I've used Camo jigs for years on treated decks. They hide the screws well on the sides. I have had a couple decks cup on me in recent years. I think because of the shallow hold on the sides of the board or maybe just because of the young growth yellow pine problem where the boards just tend to warp more than the older trees. Thanks for the tips on fasteners for composite decks. I've got a big deck coming up and looking for options. You gave me some. One tip on treated decks. People always ask about staining them. I tell them to wait one year then power wash and use TWP. It is the best stuff I've ever found in my area ( Midwest). Let it soak and then wipe off with rags just like you would furniture. Looks just like a redwood deck or whatever color you choose. Thanks again guys
Thanks for the feedback! Treated decks can usually be oiled/stained much sooner than 1 year, but depends on the area. The time is really irrelevent, it's the moisture content that matters. In drier climates like the midwest, that usually happens with a few days up, maybe a week. In humid or coastal regions, it may take a few weeks or even a couple months. Moisture for most products needs to be below about 15% give or take. An easy test is just to throw some water on it. If it soaks in quickly, it's take stain. If not, it's still too saturated.
great info. I'm rebuilding a 480 sq ft deck. i want to use composite , but not break the bank. Any tips on mid- priced composite? what are your thoughts on Fiberon Good Life Decking?
The Marksman system works great with treated. Just make sure to use the 1/16" or gapless versions to allow for shrinkage which will leave you with an acceptable gap between boards once dried.
I live in a 4 season mountain area in the west. I received three bids for a new deck and extension. Two of the contractors refuse to use the hidden fastener clips because they don't last. The cortext system looks interesting but they don't match Fiberon colors. What do you really recommend?
I'd like to use the camo edge clips for my Timbertech Edge deck boards. The Concealoc fasteners look like they would secure the boards more tightly to the joists. What do you think? Also if I am picture framing the deck with solid, nongrooved boards, how would I fasten and connect the 1st grooved board after the picture frame board since it has no groove??
Camo Edge Clips > Concealoc. Both are good fasteners...one makes you swear with joy, the other with frustration. First board after the pic frame you could either cut a groove on the side of the pic frame board, or screw/cortex the second board, or my old trick...predrill and toe-screw the groove of the second board so the screw is hidden.
Love the show. How close can i get my trex enhance decking. Any vids on spacing options. Father used trex spacers and it looks dreadful...gap way too big and easy to lose items down
For warranty coverage, you need 1/4" gap which is what the Trex clips give you. You can go tigher if you have ventilation but it may void your warranty if their is a moisture issue.
I watched your Dekorators brand show and now this one on fasteners. Is there a reason I should use the dekorators fasteners vs whichever fasteners you are going to advise as the best.
You just want to make sure the fastener is an "approved" fastener for the brand of decking you are using. Just to cover your but should there be a warranty issue for some reason. In the case of Deckorators, they fully approve their own Deckorators Stowaway clips or the Camo Edge Clips. Many clips are considered universal with a variety of composite decking, but the only thing is, if you have a fastening warranty issue...the decking brand won't help you unless it's their clip. So you need to be clear on the clips warranty as well.
May I recommend that whenever you mention stainless steel, you take a second to say what type (304/305/316). For those of us on the coast, that matters!
Awesome video and very informative. I am a DIYer and first time building a deck, and here is my "idiot question." Do you as deck builders use the fastener of your choice or the one that goes with the brand of decking? Thanks
We are BIG fans of the Camo Edge Clips for any brand. That said, in our store we stock many brands and generally sell the same brand clip as the brand of decking. But we certainly are flexible on that. As long as the warranty is still good with the fastener you choose, then all good. In Camo Edge's case ..they back their clip with a warranty regardless of which board you use.
Hi Ryan. For Wolf Serenity, there are 3 options that we would consider: Camo Marksman, HIDFast, or Cortex Screws. In order of cost, Camo would be the lowest, followed by Cortex, followed by HIDFast. As for visibility, HIDFast would be the most hidden, followed by Camo, and then Cortex. For speed of install, HIDfast would be fastest, followed by Camo and then Cortex. Hopefully that helps!
Love you guys and all your info! If trex requires a 1/4 inch space, are any of these other fastening systems an option for trex? They appear to all be 3/16. Thank you!
Trex would prefer you use their fasteners...which includes the Hideaway plastic clips OR the Hideaway Tiger-Claw stainless steel clips. Other fastening options that Trex won't warranty, but the manufacturer will - are the new Camo Edge Clips or the Camo Protech Edge Screws. Camo covers the warranty in place of what Trex will not. Both are a 3/16" gap option. Edge Clips would be much preferred over the Protech in my opionion.
It's like watching Wayne and Garth from Wayne's World trying to explain this stuff, geez get to the point! I liked the showcase of different fasteners but would have helped if you would have backed out so we could see everything on the table. Overall pretty good but now I need a tylenol!
Also see 1:00 point. Show. SHOW. Longer format. Not a commercial. That's like drinking the whole cup of coffee that says HOT on the cup, and then complaining that it was hot. 😎
Very helpful, love the comparison between the Fiberon and Trex plastic clips - good practical info. Any experience with TurboClip? Looks like a good idea but ...
Turboclip was a great idea. There's a long story behind that clip. It had a lot of potential but some business moves put it in a bad spot, and then with Camo Edge clip coming out, Camo stole the thunder. At one point Turboclip was supposed to have a battery powered pneumatic nailed to shoot them in...that would have been awesome.
