I've used Camo jigs for years on treated decks. They hide the screws well on the sides. I have had a couple decks cup on me in recent years. I think because of the shallow hold on the sides of the board or maybe just because of the young growth yellow pine problem where the boards just tend to warp more than the older trees. Thanks for the tips on fasteners for composite decks. I've got a big deck coming up and looking for options. You gave me some. One tip on treated decks. People always ask about staining them. I tell them to wait one year then power wash and use TWP. It is the best stuff I've ever found in my area ( Midwest). Let it soak and then wipe off with rags just like you would furniture. Looks just like a redwood deck or whatever color you choose. Thanks again guys
Thanks for the feedback! Treated decks can usually be oiled/stained much sooner than 1 year, but depends on the area. The time is really irrelevent, it's the moisture content that matters. In drier climates like the midwest, that usually happens with a few days up, maybe a week. In humid or coastal regions, it may take a few weeks or even a couple months. Moisture for most products needs to be below about 15% give or take. An easy test is just to throw some water on it. If it soaks in quickly, it's take stain. If not, it's still too saturated.
The Marksman system works great with treated. Just make sure to use the 1/16" or gapless versions to allow for shrinkage which will leave you with an acceptable gap between boards once dried.
great info. I'm rebuilding a 480 sq ft deck. i want to use composite , but not break the bank. Any tips on mid- priced composite? what are your thoughts on Fiberon Good Life Decking?
Love the show. How close can i get my trex enhance decking. Any vids on spacing options. Father used trex spacers and it looks dreadful...gap way too big and easy to lose items down
For warranty coverage, you need 1/4" gap which is what the Trex clips give you. You can go tigher if you have ventilation but it may void your warranty if their is a moisture issue.
I'd like to use the camo edge clips for my Timbertech Edge deck boards. The Concealoc fasteners look like they would secure the boards more tightly to the joists. What do you think? Also if I am picture framing the deck with solid, nongrooved boards, how would I fasten and connect the 1st grooved board after the picture frame board since it has no groove??
Camo Edge Clips > Concealoc. Both are good fasteners...one makes you swear with joy, the other with frustration. First board after the pic frame you could either cut a groove on the side of the pic frame board, or screw/cortex the second board, or my old trick...predrill and toe-screw the groove of the second board so the screw is hidden.
I watched your Dekorators brand show and now this one on fasteners. Is there a reason I should use the dekorators fasteners vs whichever fasteners you are going to advise as the best.
You just want to make sure the fastener is an "approved" fastener for the brand of decking you are using. Just to cover your but should there be a warranty issue for some reason. In the case of Deckorators, they fully approve their own Deckorators Stowaway clips or the Camo Edge Clips. Many clips are considered universal with a variety of composite decking, but the only thing is, if you have a fastening warranty issue...the decking brand won't help you unless it's their clip. So you need to be clear on the clips warranty as well.
I live in a 4 season mountain area in the west. I received three bids for a new deck and extension. Two of the contractors refuse to use the hidden fastener clips because they don't last. The cortext system looks interesting but they don't match Fiberon colors. What do you really recommend?
Hi Ryan. For Wolf Serenity, there are 3 options that we would consider: Camo Marksman, HIDFast, or Cortex Screws. In order of cost, Camo would be the lowest, followed by Cortex, followed by HIDFast. As for visibility, HIDFast would be the most hidden, followed by Camo, and then Cortex. For speed of install, HIDfast would be fastest, followed by Camo and then Cortex. Hopefully that helps!
May I recommend that whenever you mention stainless steel, you take a second to say what type (304/305/316). For those of us on the coast, that matters!
Awesome video and very informative. I am a DIYer and first time building a deck, and here is my "idiot question." Do you as deck builders use the fastener of your choice or the one that goes with the brand of decking? Thanks
We are BIG fans of the Camo Edge Clips for any brand. That said, in our store we stock many brands and generally sell the same brand clip as the brand of decking. But we certainly are flexible on that. As long as the warranty is still good with the fastener you choose, then all good. In Camo Edge's case ..they back their clip with a warranty regardless of which board you use.
Love you guys and all your info! If trex requires a 1/4 inch space, are any of these other fastening systems an option for trex? They appear to all be 3/16. Thank you!
Trex would prefer you use their fasteners...which includes the Hideaway plastic clips OR the Hideaway Tiger-Claw stainless steel clips. Other fastening options that Trex won't warranty, but the manufacturer will - are the new Camo Edge Clips or the Camo Protech Edge Screws. Camo covers the warranty in place of what Trex will not. Both are a 3/16" gap option. Edge Clips would be much preferred over the Protech in my opionion.
Very helpful, love the comparison between the Fiberon and Trex plastic clips - good practical info. Any experience with TurboClip? Looks like a good idea but ...
Turboclip was a great idea. There's a long story behind that clip. It had a lot of potential but some business moves put it in a bad spot, and then with Camo Edge clip coming out, Camo stole the thunder. At one point Turboclip was supposed to have a battery powered pneumatic nailed to shoot them in...that would have been awesome.
It's like watching Wayne and Garth from Wayne's World trying to explain this stuff, geez get to the point! I liked the showcase of different fasteners but would have helped if you would have backed out so we could see everything on the table. Overall pretty good but now I need a tylenol!
Also see 1:00 point. Show. SHOW. Longer format. Not a commercial. That's like drinking the whole cup of coffee that says HOT on the cup, and then complaining that it was hot. 😎
Absolutely LOVE your enthusiasm, guys!!! Thank you so much for sharing all about our products!
Thanks so much for the feedback! We enjoy this life!
The Ultimate Deck Shop I’m your 500th subscriber. Can I get a hat?
The Ultimate Deck Shop Can I suggest you guys show your desk/table?
I've used Camo jigs for years on treated decks. They hide the screws well on the sides. I have had a couple decks cup on me in recent years. I think because of the shallow hold on the sides of the board or maybe just because of the young growth yellow pine problem where the boards just tend to warp more than the older trees. Thanks for the tips on fasteners for composite decks. I've got a big deck coming up and looking for options. You gave me some. One tip on treated decks. People always ask about staining them. I tell them to wait one year then power wash and use TWP. It is the best stuff I've ever found in my area ( Midwest). Let it soak and then wipe off with rags just like you would furniture. Looks just like a redwood deck or whatever color you choose. Thanks again guys
Thanks for the feedback! Treated decks can usually be oiled/stained much sooner than 1 year, but depends on the area. The time is really irrelevent, it's the moisture content that matters. In drier climates like the midwest, that usually happens with a few days up, maybe a week. In humid or coastal regions, it may take a few weeks or even a couple months.
Moisture for most products needs to be below about 15% give or take. An easy test is just to throw some water on it. If it soaks in quickly, it's take stain. If not, it's still too saturated.
How does the camo system work with pressure treated wood?
The Marksman system works great with treated. Just make sure to use the 1/16" or gapless versions to allow for shrinkage which will leave you with an acceptable gap between boards once dried.
Are there systems designed for the Fortress Evolution steel framing system?
Yes, the Camo X Metal fasteners works, as well as Cortex Drillers or Pro Plug for Metal.
great info. I'm rebuilding a 480 sq ft deck. i want to use composite , but not break the bank. Any tips on mid- priced composite? what are your thoughts on Fiberon Good Life Decking?
Good Life is a GREAT entry price point board. At that price, I would say it's likely your best option.
@2:07 I feel personally attacked
:D :D :D
So as a DIY with a scalloped board doing 2,000 sq ft of decking what clip/screw system would you choose?
We are big fans of the Camo Edge clip system, especially with the Camo Drive tool especially on a deck that size. Quick work, and great holding power!
Keep up with the SHOW!
Informative AND entertaining!
Much appreciated!
Love the show. How close can i get my trex enhance decking. Any vids on spacing options. Father used trex spacers and it looks dreadful...gap way too big and easy to lose items down
For warranty coverage, you need 1/4" gap which is what the Trex clips give you. You can go tigher if you have ventilation but it may void your warranty if their is a moisture issue.
Does the screw systems shorten the life of composite decking by allowing water to get past the capping? Thanks for all the info
No we have never seen that to be an issue. Great questions though!
I'd like to use the camo edge clips for my Timbertech Edge deck boards. The Concealoc fasteners look like they would secure the boards more tightly to the joists. What do you think? Also if I am picture framing the deck with solid, nongrooved boards, how would I fasten and connect the 1st grooved board after the picture frame board since it has no groove??
Camo Edge Clips > Concealoc. Both are good fasteners...one makes you swear with joy, the other with frustration. First board after the pic frame you could either cut a groove on the side of the pic frame board, or screw/cortex the second board, or my old trick...predrill and toe-screw the groove of the second board so the screw is hidden.
I watched your Dekorators brand show and now this one on fasteners. Is there a reason I should use the dekorators fasteners vs whichever fasteners you are going to advise as the best.
You just want to make sure the fastener is an "approved" fastener for the brand of decking you are using. Just to cover your but should there be a warranty issue for some reason. In the case of Deckorators, they fully approve their own Deckorators Stowaway clips or the Camo Edge Clips. Many clips are considered universal with a variety of composite decking, but the only thing is, if you have a fastening warranty issue...the decking brand won't help you unless it's their clip. So you need to be clear on the clips warranty as well.
Hello, if using the camo edge clips and camo edge X clip how easy are they to get to if you have to replace a board in the future? Thanks
Very easy. They just use a standard T15 bit and they drive straight down. So they are easy to remove if necessary.
The Ultimate Deck Shop , awesome thanks
Any time!
I live in a 4 season mountain area in the west. I received three bids for a new deck and extension. Two of the contractors refuse to use the hidden fastener clips because they don't last. The cortext system looks interesting but they don't match Fiberon colors. What do you really recommend?
The clips work fine if you use a good clip. Camo Edge clips work great. Cortex/Pro Plug IS available for all Fiberon boards.
Great video again. What are the options from this video for Wolf Serenity that you would recommend?
Hi Ryan. For Wolf Serenity, there are 3 options that we would consider: Camo Marksman, HIDFast, or Cortex Screws. In order of cost, Camo would be the lowest, followed by Cortex, followed by HIDFast. As for visibility, HIDFast would be the most hidden, followed by Camo, and then Cortex. For speed of install, HIDfast would be fastest, followed by Camo and then Cortex. Hopefully that helps!
May I recommend that whenever you mention stainless steel, you take a second to say what type (304/305/316). For those of us on the coast, that matters!
Ah yes, good call!
Have you ever used/seen a tool that allows you to make your own plugs?
Yes, a tapered plug cutter. 1/4".
Awesome video and very informative. I am a DIYer and first time building a deck, and here is my "idiot question." Do you as deck builders use the fastener of your choice or the one that goes with the brand of decking? Thanks
We are BIG fans of the Camo Edge Clips for any brand. That said, in our store we stock many brands and generally sell the same brand clip as the brand of decking. But we certainly are flexible on that. As long as the warranty is still good with the fastener you choose, then all good. In Camo Edge's case ..they back their clip with a warranty regardless of which board you use.
Love you guys and all your info! If trex requires a 1/4 inch space, are any of these other fastening systems an option for trex? They appear to all be 3/16. Thank you!
Trex would prefer you use their fasteners...which includes the Hideaway plastic clips OR the Hideaway Tiger-Claw stainless steel clips. Other fastening options that Trex won't warranty, but the manufacturer will - are the new Camo Edge Clips or the Camo Protech Edge Screws. Camo covers the warranty in place of what Trex will not. Both are a 3/16" gap option. Edge Clips would be much preferred over the Protech in my opionion.
Very helpful videos, guys. Well done.
Thanks so much Frank!!
My only issue with hidden fasteners is how easily the screws break.
Depends on the fastener and what you're screwing for sure.
Camo now let’s you install your deck while drinking and still end up with a perfectly gapped deck
MAJOR benefit!
Very helpful, love the comparison between the Fiberon and Trex plastic clips - good practical info. Any experience with TurboClip? Looks like a good idea but ...
Turboclip was a great idea. There's a long story behind that clip. It had a lot of potential but some business moves put it in a bad spot, and then with Camo Edge clip coming out, Camo stole the thunder. At one point Turboclip was supposed to have a battery powered pneumatic nailed to shoot them in...that would have been awesome.
Bought the camo clips cant wait.100$ more than menards but don't care.🛠
Enjoy! They're a great advancement in hidden fasteners!
It's like watching Wayne and Garth from Wayne's World trying to explain this stuff, geez get to the point! I liked the showcase of different fasteners but would have helped if you would have backed out so we could see everything on the table. Overall pretty good but now I need a tylenol!
Backing out would have added time to the video and made it longer. And that would have needed more Tylenol. We did you a favour. Tylenol ain't cheap.
Also see 1:00 point. Show. SHOW. Longer format. Not a commercial. That's like drinking the whole cup of coffee that says HOT on the cup, and then complaining that it was hot. 😎
Hated those m stamps!!
Just the worst! 😅
#camolever
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Decks, nah.. just here for the silly accents 🤪
Whatever works for ya.
@@TheUltimateDeckShop i kid, if course. Love the content 👌
@@denko44 All good. Thank you for the support!