We understand that using a face screw to fasten deck boards to a joist is, without question, the strongest method for deck fastening. But not everyone is willing to accept the visible head of a screw on their decking. Some skilled craftsman will cover the screw head with a wood plug, but it’s time consuming and expensive. That’s why hidden fasteners are continuing to increase their popularity. But hidden fasteners are not the best option for all decking conditions and installations – and not all hidden fasteners are created equal. That’s why we developed the Mataverde® Eurotec® Deck Clip.
Most of the existing hidden fasteners for decking on the market have their shortcomings. Some hidden fasteners are made of plastic, some are short, some split the wood, some allow too much movement, other don’t hold the wood down securely enough. Because we have been supplying hardwood decking for many years, we have heard a lot of feedback about various hidden fasteners over time.
Problems we have heard about some of the hidden fasteners on the market:
I had to install it from below the deck and it took me forever
We had to install the hidden fasteners from below the deck and my guys were on their backs for two days
The plastic clip split, and I had to reinstall it
The screw pulled through the plastic clip and I had to get it out and reinstall another clip
The clip is brown, and you can see it. It’s not ‘hidden’.
My clip is yellow, my customer can see it and hates it.
The clip didn’t cover enough of the deck board and my decking cupped
The deck clip is too short, and it split my decking
The screw split my decking and I lost a bunch of time - and deck boards
The hidden fastener didn’t hold my wood in place and my customer is upset
The Mataverde Eurotec Deck Clip was designed to eliminate these problems, create a better, easier and more dependable hidden fastener for your wood deck boards. It works great with both hardwood and softwood decking. Try it.
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Mataverde Deck Clip Feature |
Mataverde Deck Clip Benefit |
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Black colored clip and black screw |
Less visible for a cleaner look |
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Stainless steel deck clip |
Strong, long lasting, won’t split or degrade |
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Stainless steel screw |
Strong, long lasting, better holding power |
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1-7/8” length covers more of the deck board edge |
Better performance, better holding power |
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Designed for pre-grooved decking |
Saves time, labor costs, looks great |
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Pilot drill bit provided |
Won’t split the decking |
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Bit driver provided |
Allows screws to install quickly and securely |
The Mataverde Eurotec Deck Clip is a tremendous, low visibility, hidden fastener for pre-grooved wood decking of all types. If you are considering using a hidden fastener to install your decking, make sure a hidden fastener is right for your project conditions. Here’s a list of the appropriate conditions for best performance of your hidden deck fastener.
Best conditions and usage for hidden fasteners:
Deck is a minimum of 30” above grade
The ground pitches away from the building to allow water to drain away
There is adequate ventilation on three sides of the deck
Low moisture
Because it is more stable, 5/4 x 4 nominal size decking works best
If your deck doesn’t meet the above conditions, go ahead and use a deck screw for best performance.
We hope you enjoyed this article. Please visit MataverdeDecking.com for additional information about decking options, deck fasteners, deck installation tips and more.