Trex Installation Instructions

Trex Hideaway Hidden Deck Fasteners

IMPORTANT! Read all instructions carefully and completely to ensure proper installation.

WARNING! Parts have sharp points & edges. Use extreme caution when handling & installing. Wear safety glasses at all times.

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Required Tools and Supplies

Safety Glasses
Power screw gun with
ratcheting torque setting
Router
(optional)

Terms to Know

Connector Clip
Start/Stop Clip
Screw

STEP 1

Starting the First Board

Install screw straight down through start/stop clip and into ledger board. Screw should be in line with center of joist. It is important that this board is straight and well secured.

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STEP 2

Position Fasteners

Fully insert connector clip into grooved edge of deck board. Screw hole should be in line with the center of joist.

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STEP 3

Install First Fastener

While standing on deck board, install provided screw at 45° angle through fastener and into joist, while applying pressure on fastener. Install one fastener and screw at each support joist.

Make sure fastener body is vertical to deck board and the screw is holding fastener down tight to deck board.

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STEP 4

Completing Installation of Boards

Place next deck board into position. Holding the deck board 2" back from fastener, push deck board with enough force to lock into place.
Check gap between boards for consistency. Apply force to ensure board is fully installed engaging boards with 1/4" bump-stop tab.

Trex HideawayTM fasteners will provide proper 1/4" gapping when installed correctly.

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STEP 5A

Installing the Last Board using Fascia Board (Option 1)

To finish, install start/stop clip and install screw at a 45° through clip tab and into joist. Install a vertical fascia ush with deck board surface.

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STEP 5B

Installing the Last Board using with Overhang (Option 2)

Prior to installing last board, predrill a pilot hole at a 45° through rim joist. Once hole is drilled, put last board in place and install a 2 1/2" decking screw into predrilled pilot hole.

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What tools are required?

No special tools are required when using pre-grooved deck boards, just a drill with screwdriver tip. When using decking without the grooved edge, a router with proper bit will be needed to create a groove in board edge at each joist or along the entire edge of the deck board.

45° angle installation

Where deck is in the walled corner of the house: Always start with small triangular piece of decking in that corner and work your way out. When installing Trex HideawayTM fasteners, offset the center 1/2" towards the long point of joist so screw will not exit side of joist when driven.

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How to do a butt seam

First, install a small framing board (10 - 12") alongside the joist in which the seam is going to land. Install additional fastener into previous board above small framing block. Line up your first board in the center of the joist and the small framing board. Install fasteners and screws at each joist of the first board including the joist at the seam. Then install your second board in the same fashion, and place a second fastener at the seam attaching it to the small framing block. Make sure you follow end-to-end gapping specifications.

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To use the Trex Hideaway Fasteners on unslotted boards:

Use a router with the proper routing bit to create a groove at every intersection of the deck board and support joists, as well as entire edge of the board.

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How to replace a board

Make two parallel cuts down the center of the board to be replaced, and remove the center piece.
Remove the remaining pieces of decking from the tabs.
Using a claw hammer bend the tab, on the side of the board with the screw heads showing, downward so that it does not interfere with the spacer tab.
Position new board into place, and carefully slide onto remaining tabs, once fully installed the deck board will drop into position.
Once board is set into position, secure using a 1/8th inch drill bit, place the bit into the seam of the board and into the groove, and predrill a pilot hole through the board at a 45° angle
Install a stainless steel finish screw through groove into joist to hold the board in place.

How to install stairs

Option 1

1Install start/stop clip against riser.
2Install first board and connector clip.
3Install 2nd board.
4Install face screw from the top of the 2nd board into the riser.

Option 2

1Install start/stop clip against riser.
2Install first board and connector clip.
3Fasten 2x4 block to stringers.
4Predrill hole through 2x4 upward at an angle for face screw.
3Install 2nd board.
4Install screw from below through 2x4 into bottom of tread.

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