Deck board clips are essential hidden fasteners designed to secure deck boards to joists without visible screws on the deck surface, creating a clean, seamless look. They are commonly used with grooved-edge composite, PVC, or specific hardwood decking.
Why Choose Deck Board Clips?
Using deck board clips offers several significant advantages over traditional face-screwing methods:
- Aesthetics: Creates a smooth, fastener-free deck surface, enhancing the overall appearance.
- Durability: Minimizes entry points for water, reducing the risk of rot, splintering, and warping, especially with wood decking.
- Board Protection: Allows for natural expansion and contraction of deck boards, which is crucial for composite and PVC materials, preventing bowing or cupping.
- Installation Efficiency: Can sometimes speed up the installation process once the technique is mastered.
- Safety: Eliminates protruding screw heads, reducing trip hazards and potential for bare feet injuries.
Types of Deck Board Clips
There are generally two main types of deck board clips you'll encounter during installation:
- Hidden Fasteners (Mid-Board Clips): These are the most common type, designed to fit into the side grooves of deck boards. They typically feature a base that screws into the joist and a tab that secures the adjacent board, allowing for consistent spacing.
- Starter/End Clips: Specifically designed to secure the first and last deck boards to the joists without showing fasteners. They often have a flat profile that attaches to the joist and a tab that engages with the first groove of the starter board or the last groove of the end board.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Deck Board Clips
Effective use of deck board clips requires careful preparation and precise execution. Here’s how to install them for a professional finish:
1. Preparation and Planning
Before you begin, ensure your deck frame is sturdy, level, and ready for decking.
- Measure and Mark: Use a chalk line or string line to establish a perfectly straight edge for your first board. You might draw a line to mark the desired depth or alignment for a clean edge.
- Board Acclimation: If using wood, allow boards to acclimate to local weather conditions. For composite, ensure boards are clean and free of debris.
- Tools: Gather necessary tools including a drill/driver, appropriate driver bits (often square or star drive), tape measure, spacing tools, and a miter saw.
2. Installing the First Deck Board
The first board sets the stage for the entire deck.
- Attach Starter Clips: Position starter clips along the chalk line on the joists where your first board will begin. These clips will secure the un-grooved edge of the first board or the first groove if the board is grooved on all sides.
- Place the First Board: Carefully set the first deck board against the starter clips, ensuring it's perfectly straight and aligned with your marked line.
- Secure the Board: Drive screws through the starter clips into the joists, fastening the first board securely.
3. Installing Subsequent Deck Boards with Hidden Clips
This is where the majority of your clips will be used, connecting board to board.
- Place a Clip: Take a hidden fastener clip and insert it into the groove of the previously installed board at each joist location. Ensure the clip's base is positioned over the joist.
- Position the Next Board: Take your new deck board and place it up against the clip, sliding the grooved edge of the new board onto the exposed tab of the clip.
- Ensure Tight Fit & Alignment: Press the new board firmly against the clip and the previous board. You may need to use a rubber mallet or specialized board straightening tool to ensure a tight fit and maintain consistent spacing. For accurate placement, you'll need to fasten the clip securely (often with a square drive screw) into the joist, ensuring the board is square and aligned as you proceed down the line.
- Repeat: Continue this process for all subsequent boards, moving across the deck.
4. Installing the Last Deck Board
The final board typically requires a similar approach to the first.
- Prepare the Last Board: If necessary, rip the last board to size, ensuring it maintains a consistent overhang or flush edge.
- Use End Clips or Face Screw: Secure the final board using specialized end clips that attach to the last groove, or by face-screwing into the joists where the fasteners will be less visible (e.g., near the house or a railing).
Table: Common Clip Types & Considerations
| Clip Type | Application | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hidden Fasteners | Between grooved deck boards | Invisible fasteners, consistent spacing | Specific to grooved boards, can be slower initially |
| Starter/End Clips | First and last boards, against structures | Hides fasteners at edges | May require careful alignment for a clean finish |
| Winged Clips | Grooved boards, typically composite/PVC | Allows for board movement, easy installation | Can sometimes be more visible if not installed well |
| Metal Clips | Often for hardwoods, or specific systems | Stronger hold, durable | Can be more challenging to install, specific tools |
Pro Tips for a Flawless Deck
- Consistent Spacing: While clips provide spacing, double-check with spacers periodically, especially for longer runs.
- Pre-Drill Pilot Holes: For some clip types or very dense decking, pre-drilling pilot holes for the screws can prevent splitting and ensure a cleaner drive.
- Driver Bit Match: Always use the correct driver bit for your clip screws (e.g., square drive, star drive) to prevent stripping.
- Board Straighteners: Invest in a board straightening tool if you are working with slightly bowed boards, as this will make installation much easier.
- Manufacturer Instructions: Always refer to the specific clip and decking manufacturer's instructions, as installation methods can vary slightly.
By following these steps, you can achieve a beautifully smooth and durable deck surface using deck board clips.
