How To Hide Screws In Composite Decking (5+ Ways)

Installing a beautiful composite deck can increase your home’s curb appeal and provide a lovely outdoor living space. However, composite decking is installed using special screws that can detract from its aesthetic if they are easily visible. Fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to discreetly hide deck screws.

How To Hide Screws In Composite Decking (5+ Ways)

Why Hide Deck Screws?

Composite deck screws are typically driven into the joists between deck boards. If installed properly with spaces between boards, the screws will not be easily noticeable. However, there are a few reasons you may want to hide deck screws:

  • For a seamless look. Although the spaces between boards allow water drainage, some homeowners prefer a more seamless deck surface. Hiding screws can provide this appearance.
  • Screw heads become more visible over time. As composite decking fades, scratches, and collects dirt, screw heads often become more noticeable. Hiding them prevents this problem.
  • Using lighter colored screws on darker decking. Darker composite decking colors tend to emphasize lighter screw heads. Hiding techniques prevent this color clash.

Planning Ahead for Hidden Screws

Installing a deck over a solid surface rather than spaced joists allows for easier screw concealment. If building over joists, use narrower joist spacing. Planning ahead also ensures you purchase the necessary materials.

When buying composite boards, choose grooved decking. The channels along edges discreetly hide side screws. If using non-grooved decking, purchase plugs that match board colors. Prepare countersink drill bits to drive screw heads beneath board surfaces.

Techniques for Concealing Deck Screws

Fortunately, with the right techniques, tools, and materials, you can install composite decking while keeping the screws virtually invisible. Here are the most popular methods:

1. Use Grooved Composite Deck Boards

Grooved composite decking contains channels along the two long edges of the boards. These subtle grooves allow you to drive screws into the joists while hiding them from view. The grooves are shallow enough to maintain a flat surface. This technique is only suitable when installing deck boards perpendicular to joists.

Tips for using grooved decking:

  • Ensure groove openings align when positioning boards to conceal all screws.
  • Pre-drill grooves using a countersink bit to allow screw heads to sit subsurface.
  • Maintain a 1/8” gap between board ends for drainage and expansion.

2. Apply Composite Deck Screw Plugs

If using non-grooved decking, composite screw plugs allow you to conceal visible screw heads. These plugs are made from composite material colored to match common decking colors. Just drive screws as usual between deck boards, then hammer plugs into the exposed screw heads. Use a hammer to gently tap plugs flush with deck board surfaces.

Pro tips for composite plugs:

  • Ensure plugs match your deck color for a discreet appearance.
  • Consider contrasting plug colors for a more decorative look.
  • Allow a 1/16” gap around plugs for expansion and drainage.
  • Take care not to damage deck board surfaces when tapping in plugs.

3. Counterbore Hidden Channels for Screws

For a smooth surface and truly hidden deck screws, counterbore subsurface channels. Use a counterbore drill bit to carve channels between deck boards. Position the channels over each joist, then drive screws into the joists within the channels. Slide the next board into place to conceal the hidden fastener channels.

Installation tips:

  • Mark joist locations on board bottom to position counterbores precisely.
  • Adjust drill depth to avoid penetrating board exteriors with channels.
  • Clean out excess debris from channels before installing screws.
  • Use trim-head screws to maintain a subsurface profile.

4. Apply Discrete Plastic Screw Caps

For a quicker concealment solution, simple plastic screw caps slide over exposed fastener heads. Look for low-profile caps in colors matching your decking. Ensure caps fit snugly onto screw heads after driving screws between deck boards. If gaps show around caps, consider sizing down for a tighter fit.

Helpful hints for using caps:

  • Press caps firmly into place with a hammer to ensure they stay put.
  • Select smaller caps for trim screws or larger for standard deck screws.
  • Low-profile caps are less noticeable than prominent plastic caps.
  • Consider textured caps to blend better with wood grain patterns.

5. Stain Screw Heads to Match Deck Boards

For a simple way to minimize visible screws, use colored stains to blend heads into deck boards. After installing the decking, clean and abrade screw heads to roughen surfaces. Then apply small drops of exterior-grade wood stain directly onto heads. For best results, match the stain color to your decking boards.

Staining tips:

  • Allow stains to fully cure before walking on the deck to prevent transfer.
  • Reapply stain yearly as needed when screw heads become visible again.
  • Use gel stains for easier application on horizontal and vertical surfaces.
  • Avoid getting stain on decking surfaces to prevent permanent discoloration.

Common Problems and Solutions

While the above strategies help discreetly hide composite deck screws, you may encounter a few problems during or after installation:

Visible cracks around plugs – Allow small gaps around plugs to accommodate expansion and drainage. Consider smaller plug sizes if cracks become more pronounced over time.

Loose screw caps – Ensure caps fit snugly onto screws. Use a hammer to gently tap caps into place or switch to better-fitting caps. Consider textured caps for better adhesion.

Counterbores splintering decking – Adjust the drill bit depth to avoid penetrating the top exterior layer of decking when creating channels. Clear debris from holes to prevent cracking at board surfaces.

Stain wearing off screws – Reapply gel stains yearly or as needed when screw heads become visible again. Clean heads thoroughly before reapplication.

Preventing Future Problems

Aside from properly installing decking using the above hidden screw techniques, take steps to minimize factors that deteriorate composite materials and expose hardware:

Inspect and clean decking regularly – Clear dirt and debris around screws and plugs to limit visibility. Spot treat discoloration or stains to maintain color consistency.

Apply composite deck sealers – Sealers protect surfaces and hardware from UV rays, moisture damage, staining, and mold growth. Reapply every 1-2 years.

Gently pry up warped boards – Use a pry bar to lift warped boards enough to re-seat them properly without scratching surfaces. This limits cracks around plugs.

Hand tighten popping screws – Occasionally check for loose screws protruding from plugs or caps and tighten carefully with a screwdriver. Do not overtighten.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do hidden deck screws weaken structural integrity?

A: No, they are just as secure as exposed screws when installed correctly into framing joists. Maintain the same spacing pattern and use screws long enough to penetrate joists by at least 1 inch.

Q: Can I use hidden deck screw techniques on existing decks?

A: Yes, the plug, cap, counterbore and stain methods all work on previously installed deck screws. Just exercise care when working around existing boards to avoid damage.

Q: What color screw plugs should I get?

A: Screw plugs are available in colors matching popular composite shades. Select a color matching your decking for the most discrete, seamless appearance.

Q: How do I ensure screw caps or plugs stay in place?

A: After installing caps or plugs, tap them gently with a hammer to seat them properly with decking. Avoid over-tapping to prevent damaging deck board surfaces. Consider textured plugs and caps for better adhesion.

Q: Is it OK to combine methods like counterbores and plugs?

A: Certain techniques can be combined for added screw concealment. For instance, you could counterbore channels, then add same-colored plugs for a smooth, hidden result.

Q: Will hiding deck screws take much longer?

A: Generally, discreet fastening adds 15-30 minutes for a standard 16′ x 20′ deck. With practice, the process speeds up significantly. It’s a worthwhile investment for an integrated, seamless look.

Hiding the screws used to install composite decking results in a more refined, upscale appearance. With the techniques above, you can safely secure decking while keeping fasteners virtually invisible and protected from the elements. Take time to properly install hardware and maintain your deck, and the results will look fantastic for years to come.

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