These days, hidden fasteners are used about 50% of the time on synthetic decking and about 25% of the time when all types of decking are considered. To accommodate hidden fastener systems, most manufacturers of synthetic decking now sell boards with grooved edges. While there are differences among the various systems, they all automatically space the boards, and they keep fasteners completely out of sight on a completed deck.
Still, there are plenty of builders who face-screw decking or even nail it in place. They haven’t bought into hidden fasteners, either because these systems are more labor intensive and more expensive to install, or because customers aren’t demanding them, or because these builders are looking for a more robust connection between decking and framing. For them, manufacturers continue to refine their designs to make deck screws easier to install, with a cleaner entry that reduces the buildup of material around the screw head.
Flashing and metal-connector options continue to evolve, too, making it easier to properly detail ledgers and other framing members to prevent rot and meet building codes. The result? Safer, longer-lasting decks.
Deck2Wall Spacers
Reminiscent of the old washer trick, these polypropylene disks hold the ledger off the wall of the house
Cofair Products Deck Flash Barrier
This self-adhering peel-and-stick membrane protects joist tops from moisture damage
Everflashing Ledger Flashing
Preformed flashing is designed to protect the ledger connection with the house
GoPro Construction Universal Stair Bracket
Using the stair bracket takes less time than the traditional approach to stair stringers, the manufacturer says
Simpson Strong-Tie CPTZ Concealed Post Tie
The tie keeps wood posts and columns 1 inch above the concrete, as required by code
