The tremendous growth of premium decking materials during the last decade powered a similar rise in the use of hidden deck fasteners. If builders and homeowners are going to pay extra for high-end hardwood, PVC or composite boards, they want their decks to look and perform their best, free from fasteners that might corrode or allow moisture penetration.

Yet the market for hidden deck fasteners is still on the upswing. New and upgraded products are constantly introduced. 

Among the latest is the Extreme4 "all-in-one" deck fastener from Ipe Clip Fastener Co. The connector is said to require less labor and fewer fasteners, and can be used in both covered and outdoor applications, enhancing the performance of air-dried and kiln-dried hardwoods, plus PVC and composite decking. 

"We've designed the Extreme4 to work seamlessly with every kind of decking," said Daniel Schiefer, international sales manager. "We had customers call us asking to create a product that they could use for any kind of application. When we sent samples to deck builders, we received so many positive comments that we knew we had created a unique product with universal appeal." 

Virtually unbreakable, the fastener offers maximum resistance to corrosion, tighter gap spacing, and does not require expensive and heavy equipment to install.

Most composite decking manufacturers now market companion fastening systems with their own decking. On the heels of Fiberon and Trex introducing new hidden deck fasteners (see Feb., p. 10-11), fellow composite producer TimberTech has expanded its ConceaLoc hidden fastening system to include the L-brackets, router bits, replacement screws, and gun pail.

The stainless steel ConceaLoc L-Bracket is a multi-functional securing tool that eliminates unsightly face screws on starter boards and doubles as a butt-seam clip to prevent the need for sister joists. 

The ConceaLoc Router Bit permits hidden fastening on non-grooved planks. 

To save installers from buying extra screws in bulk, TimberTech now offers a retail bag containing an additional driver bit and  50 stainless steel screws for use with ConceaLoc.

And, ConceaLoc Gun Pail offers enough clips and screws to cover 500 sq. ft. 

Deck fastener pioneer Tiger Claw is unveiling two new tools for installing hidden deck fasteners-the Tiger Claw Semi-Automatic Hidden Deck Fastener Installation Gun for Trex and the Tiger Jaw tool, designed to eliminate the need for a sledge hammer and muscle power when installing hidden deck fasteners and surface boards.