Hidden Deck Fasteners: A Seamless Look for Your Outdoor Space
There’s a lot riding on the finished surface of a deck. You want clean lines, consistent spacing, and deck boards that stay locked in. Visible screws can distract from the look and interrupt the flow, and uneven gaps between boards will catch your eye for all the wrong reasons. That’s why hidden fastening is the go-to choice for a smooth, fastener-free finish that looks great from every angle.
CAMO makes getting that polished finish easy. With universal Hidden Deck Clips or EDGE Deck Screws, you get a fastener solution that installs fast, holds strong, and works with any decking material or profile.
Why Choose Hidden Fasteners?
A hidden fastening system keeps your deck surface free and clear of visible screws. With CAMO hidden deck clips, boards are held in place once the deck clips have been screwed down, while CAMO EDGE Deck Screws can be fastened directly through the edge of the board using the CAMO MARKSMAN tool for perfect placement. Both options deliver a smooth, fastener-free surface—two different fastening approaches, but guaranteed seamless results.
How CAMO Hidden Fastening Makes It Easy
Building your own deck? CAMO gives you simple tools and universal fasteners that help you work faster and get pro-level results—without the learning curve. Whether you’re using grooved composite, PVC, or wood boards, CAMO has hidden clips and fasteners that work with the decking you’ve already chosen, so you can skip the guesswork and stay focused on the build.
CAMO Hidden Deck Clips
If you’re using grooved boards, CAMO Hidden Deck Clips make installation straightforward. The system includes:
- Starter Clips to secure the first and last board
- EDGE Clips for standard 90° installs
- WEDGE Clips for standard 90°, angled, or diagonal layouts
The CAMO clip system secures your first and last boards with Starter Clips, while EDGE or WEDGECLIPs handle everything in between. CAMO clips are up to 88% stronger than competitors’ clips in lateral movement and up to 50% stronger in uplift holding power. Pre-assembled with a stainless-steel screw for a strong hold and superior corrosion resistance, WEDGECLIPs fit snugly into the side groove of the board and EDGE Clips sit over the joist, ready to be driven in—no pre-drilling, no clunky jigs. Plus, consistent spacing is built into every clip.
Use the CAMO LEVER to straighten boards and keep them tight while you fasten—especially helpful when you’re working solo. For a faster install, pair your clips with the lightweight CAMO CLIPDRIVE tool. It attaches to your drill and lets you fasten from a standing position for unmatched speed and ease.
CAMO EDGE Deck Screws
Working with square-edge boards? CAMO EDGE Deck Screws are engineered with a rake tip design that helps draw boards tight for that same clean, fastener-free finish with no clips required. The EDGE Deck screws also have a trimhead that reduces visibility once the screw is installed. The CAMO MARKSMAN Pro tool holds the board steady and guides the screws at a 45-degree angle through the side of the board and into the joist—no uncertainty, no fiddling with alignment. Just consistent spacing and a smooth, fastener-free deck surface.
A Clean Look Built to Last
Hidden fastening is chosen for its appearance, but with CAMO, it’s also about building a better deck. You get the fastener-free finish you want and the holding power you need, all in a system that’s easy to install, even if you’re a first-time builder. Whether you’re using composite, PVC, or pressure-treated wood, CAMO helps you build faster, finish cleaner, and create a space that looks as good as it performs.
Enhancing Deck Longevity: Why Contractors Choose CAMO Structural Screws
When you build a deck, you know the decking and railings bring the wow factor. But it’s the frame underneath that literally carries the load. And that frame has to hold up through years of extreme weather conditions, movement, and stress at every joint. When fasteners can’t take the pressure, that’s when the problems start. CAMO Structural Screws are built to keep framing tight and every connection locked in place. They’re also built to resist chemical treatment and moisture exposure.
Engineered for heavy-duty wood-to-wood connections, they deliver the muscle your framing needs to stay solid for decades, so your decks stand strong—along with your reputation.
CAMO for Deck Frames That Last
Deck longevity depends on framing that won’t budge, twist, or decay from the inside out. Weak fasteners are where it starts—wood separates, and structural integrity takes the hit. CAMO Structural Screws are built to shut that down from day one, delivering power at every critical connection.
These screws drive strong and hold tight, whether you’re securing ledgers or locking in beams, posts, blocking, joists, and stair stringers. Just clean drives and a reliable grip, powered by a slash point tip that bites quick. CAMO Structural Screws also deliver code-crushing strength in a single step—no lag screws, no extra tools, and no wasted effort. That means faster installs, fewer stalls, and more time getting the job done.
Available in a full range of lengths and head styles, CAMO Structural Screws anchor every part of your deck frame with solid, jobsite-tested performance. Plus, CAMO’s PROTECH Ultra 4 coating system delivers unmatched corrosion resistance that holds up in treated lumber and the worst weather a deck will face. Whether you’re locking down joists, securing posts, or reinforcing with built-up beams, CAMO screws are made to keep your structure tight and your crew moving.
Long-Term Performance at Every Deck Connection
Decks don’t usually fail all at once. It starts with a loose base, a corroded ledger connection, or a beam that flexes over time. CAMO Structural Screws are designed to stop those issues before they start.
- Anchor ledger boards with CAMO Ledger + Multi-Ply Screws built for heavy-duty wood-to-wood framing. With flat head and hex head options and lengths of 3.5”, 4”, and 5″, they seat fast and hold firm to keep the deck locked to the structure.
- Secure posts using CAMO Hex Head Screws that drive deep and resist lateral movement over time. No shifting, no settling—just solid hold where it matters most.
- Protect critical structural connections from corrosion with the right finish for the job. Use PROTECH® Ultra 4-coated CAMO Structural Screws for connections that will last.
- Reinforce beams and multi-ply framing with CAMO Flat Head Screws that sink flush and deliver serious shear strength. They keep everything straight and locked in from the inside out.
Every CAMO Structural Screw is code-compliant, and third-party tested to meet or exceed ICC standards. With CAMO, you’re locking in dependable structural strength throughout the deck frame.
Build Better with CAMO Structural Screws
You take pride in your work. CAMO brings the strength to back it up. CAMO Structural Screws are built for pros who don’t cut corners and don’t settle. From the first ledger bolt to the last stringer screw, CAMO Structural Screws give you full-frame confidence on every deck you build.
Build strong, from the inside out, with CAMO Structural Screws. Because your great-looking decks deserve rock-solid frames with the staying power of CAMO behind every connection.
Built to Last: CAMO Fasteners PROTECH® ULTRA 4 Coating
When every outdoor build is a battle against the elements, count on CAMO Structural Screws for your front-line defense. Whether you’re locking in a ledger, securing framing, or anchoring structural components, long-term strength starts with fasteners built to resist corrosion.
At CAMO, we engineer our structural screws to take on the jobsite and everything that comes after—heat, moisture, treated lumber, and time. Here’s what you need to know to choose the right protection for your screws and the projects they support.
Protecting the Connection
Fasteners without corrosion protection just don’t cut it. Moisture and treated lumber will chew through unprotected fasteners in no time. Making that a threat to the entire structure. When fasteners fail the safety and longevity of the project are on the line. That’s why CAMO Structural Screws are built tough, engineered for withstanding outdoor conditions, and ready to dominate.
The Right Screw for the Job
Choosing the right protection matters just as much as choosing the right type of screw. You wouldn’t build a deck with drywall screws, so make sure your fastener coating is suited for the demands of the job, too.
For Most Exterior Projects: PROTECH® ULTRA 4 Coating
Tougher than standard exterior screws, CAMO Structural Screws with our PROTECH ULTRA 4 coating bring four layers of protection to your projects for lasting performance:
- Zinc base – Delivers solid corrosion resistance at the core
- E-Coat – Adds a protective seal between layers
- Proprietary Color Coating – Builds a durable moisture-resistant barrier
- Wax Topcoat – Shields against wear during and after installation
This coating is AC257 approved and tested in accordance with ASTM G198—a tougher, longer standard that replicates real-world conditions and delivers lasting performance with today’s treated lumber. Our proprietary PROTECH Ultra 4 caging features four layers of corrosion-fighting, UV-resisting, performance-enhancing coating for long-lasting connections. It’s the only screw coating on the market tested to ASTM G198 standard, which required 2X longer testing and 3X more samples than industry standards.
PROTECH® ULTRA 4 is your go-to for:
- Deck framing
- Pergolas and pavilions
- Retaining walls and landscape structures
Hot Tip: CAMO Multi-Purpose Hex Head Screws replace traditional lag screws and through-bolts and are available in a hot-dip galvanized option for certain applications such as coastal or marine environments.
Details That Deliver
Every CAMO structural screw comes with features that make the job easier and the hold stronger:
- Aggressive thread design for fast starts and strong connections
- Star drive for great bit engagement and reduced cam-out
- Sharp points for fast installs with no pre-drilling
- Flat head with under-head nibs for clean finishes
- Slash points to reduce splitting and lower driving torque for smoother installs
Each fastener is tested against industry standards—and then pushed further. Only the fasteners that meet our own highest standards earn the CAMO name. Because our pros don’t cut corners, and neither do we.
From backyard builds to big outdoor structures, CAMO fasteners deliver strength, protection, and performance that lasts. Better fasteners. Better builds. That’s the CAMO way.
Boost Customer Satisfaction: CAMO Hidden Fasteners Deliver Pro Results Every Time
Every deck you build is a statement about your skill and your standards. You demand clean finishes, solid holds, and zero shortcuts. And your customers expect the same.
To deliver the kind of finish that keeps your customers happy and your reputation strong, you want fasteners built to perform. CAMO has the goods.
Whether you’re edge-fastening square boards or securing grooved decking, you’ll get it done right with CAMO. EDGE Deck Screws and CAMO hidden clips both deliver fastener-free surfaces that install fast, look great, and stay rock solid for the long haul.
Here’s how:
Hidden Clips for Grooved Decking
When you’re installing grooved composite, PVC, or hardwood decking, CAMO’s universal hidden deck clips give you a clean, fastener-free surface with the speed and precision pros like you expect. The result is a sharp-looking deck that impresses clients and stands the test of time.
Starter Clips
Start clean, finish clean. CAMO Starter Clips set your first grooved board against the ledger and secure the final board at the other end, without face screws for a completely fastener-free deck surface.
EDGE Clips
EDGE Clips are built for standard 90° installs. The clip sits in place on the joist until you’re ready to fasten. Spacing is automatic, and the gusset holds the boards tight.
WEDGEClips
WEDGEClips take hidden fastening beyond 90°. Built for picture frames, diagonal installs, and other angled designs, they hold tight in any direction. Whether you’re running a custom pattern or switching it up mid-deck, WEDGEClips keep every board locked down and lined up.
EDGE Deck Screws for Square-Edge Boards
Fastener-free surfaces aren’t just for grooved boards. With the MARKSMAN Pro tool and CAMO EDGE Deck Screws, you can get that same clean, uninterrupted finish on square-edge wood, composite, or PVC, with the non-negotiable control and consistency you demand.
EDGE Screws drive through the edge of the board and into the joist, keeping fasteners tucked out of view. The MARKSMAN Pro guides each screw at the perfect angle for max hold and sets the gap automatically.
Why Pros Reach for CAMO Hidden Fasteners
Decking board installation is where the deck comes together—and where most customers focus their attention. Count on CAMO to deliver top-tier results, from the first board to the last.
High-end Finish
No screw heads on the surface. No distractions. CAMO EDGE Screws drive through the board edge; CAMO hidden clips keep grooved boards locked down and fasteners tucked out of view. All they’ll see is uninterrupted deck boards across the field.
Strength You Can Trust
CAMO fasteners grip and stay put. EDGE Screws auger out material as they drive to prevent edge cracks and splits, creating a solid v-lock connection into the joist. CAMO hidden deck clips really bring it: they’re up to 88% stronger than competitors’ clips in lateral movement and up to 50% stronger in uplift holding power.
Fast, Quality Installs
MARKSMAN Pro tools guide each EDGE Screw at the perfect angle and set the gap automatically with no predrilling*, no jigs, and no guesswork. For clips, CAMO DRIVE or ClipDRIVE fastening tools help you install quickly from a standing position and easily move down the board. The pre-assembled, one-pass clips stay in place until you’re ready to fasten. You’ll be installing in half the time of other hidden fasteners and saving your knees. And on any install, CAMO LEVER straightens boards and locks them in place so you can set rows and fasten them fast in one go.
Better Fasteners, Better Results
With CAMO, you’ll build fast, finish clean, and leave behind a surface that stands strong—and stands out to your clients. It’s the kind of work that drives client satisfaction, earns neighborhood envy, and keeps your reputation rock solid.
Grab CAMO hidden deck fasteners, built for pros who show up early, build right, and never cut corners. Built for you.
*Pre-drilling is required for hardwood and capped composites.
The Best Fasteners for Coastal Decks and Docks: CAMO Stainless Steel Options
When you’re building decks or docks in coastal environments, the elements don’t pull any punches. Salt is carried on the wind, suspended in humid air, and even dissolved by rain. Water is everywhere—hanging in the air, pouring from the sky, and condensing on surfaces when the temperature drops. Together, salt and moisture attack every part of your structure. Fasteners included.
That’s why your deck and dock needs CAMO stainless steel fasteners—engineered to hold tight, resist harsh corrosion, and keep every connection intact.
Why Stainless Steel is Non-Negotiable
When you’re building near saltwater, stainless steel fasteners aren’t optional—they’re the standard. The International Residential Code (IRC) is clear:
Fasteners and connectors exposed to salt water or located within 300 feet of a salt water shoreline shall be stainless steel.
And for good reason. Stainless steel forms a protective layer that resists rust, even under on-going assault from salt air, water, and humidity. That corrosion resistance keeps fasteners performing longer—and your deck surface solid, safe, and secure.
If you’re anywhere near the coast, stainless is the only way to build a deck that really holds up. And CAMO is the only fastener you’ll need to get it done right.
Built for the Coast
On the coast, deck and dock performance lives or dies by the fasteners you choose. Salt and moisture hammer decking over time, leading to corroded screws, shifting boards, and an unsafe deck surface.
CAMO has the solution. Our stainless steel fasteners lock every board down tight—built to hold strong against harsh coastal conditions that break down lesser fasteners, keeping your deck looking sharp and holding strong for the long haul.
But not all CAMO stainless is the same. While all stainless relies on chromium to form a rust-resistant barrier, 316 stainless adds molybdenum—an alloy that strengthens defense specifically against harsh chemicals and humid coastal air. That’s why CAMO 316 stainless fasteners deliver marine-grade strength to fight coastal corrosion.
Farther inland, CAMO’s 305 stainless options deliver solid protection against moisture and airborne salt, matched to the demands of your site.
Here’s how to dial in the right CAMO fastener to your build:
Within 3,000 Feet of the Shoreline
Decks and docks this close to saltwater aren’t just fighting moisture, they’re taking on continual salt exposure—not to mention punishing winds.
CAMO’s 316 stainless fasteners are made to take the worst the coast can throw at them—locking down decks with marine-grade strength and corrosion resistance that lasts:
- CAMO 316 Edge Screws – Hidden fasteners for edge installations using MARKSMAN tools.
- CAMO 316 Collated Edge Screws – Same hidden strength, faster install with the CAMO DRIVE stand-up tool.
- CAMO 316 Trim Head Screws – Clean, low-profile face-fastening for PVC and wood decking, trim and finish applications; color-matched options available.
- CAMO 316 Bugle Head Deck Screws – Strong, driving screws for face-securing deck boards with maximum hold.
- CAMO 316 Composite Screws – Built for composite and PVC deck boards with color-matched options; designed to cut down on board mushrooming.
- CAMO WEDGECLIP 316 – Hidden clip solution for grooved composite,PVC, or hardwood boards.
Stainless Steel is not corrosion-proof; it is corrosion-resistant, and staining can still occur. It is important to regularly wash the installed screws to keep the heads and screw recesses clean from salt deposits and other residue.
Between 3,000 Feet and 10 Miles from the Shoreline
Saltwater doesn’t stop at the beach. Aerosolized salt rides the wind miles inland, eating away at fasteners and accelerating corrosion over time. In this zone, while 316 stainless is optional, stainless steel is still a must—and CAMO’s got you covered with fastener options that stand up to this lighter coastal exposure, too.
Pro Tip: Even with stainless, a little maintenance goes a long way. Hit the fasteners with fresh water now and then to wash off damaging salt and keep them looking good.
Build It Right with CAMO
Coastal conditions are brutal on decks and docks. That’s why you need fasteners that are ready for the fight. CAMO stainless steel fasteners are built to stand up to relentless salt, moisture, and weather, securing every board with lasting strength where your deck gets hit hardest.
For a deck that’s built faster, easier and just flat-out better, pair your fasteners with CAMO’s innovative tools.
CAMO. The Better Way to Build a Deck.