Things to Know About Hidden Fasteners

When it comes to building your deck, the finishing details matter — and one of the biggest design choices you’ll make is how your deck boards are fastened. Hidden fasteners have become increasingly popular among homeowners and builders who want a cleaner, more modern look without the distraction of visible screw heads.

There are several types of hidden fasteners, each with their own features, benefits, and ideal applications. Choosing the right one for your project depends on the decking material you’re using, your design goals, and your priorities for long-term performance.

Benefits of Hidden Fasteners

Enhanced Aesthetics: Hidden fasteners create a smooth, uninterrupted surface by concealing the hardware beneath the deck boards. The result is a more polished look with consistent board spacing and no visible screw holes — a big upgrade over traditional face screwing.

Safety: No one enjoys catching a toe on a raised screw head or snagging clothing on a sharp edge. Hidden fasteners eliminate those hazards, giving your deck a smooth, barefoot-friendly surface.

Easier Maintenance: Because there are no exposed screws on the surface, hidden fastener decks require less maintenance over time. You won’t have to worry about screws backing out, rusting, or discoloring your boards.

Types of Hidden Fasteners

Clip Systems: Clips fit into a groove along the side of deck boards and secure to the joists below. They provide uniform spacing between boards and are a great option for grooved composite or PVC decking.

• Pros: Easy installation, uniform spacing, clean look.

• Cons: Slightly more flexible connection compared to direct screwing; may require manufacturer-specific clips.

Hidden Fastener Clip

Plug Systems: Plug systems use a traditional screw to secure the board and then conceal it with a color-matched plug made from the same decking material.

• Pros: Extremely strong hold, ideal for high-traffic areas or structural boards like picture framing or stairs.

• Cons: Installation takes longer since each plug must be inserted individually.

Deck Screw Plug

Why Stainless Steel Screws Matter

No matter which hidden fastener system you choose, one detail makes a big difference: the screw should be stainless steel.

Hidden doesn’t mean protected — moisture and humidity can still reach the screw. Stainless steel resists rust and corrosion far better than coated or galvanized screws, which means your deck stays strong and blemish-free for years to come. A corroded screw can stain your boards, weaken connections, and make future repairs more complicated.

Stainless steel fasteners may cost a little more up front, but they provide long-term peace of mind — especially in areas exposed to moisture, snow, or seasonal weather extremes (like we get plenty of here in the Midwest).