Need to know about hidden deck fasteners… Best?? easiest?? most cost effective?? this is for a trex deck with plenty of access underneath.
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Last summer I used the Simpson concealed fasteners. They work in a manner similar to concealed nailing of tongue and groove material. The fasteners are nailed into the edge of the new deck board ahead of time and slip underneath the previously fastened board. Then the leading edge of the new board is toe nailed into the joist. The decking is automatically spaced by the fastener and there is very little likelihood of nail or screw pops as with some of the strip-style systems that are fastened from beneath.
On the whole I like this system although it was a bit fiddly to work out at first. Everything is done from above and once you make a stroy pole to space the fasteners correctly, it goes quickly. Price was reasonable, about $15/box of 50.
http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/how-to/articles/deck-fastener-options.aspx?LangType=1033&ac=fp
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
Your Friendly Neighborhood Remodelerator
Hey Justin, I just ordered some Deckmaster track after re-reading your article (LOVE the new online article search!) More expensive but looks like it's worth it. We'll just be using it on the stairs, where the Eb-Ty's we're using elsewhere won't work.
Good choice, those Deckmaster strips are nicely made. Did you go with the powder-coated variety? I can't remember if they make them in Stainless Steel or not.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
Your Friendly Neighborhood Remodelerator
Nope, stainless steel, the house is right on the ocean. Ask Dan M. about it ;-)
Deckmaster,
This is a system that consists of metal strips that screw along side the deck joists, then you screw from the underneath into the bottom of the trex.
I've used them and had great luck. It's a bit more pricey than some of the others, but if you've got easy access from below, this is the cat's meow.