Deck Accessories

A complete deck installation typically requires hidden fasteners or face screws to secure the boards to the framing, starter clips for the first row, end clips or plugs to finish exposed board ends, and joist tape to protect the top of the framing from moisture. Railing systems, post bases, and stair components are additional accessories depending on the deck design. Using the accessories specified or recommended by the decking manufacturer ensures the installation meets warranty requirements and performs as intended over time.

Hidden fasteners are clips or brackets that attach composite decking boards to the framing from the side rather than through the face of the board. They hold the board securely while leaving the deck surface completely free of visible screws or fastener holes. The result is a cleaner, more finished appearance. Hidden fasteners also allow for the expansion gap between boards required by most composite manufacturers, and they reduce the risk of surface cracking that can occur when boards are face-screwed. Most quality composite decking systems are designed around a specific hidden fastener -- always use the fastener system specified by the manufacturer.

The tops of joists and beams are the most vulnerable points in a deck structure because water pools and sits in the contact area between the joist and the decking board. Joist tape -- a self-adhesive waterproof tape applied to the top of each joist before boards are installed -- protects the framing from moisture infiltration at these points. It is an inexpensive step that significantly extends the life of the structural framing beneath the deck. Some composite decking manufacturers require joist tape as a condition of their warranty.

Composite decking expands and contracts with temperature changes and requires consistent spacing between boards to accommodate that movement. Most manufacturers specify a gap of 3/16 inch to 1/4 inch between board edges and a gap at board ends. Hidden fastener systems typically set the gap automatically as each board is installed. Always follow the specific spacing requirements in the manufacturer installation guide -- insufficient spacing is one of the most common causes of composite decking buckling in summer heat.

No. One of the primary advantages of composite decking over natural wood is that it does not require sealing, staining, or painting. The protective cap on quality composite products is designed to maintain its appearance with only periodic cleaning. Applying stain or sealant to composite decking is generally not recommended and can void the product warranty. To keep a composite deck looking its best, clean it once or twice a year with a deck brush and a composite-safe cleaner to remove dirt, pollen, and any mildew buildup.

Composite decking can be cut with a standard circular saw or miter saw using a carbide-tipped wood blade. A fine-tooth blade produces cleaner cuts with less fraying on the cut edge. Cut with the finished face of the board up when using a circular saw to minimize any tear-out on the visible surface. For angle cuts and notching around posts, a jigsaw works well. Apply composite-specific end-cut sealant to any cut ends that will be exposed to the elements to prevent moisture absorption at the cut face.