Aphano hidden deck fasteners cost less and are easier to install than other hidden fasteners.
Not all concealed fasteners are the same. When comparing different hidden fasteners there are certain features that you should keep in mind:
Ease of installation: Installing a concealed deck fastening system should not require a huge expenditure in labor. You should also be able to be install them from above the deck using simple, everyday tools.
Water penetation: One of the major drawbacks of using screws is that they allow water to penetrate the decking. Water expands when it freezes. This expansion can cause the decking to split or crack. A hidden fastener should not allow water to penetrate the deckboards.
Visibility: The whole point of using concealed fasteners is that you will not see the fasteners when you are done. A hidden fastener should be should be just what its name implies: hidden.
Adjustable side gap: Some hidden fasteners claim a pre-set side gap as a benefit of their product. Actually, the side gap should be adjusted based on: the ambient temperature at time of installation, the brand of decking used and your personal preference.
Performance: A concealed fastener needs to firmly hold the deckboards in place. Fortunately with composites, plastic or PVC decking this is not usually a problem. Composite, plastic and PVC decking will naturally lay flat on the joists.
Expense: A hidden deck fastening system should be reasonably priced. Some brands cost more than $110.00/square. (1 square = 100 square feet). You should also be able to buy exactly what you need. Fasteners that come in buckets or packs are for the convenience, and profit, of the fastener company.
Access: Using concealed fasteners should not require you to crawl beneath your deck. You should also be able to install them by yourself.
Expansion/contraction: All deck boards expand and contract. Composite and plastic decking expands and contracts with temperature changes more than most. A hidden deck fastening system used with composite or plastic decking needs to accept this movement.
Deckboard replacement: Accidents happen. Even composite, plastic and PVC decking can get damaged. A hidden fastener should not prevent you from replacing an individual deckboard if necessary.
So what makes Aphano hidden deck fasteners better than other hidden fasteners?
There are many types of hidden deck fasteners available but most will fit into one of three main categories:
- Type A: Fasteners that use metal prongs driven into the sides of the deckboard.
- Type B: Fasteners that require a groove, or biscuit joint, in the side of the deckboard.
- Type C: Fasteners that are attached first to the joists and then to the deckboard from below.
| Type A | Type B | Type C | Aphano Fasteners | |
| Prevent water penetration? | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Install from above? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Adjustable side gap? | No | No | No | Yes |
| Replace a single deckboard? | No | No | No | Yes |
| A truly hidden fastener? | No | No | No | Yes |
| One person installation? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Buy exactly what you need? | No | No | No | Yes |
| Allow for expansion and contraction? | No | No | No | Yes |
| Firmly hold boards in place? | Yes/No | Yes/No | Yes/No | Yes |
| Economical? | No $90-$110/square | No $90-$130/square | No $100-$150/square | Yes $68/square |
Mild Fence Company
3465 Highway 93 North
Kalispell, Montana 59901