Building a deck – hidden or visible decking screws?
Visible or hidden fixing of decking boards?
Before you start laying the decking boards, you need to decide on the fixing method. Traditional fixing with screws driven from the top is the most common, but in recent years fixing with hidden screws has also become popular, where the screws are almost invisible on the finished deck.
Build a deck with hidden fixing of the boards
Hidden fixing of decking boards has become widespread in recent years. It gives the deck a truly luxurious look without visible screws. The boards are also free of splinters, because you avoid the wood splitting that usually occurs around the screw hole with traditional fixing. The ideal solution for bare feet.
What is hidden fixing?
Hidden fixing is the umbrella term for fixing methods in which the screws are driven from the side of the decking board at an angle down into the supporting structure.
The result is an attractive deck without visible screws!
Video by the manufacturer ESSVE, without English subtitles.
Hidden fixing with the HDS system
HDS is a complete system for hidden fixing of decking boards, made up of installation tools, screws and special bits. The HDS screw is made of both A2 and A4 stainless steel, so you can also use it to build decks in exposed, aggressive environments.
Installation is simple, and after just a few minutes you will have the knack. The video alongside gives a short guide to using it.
Important!
If you use the HDS system on larch, wash the deck thoroughly after installation. Larch can react adversely with some metals. The HDS tool can therefore trigger a reaction in the larch and an unwanted change in its colour.
Products for hidden deck fixing
Everything you need for hidden fixing of decking boards
ESSVE Decking screw HDS Pro with drill point, hidden fixing 4.8 x 60 mm A4, pack of 250
ESSVE Decking screw HDS Pro with drill point, hidden fixing 5.0 x 75 mm A2, pack of 250
ESSVE Tool bit TX15 X100 Extended /2/10
ESSVE HDS Pro screwdriver for decking boards
ESSVE Decking screw HDS 4.8 x 60 mm A2, pack of 250
ESSVE Decking screw HDS, hidden fixing 4.8 x 60 mm A4, pack of 250
Build a deck with traditional fixing from the top
Screwing from the top is still the most common way of fixing boards. It is a simple installation that needs nothing more than screws and a cordless screwdriver. Traditional screws are usually cheaper than screws for hidden fixing.
There are many kinds of traditional decking screws. ESSVE Classic is a popular and proven standard decking screw. It is sold both collated and loose.
Install decking boards with ESSDECK MAX screws, the contractors' favourite
ESSDECK MAX is a premium screw that contractors choose most often today. Many boards are bowed or twisted and are therefore hard to press firmly against the structure. If your boards are bent and twisted, ESSDECK MAX screws are definitely the ones to reach for. The screw has a very high clamping force that can correct even significant deformation of the boards being installed. The small head ensures a neat installation without splinters.
The screw gives you an attractive finished look, because its head is 25 % smaller than the heads of standard screws. The cylindrical shape of the head cuts through the wood fibres so that they are not pushed out and no splinters form.
Traditional visible fixing
Choose the premium ESSDECK Max screw or the standard Classic screw.
Correct installation of decking boards
The last step of our decking board guide sums up all of Svenskt Trä's recommendations for the correct installation of decking boards.
Next steps of the guide:
Deck foundation
How do you build a foundation for a timber deck? It depends on the type of ground and on how the supporting structure is fixed.
Fixing the deck to the facade
A deck usually adjoins the wall of the house. The material of the wall and facade determines how, and with what, the joists are fixed to it.
Deck substructure
Once the foundation is finished and the joists are fixed to the walls of the building, it is time to build the deck substructure.
Choose screws of the right quality
For a durable deck, it is important to choose a screw of the right quality with suitable corrosion protection. The choice is affected, for example, by the environment, the type of wood and the type of deck structure.