Hidden Fasteners

Hidden Fasteners DIY Deck Plans

Hidden Fasteners: Shadoe Track Hidden Fasteners

Hidden Fasteners: Shadoe Track Hidden Fasteners DIY Deck Plans

Most deck construction is done with surface mounted fasteners, such as deck screws, or treated nails, driven down through the deck boards into the top edges of the joists below. In any construction project, and opening in the surface of material presents an opportunity for deterioration.

Water has a tendency to pool in the shallow holes above the screw heads, penetrating to the interior of your deck boards and speeding up the process of gradual deterioration. As the lumber expands and contracts with changes in temperature, this process is aggravated even further, tearing and warping the holes around the fasteners.

The moisture then travels down the fasteners into the top edges of the joists, spreading the deterioration to the underside of the decking, where the cool, dark environment will eventually turn this to rot, softening the tops of the joists.

By using a hidden fastening system, such as Shadoe® Track, you get three main benefits. First, it eliminates the need for holes in the decking, which means that your decking will last longer. Second, it is more aesthetically pleasing. Since the deck is not pierced with holes and screw heads. Third, the integrated fasteners create a stronger connection that is not as susceptible to warping and other damage.

Deck joists with Shadoe Track hidden deck fastening system to mitigate water damage.

Hidden Fasteners: CAMO Hidden Deck Fastening System

Hidden Fasteners: CAMO Hidden Deck Fastening System DIY Deck Plans

Unlike specialty clip systems and other hidden hardware, the CAMO hidden fastener system uses a more traditional approach. Rather than fastening from underneath, which can be challenging and time consuming, the CAMO fasteners simply screw through the edge of the board and driven down into the joist below on an angle. This means the CAMO system can be installed using standard tools, and from above.

Benefits of CAMO Deck Fastening System

You get the high-end look of more complicated systems through the use of the CAMO hidden deck system, while installation remains virtually the same. The fasteners are hidden in the edge of the board through the use of a patent pending positioning device the holds each fastener at a precise angle and depth. This means you can install CAMO in a wide variety of decking material.

  • Lumber decking, such as treated and pine.
  • Premium wood decking such as cedar and epée
  • High-tech decking composites will also work with CAMO

The tool fits any standard deck board and requires no pre-drilling for quick installation. Unlike bottom fastening hardware solutions, CAMO is easy to remove in the event that a deck board needs to be removed or replaced. The hidden fasteners simply back out of the board just like standard screws so that adjustments or repairs are possible.

CAMO is a High Quality Tool

CAMO products are rigorously tested and come with either a ProTech coating (tested for 1500 hours of salt spray) or stainless steel, which is recommended for marine applications, such as pool decks and docks. Your fasteners will be under warranty against rust or corrosion for the life of your deck.

The CAMO Marksmen tool for attaching deck boards.