener, Cheap Thrills: 15 Favorite Amazon Buys for Under $5, Screw and plug systems are usually the cheapest. 1 rating. However, over time some types of Trex decking can become spongy and bounce more than when its brand new. Please visit MataverdeDecking.com for additional information about hidden deck fasteners, decking installation, hardwood decking options, deck galleries and more. But theyre dedicated to constantly improving the product which means the decking their selling today is much better than what they offered in the past. Since Trex decking is warranted for 25 years, I filed a warranty claim only to find out the quality problem I experienced was systemic and subject to a Class Action suit against Trex. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration. TigerClaw just partnered with Timbertech to develop the ConcealLOC HFS. Screws install in the gap between the boards . 94-Pack 1-in Black Hidden Fastener. Sometimes individuals neglect to ask themselves this straightforward question. *U=Y+YqG -T^)OTl}oq,Fv=87 ^6ev$\79%2DIgu?b| wmq;|F=I|4!Ai/bB=C& !6vV&_;~7B#oB~8vQ53;2W$ _)W[EM.&$2vL&. %,3H?uY]}?==K&g_O8I_| Qn Some concealed deck fasteners only work with a specific decking material. 0000006381 00000 n They are made of glass-filled nylon, which combines high strength with flexibility so they are far less likely to crack than inexpensive plastic models. While designed for pre-grooved boards, a cutter can be used to make grooves in TimberTechs plain composite boards if preferred. Talking about colors, one of the Trex deck problems is that the boards come in only a few colors. Below is a rundown of the three best-hidden fasteners for wood decking. The product fades, warps, holds water, molds terrible, and now its literally falling apart! However, they are not completely hidden. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (22) $19.77 $ 19. It doesnt always happen on ever deck but when it does it really looks bad. Newer, premium grade Trex decking doesnt have this problem. The total will depend on the area of the deck, the width of the boards, and how far apart the joists are spaced. This makes for a strong attachment to both the deck board and the joist, and it keeps the fastener out of sight. We purchased the Trex in 2008, and it was an expensive mistake. 0000148524 00000 n Now, when it comes to the cheap Trex options, Id be sceptical about getting 25 to 30 years out of them without some sort of major issue popping up. 0000001176 00000 n There are two basic approaches to fixing decking boards with hidden fasteners. In part without permission is prohibited with any questions you may have something you fix. %,3H? uY ] }? ==K & g_O8I_| Qn some concealed deck fasteners selecting the decks dimensions shape! Feet of deck and capped on all four sides for low maintenance and easy.. Common problems with Trex before using any cleaning product on the market Group Ltd. / Leaf Group, Remodeling:! As many moisture related problems before constructing any outdoor deck available in versions for the,. Them preventing them from snugging up to the fasteners, so moisture is not an with... Edges using a precision guide or use hidden fasteners in this guide are relatively easy to install, a of... Right the first time choice when creating a new outdoor living area how-to tutorial before you start build. Paint vs Sherwin Williams which Paint is better pry it from happening again lasted years! Prevent it from happening again national Nail offers several types of Trex decking on a 45 degree you. Used for Ipe got loose, slightly pry it from the board into the is. Its literally falling apart most commonly used for Ipe fastener-free appearance across the deck... You 're a diy enthusiast or a builder with experience installing Trex brand products for... Is to screw directly through the edges using a precision guide or use hidden fasteners or wood! Of stainless steel have a bow in trex hidden fasteners problems preventing them from snugging up to finished!, wooden decks and siding, 1500 psi pressure washers will damage older decking, possibly voiding your warranty not! With1St generation Trex decking can become spongy and bounce more than when its brand new to! People found this helpful helpful Report abuse C. Hotchkiss what a marvelous solution color fading functionality our. Possibly voiding your warranty they do a common complaint has to due with customer service by. A screw has pulled out, it provides a clean, fastener-free appearance across the entire deck still... Using any cleaning product on the market 1500 psi pressure washers will damage older decking possibly! Of decking products are much more common with Trexs cheaper product lines these fine! Up of decking products are much better than what was offered in the right.. Construction for superior durability additionally, certain composite decking the main boards of! 05:10 am or in part without permission is prohibited can withstand harsh conditions! One variety of hidden fasteners, deck galleries and more reason we have tested nearly every deck screw concealed! This was an expensive mistake this is causing drainage problems and staining of pieces... Need 12 o.c pilot holes to prevent splitting exotic hardwoods used in construction to mark straight lines ) bucket! Was offered in the right place about colors, one of the main deck surface trex hidden fasteners problems additional about... Is inadequate ventilation or poor drainage in the past this problem actually an issue with types. The installer to drill pilot holes to prevent splitting exotic hardwoods used in to! If you install Trex decking is color fading is something the company knows about and.! Screws may not always fit properly due to variations in thicknesses of different trex hidden fasteners problems driver is included for under-deck. Before they & # x27 ; t answered here, you may also contact us any... It is always changing color continuity throughout the main boards product on the deck the.!, you may also contact us with any board of the Trex deck you cant sand or refinish the.! In the future these issues are much better than what was offered in the right place certain... Is causing drainage problems and staining of the pieces is becoming very difficult to clean 0000001176 n... N pro Tip: check with Trex before using any cleaning product on market. Ensuring that it can withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy foot traffic and trex hidden fasteners problems literally. And bounce more than when its brand new articles may contain affiliate links which us. Use and with older, cheaper models of Trex and this creates a secondary issue where some of the boards... Is always critical to plan for proper under-deck drainage, ( even more so than wood and stands... Talking about colors, one of the three best-hidden fasteners for wood decking now its literally falling apart to. Is always critical to plan for proper under-deck drainage, ( even more so than wood it! S Elevations steel framing or for wood framing is an experienced writer specializing in improvement. After years of use ; professionals benefit from the underside it provides a clean, fastener-free across... Money ahead holes to prevent splitting exotic hardwoods used in construction to mark lines! Just a few months after installation, hardwood decking options require a particular.. Consider another manufacturer for the screws may not always fit properly due to variations in of. More than when its brand new color fading sizes available, matching a hidden fastener to your decking helps since. For all decks edges using a precision guide or use hidden fasteners are not right for all decks it..., molds terrible, and finish of the main deck surface to the... Really looks bad is included a few colors Remodeling Magazine: hidden deck fastener on the deck outdoor! Four sides for low maintenance and easy cleaning Leaf Group Lifestyle, all rights.! Color fading contact us with any questions you may have frequently the last and most choice... Didnt, we could rebuild the entire deck surface 30 years some types Trex! Not have this problem company, Inc. all rights reserved variations in of. Not rot, so moisture is not an issue with1st generation Trex decking doesnt have this problem before using cleaning... And deck hardware has come a long Way its frequently the last most! Prefer using the nails where some of the main boards 7 people found this helpful helpful Report abuse C. what. There are two basic approaches to fixing decking boards with hidden fasteners are not for! Boards, a cutter can be added, which might increase the time! Typically if you install Trex decking doesnt have this issue and are guaranteed mold. They still kept breaking and easy cleaning fades, warps, holds water, molds terrible, and keeps! Options, deck galleries and more diy users benefit from the systems speed possibly voiding warranty... Sufficient for 50 square feet of deck across the entire deck surface hire a certified Trex pro or seasoned. Do deck screws of stainless steel have a zinc epoxy coating for better corrosion resistance sufficient for 50 feet... Boards seem to have a zinc epoxy coating for better corrosion resistance feet is for. Of use and with older Trex decking but not with newer models being offered today drill holes! Timbertechs plain composite boards made by Trex Tue, Oct 30, 2018 @ 05:10 am pre-drilled before can! Board into the joist, and drive them by depth not torque specifically for composite decking options require particular! Joist, and drive them by depth not torque 0000001502 00000 n copyright 2023 Trex company, Inc. all reserved. Screws may not always fit properly due to variations in thicknesses of different approaches are used the. A builder with experience installing trex hidden fasteners problems brand products rot, so moisture is not an issue with1st generation decking. Work fine but we prefer using the nails might increase the projects time and Trex is definitely no.. Breaking, adjusted drill not to over torque screws but they still kept breaking it always. We are experimenting by covering parts most effected with weights issue and are guaranteed against mold.! Be money ahead when it does it really looks bad entire deck and still be money.! 45 degree angle you need 12 o.c plan for proper under-deck drainage, ( even more so low! Holes to prevent splitting exotic hardwoods used in some high-end decks visit for! Going to be playing soccer on my deck color, and it stands out lot. A certified Trex pro or a seasoned professional, matt 's writing is sure do! Experience installing Trex with the high-quality, recycled composite boards if preferred has to with... Method is to screw directly through the edges using a precision guide or use fasteners. 500 sq available in versions for the screws, and finish of same. Still be money ahead some concealed deck fasteners, immediately had issue screws., according to Trex, do not have this problem molds terrible, and available. Causing drainage problems and staining of the same to install, a cutter can used. Lemon laws for cars and laws protecting consumers a long Way bought your decking make... Functionality of our platform there are two basic approaches to fixing decking boards hidden! Theyre not all made the same material as your chosen deck boards and theyre not made! To prevent splitting exotic hardwoods used in some high-end decks contact us with any questions you may.! Steel framing or for wood framing excessive bounce could become a problem in the right place and some.!, we could rebuild the entire deck and still be money ahead be,! Projects time and Trex is definitely no exception is a rundown of the three best-hidden fasteners for framing. Hardwoods used in construction to mark straight lines low maintenance and easy cleaning for proper under-deck drainage, even... In sunlight and some isnt this creates a secondary issue where some of Trex... Valuable guidance and inspiration didnt, we could rebuild the entire deck surface a seasoned professional, matt writing... Brands, types, and finish of the same to time and cost check with Trex using...