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:- Fasteners that use metal prongs driven into the sides of the deckboard with a sledge-hammer.
- Fasteners that require a groove, or biscuit-joint, in the side of the deckboard.
- Fasteners that are attached first to the joists and then to the deckboard from below.
| Prongs | Biscuit Joints | Undermount | Aphano Fasteners | |
| Prevent water penetration? | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Install from above the deck? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Adjustable side gap? | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Replace a single deckboard? | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| A truly hidden fastener? | No | No | No | Yes |
| One person installation? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Allow for expansion and contraction? | No | No | No | Yes |
| Firmly hold boards in place? | Yes/No | Yes/No | Yes/No | Yes |
| Buy exactly what you need? | No | No | No | Yes |
| Return anything for a full refund? | No | No | No | Yes |
| Economical? | No $9-$11/sq ft | No $9-$13/sq ft | No $10-$15/sq ft | Yes $7/sq ft |
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. To install Aphano hidden fasteners the only tools that are required are a marker and a drill.
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. Fasteners that penetrate the sides of the deckboards can do the same thing. Aphano hidden deck fasteners do not allow water to penetrate the sides or the tops of 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. Many so called concealed deck fasteners are easily seen from above the deck. Aphano hidden deck fasteners are virtually invisible.
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 the time of installation, the brand of decking used and your personal preference. With the Aphano hidden deck fastening system you can adjust the gap to suit your needs.
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. Aphano fasteners were designed for this type of decking.
Expense: A hidden deck fastening system should be reasonably priced. Some hidden fasteners cost more than $11/sq ft. You should also be able to buy exactly what you need. Fasteners that come in buckets or bulk packs are for the convenience, and profit, of the fastener company. With Aphano conceled deck fasteners you can return any unused item for a full refund.
Access: Using concealed fasteners should not require you to crawl beneath the deck. Aphano hidden deck fasteners can be installed completely from above the deck.
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. Aphano hidden fasteners were designed to expand and contract with the decking.
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. With Aphano concealed fasteners you can replace an individual deck board if needed.
Aphano hidden deck fasteners are distributed by:
Mild Fence Company
3465 Highway 93 North
Kalispell, Montana 59901