Stop fighting the dirt. Building a low-profile deck, shed, or walkway shouldn’t feel like a grueling excavation project. When your design allows for a floating foundation, you can bypass the pickaxe and the need for deep footings that risk interference with underground lines. Build on the earth, not against it.

The CAMO BLOCK offers a revolutionary way to create a stable foundation without the back-breaking labor of traditional masonry. Made from heavy-duty, UV-protected recycled polypropylene, each block is rated to support up to 1800 lbs.

As a reminder, always check with your local building code officials before starting any project. Freestanding decks 5 ½ in. to 30 in. tall, and smaller than 200 square feet in size, typically do not require building permits. Moving forward, here is everything you need to know to spend less time in the dirt and more time actually building your project.

Step 1: Planning and Site Preparation

CAMO BLOCK can be used to build various platform profiles and projects. To determine how many blocks to use for a low-profile, raised-profile, variable-height, or hybrid-profile project, check out the fully detailed installation guide for CAMO BLOCK here. 

Before you pick up a BLOCK, you must ensure your ground is ready. A floating foundation is only as stable as the soil beneath it.

For maximum stability, it is highly recommended to lay down a 2-3 inch base of compacted gravel or crushed stone. This prevents the BLOCK from settling into soft mud and provides essential drainage to keep your lumber dry. However, if you are in a dry environment with level ground and opting for a quick installation, you do not need to use a paver base.

Step 2: Laying Out the CAMO BLOCKS

Consult your structural plans to determine the spacing of your joists and beams. Generally, CAMO BLOCKS should be spaced no more than 5 feet apart.

• Grid Alignment: Position your BLOCKS in a grid pattern. One of the primary advantages of the CAMO BLOCK is its “nested” design, which allows it to accept 2×4, 2×6, and 4×4 wood posts or joists.

Squaring the Foundation: Use the 3-4-5 triangle method to ensure a perfect 90-degree corner or measure diagonally from corner to corner to ensure your block layout is perfectly square.

Step 3: Installing Joists and Support Posts

The CAMO BLOCK is designed with a multi-purpose top surface that accepts standard 2X joists and 4×4 posts. Additionally, there is a 2” slot for metal joists, and an allowance for 6×6 post settings as well. 

• Direct Joist Support: If you are building a very low-profile “platform” deck, you can place your standard 2X joists directly into the molded slots of the BLOCK.

Post Support: If your project requires more height, the center of the block is designed to hold a 4×4 pressure-treated post. Once the post is inserted, you can cut it to the desired height and attach your rim joists.

Step 4: Leveling the Structure

Rarely is the ground perfectly flat over a large area. To level your foundation:

1. Lay your joist across two BLOCK.
2. Place a carpenter’s level on top of the joist.
3. If one side is low, do not shim the wood. Instead, add or remove gravel beneath the CAMO BLOCK until level. This ensures the weight remains distributed across the entire surface of the BLOCK.

Step 5: Final Assembly and Ventilation

Once your BLOCKS are level and your joists are in place, secure your framing according to local building codes. Because the CAMO BLOCK raises the lumber off the ground, it provides critical airflow. This ventilation prevents moisture buildup and rot, significantly extending the life of your wood frame.

The Better Floating Foundation

If your design allows for a floating foundation, CAMO BLOCK lets you skip the hard part and get straight to the build. Following these steps ensures a professional, durable result for your next backyard sanctuary or garden shed. It’s time to stop fighting the dirt and finally start building. 

When you’re building a deck, what most people remember isn’t the framing or the support. It’s the finish. That first barefoot walk across a new deck should feel smooth, look clean, and reflect solid craftsmanship. That’s exactly why hidden fasteners aren’t just a nice touch, they’re a smarter way to build. From a sleek visual finish to strong connections and fast installs, hidden fastening systems, like CAMO’s, deliver real performance benefits that go beyond aesthetics.

The Clean, Professional Look You Can’t Fake

Let’s start with the obvious: no visible screw heads. Traditional face screws interrupt the board surface, distract the eye, and can become a pain point for homeowners who want a polished outdoor space.

With CAMO’s hidden fastening systems, whether you’re using Universal Deck Clips for grooved boards or CAMO Edge Deck Screws for square-edge boards, the fasteners are designed to disappear as much as possible. The result? A seamless deck surface with consistent spacing and uninterrupted board lines. That’s a finish that looks pro, and a design result your clients deserve.

How Hidden Fasteners Work

There are two CAMO approaches to hidden fastening, each engineered for specific decking profiles:

Universal Hidden Deck Clips

Perfect for grooved wood, composite, or PVC decking, CAMO’s hidden clips lock boards into place without ever showing a screw head. Built-in spacing makes layout intuitive, and options like EDGE® Clips for straight installs and WEDGECLIPs™ for straight, angled, or custom patterns keep boards tight and true.

CAMO EDGE Deck Screws

Got square-edge boards? CAMO Edge Deck Screws pair with the MARKSMAN Pro tool to drive screws at the perfect angle, through the board edge and into the joist, for the same hidden finish without clips. The rake tip and trimhead design help draw boards tight while minimizing splits and improving long-term board integrity.

Strength You Can Rely On

Hidden fasteners aren’t just for looks. They improve performance too. CAMO clips are engineered to handle significant forces once installed, with testing showing up to 88% more lateral strength and 50% more uplift resistance than competitor clips. 

Edge screws take strength a step further by pulling boards tight against joists and locking them in with a v-lock connection that resists splitting and maximizes holding power.

Install Faster, Work Smarter

Time on the jobsite = money. CAMO hidden fastening isn’t just about the end look — it’s about making the process efficient and predictable:

• Consistent board spacing built into the system means fewer layout headaches.
• CAMO pre-assembled clips are designed to stay in place until you’re ready to fasten, preventing fallouts while you work. 
• Tools like the ClipDRIVE® let you work standing up, reducing fatigue and speeding up clip installation.
• When using Edge Screws, the MARKSMAN Pro tool ensures every fastener goes in at the right angle and spacing, making installs more consistent and predictable.

Built for Any Material, Any Project

Hidden fastening systems have come a long way. CAMO products work with composite, PVC, hardwood, and pressure-treated lumber. That versatility doesn’t just make hidden fasteners possible on more builds, it makes them smarter. You’re not limited by board type or orientation. Design choices stay in your hands, and the fastening system adapts.

CAMO universal deck clips are designed to work with all major grooved board brands, meaning the same clip can be stocked to handle each project. No need to sift through inventory to find that particular clip for a particular board.

The Value You Can See (and Feel)

Hidden fasteners pay off in ways that matter to both builders and homeowners:

Visual Impact

No screw heads means a finish that feels custom and elevated, the kind of detail that clients notice first.

Durability

Strong fastener hold and controlled installation help boards stay tight and stable over time, even through weather, use, and seasonal movement. 

Efficiency

Consistent spacing and tool-assisted installation make builds faster and easier, whether you’re working solo or as a team. 

Satisfaction

A smoother surface means happier clients. Fewer complaints, fewer callbacks, and more referrals. That’s a profit you can measure.

Bottom Line

Hidden fasteners aren’t a trend. They’re a better way to build. They combine a clean, professional finish with real performance benefits: strong connections, fast installs, and long-lasting results. Whether you’re putting in grooved boards with universal clips or fastening square edges with CAMO Edge Screws, you’re investing in a deck that looks sharper, is long-lasting, and builds confidence every time.

Building a deck yourself is a big project, and getting it right starts with the details you don’t always see once the boards are down. One of the most important is how those boards are fastened.

Most DIYers want the same end result the pros do: a fastener-free deck surface. No exposed screw heads. No patched holes. Just clean boards that stay tight.

CAMO offers two proven ways to get there. The right one depends on the profile of your decking boards.

A Fastener-Free Deck Surface

When a fastener-free surface is the goal, you’ve got a choice. How you get there comes down to the edge profile of the boards you’re installing.

Decking boards generally fall into one of two profiles:

• Grooved boards, which are most common with composite and PVC decking. Certain exotic hardwoods are also pre-milled with grooves because their density makes face-screwing difficult and prone to cracking.
• Square-edge boards, which are most often natural wood, though composite lines also include square-edge options for use as starter boards, fascia trim, or picture-frame borders.

Both profiles can deliver a clean, fastener-free surface. They just do it differently.

Grooved Deck Boards

If your decking boards have grooves along the edges, use CAMO Hidden Deck Clips for a fastener-free surface.

Secure the first and last grooved board with CAMO STARTER Clips. Just place clips on the outside of the joist, center with the cross-joist, and fasten with your drill.

Then, reach for CAMO EDGE Clips or WEDGECLIPs. The clips fit into the groove and fasten down to the joist below with a one-pass installation that keeps the fasteners completely out of sight. Spacing stays consistent, and the deck surface stays clean, edge to edge.

Use CAMO Hidden Deck Clips when:

• Your decking boards are grooved
• The groove is intended for clip installation
• You want a fastener-free surface using clips

Square-Edge Deck Boards

If your decking boards have a square edge, hidden clips aren’t an option. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get that pro finish you’re after.

CAMO EDGE Deck Screws have you covered. EDGE screws drive through the edge of the board at a precise angle, pulling it tight to the joist while keeping fasteners off your decking surface. No clips required.

To make that angled fastening accurate and repeatable, CAMO MARKSMAN® tools position each screw before you drive it. The tool sets the angle automatically, then you finish the job with your drill—no measuring, no guessing, no wrestling the screw into place by hand.

Use CAMO EDGE Deck Screws when:

• Your decking boards are square-edged
• Clips aren’t compatible with the board profile
• You want a fastener-free surface using edge-driven screws

CAMO Fasteners for Long-Term Performance

A fastener-free surface only matters if the deck stays tight, flat, and secure over time. Quality results are what CAMO is all about.

CAMO deck screws and clips are engineered specifically for decking, not general construction. That means they’re designed to handle the movement, exposure, and load changes that decks see season after season.

Key performance advantages DIYers benefit from:

• Corrosion-resistant coatings designed for pressure-treated lumber, composite, PVC, and hardwood decking
• Threading that bites cleanly and holds fast, reducing loosening as boards expand and contract
• Patented rake top to auger material out, reducing the potential for splitting and cracking
• Fastening systems tested to work together for consistent spacing, grip, and alignment across the deck
• Reduced lateral movement and superior in uplift holding power compared to competitors’ clips

The result is a deck that looks clean when you’re done and stays solid season after season.

Faster DIY Decking Installations Without the Strain

No sugar-coating: a DIY deck build is real work. Once you’ve matched the right CAMO fastener to your decking board profile, CAMO also has tools that make the install easier, especially when you’re tackling longer runs or a bigger project.

Installing deck boards usually means constant bending, kneeling, and resetting. CAMO DRIVE® and ClipDRIVE® are stand-up, drill-powered fastening tools designed to break that cycle, letting you work upright, keep steady pressure on your boards, and move continuously instead of starting and stopping.

• CAMO DRIVE works with collated CAMO deck screws, feeding fasteners automatically as you go so every screw lands clean and consistent—no handling individual screws.
• CAMO ClipDRIVE is built for clip-based installs, allowing you to set each hidden deck clip in place between boards, then drive the screw fast and accurately from above.

Set your boards in place, hold them tight with CAMO LEVER® where needed, and move straight down the deck, fastening one board after another without breaking stride. Do these tools really make installs that much faster? You bet they do. Two times faster.

But the benefit isn’t just speed. It’s a DIY install that stays consistent, under control, and doesn’t beat you up. The CAMO DRIVE and ClipDRIVE let you stay on your feet, keep steady pressure on your boards, and fasten continuously without punishing your knees.

CAMO Fasteners That Build Confidence

A deck isn’t just another weekend project. It’s where people gather, relax, and make memories. The fasteners holding it together should reflect that.

CAMO fasteners and tools are built to give DIYers confidence, control, and a finished result they’re proud to stand on. No shortcuts. No unnecessary complexity. Just a better way to build your deck.

There are a lot of decking choices out there. And different decking materials don’t behave the same once they’re installed. From pressure-treated lumber and hardwoods to composite and PVC boards, each brings its own movement, grip, and exposure demands. CAMO covers it all.

CAMO deck screws are designed to handle that range without forcing you to change your fastener when the decking does. Whether you’re edge fastening or face fastening, the right CAMO screws keep your boards tight, spacing consistent, and the finished deck looking sharp long after the job is done.

Below is a material-by-material look at common decking boards, the challenges they bring, and how CAMO screws are designed to deliver—across the board.

Different Decking, Different Demands

Different decking materials bring different challenges. Those differences matter when choosing a fastener. And they matter over the life of the deck.

Pressure-Treated Lumber

Built for durability. Tough on fasteners.

Pressure-treated lumber remains a go-to for many deck builds, but the chemicals that protect the wood can be tough on weaker fasteners. As boards dry and acclimate, movement becomes part of the equation.

Common challenges

• Increased corrosion risk from treatment chemicals
• Wood movement as boards dry and settle
• Splitting if fasteners are over-driven or misaligned

Cedar and Redwood

Naturally durable. Naturally soft.

Cedar and redwood bring natural resistance to decay and a premium look, but their softer fibers demand control.

Common challenges

• Soft grain that can strip
• Visible fasteners that distract from the finished surface
• Uneven fastening that leads to board movement over time

Hardwood Decking

Dense. Heavy. Unforgiving.

Hardwoods deliver strength and longevity, but they don’t tolerate shortcuts.

Common challenges

• Extremely dense material
• Higher torque demands during installation
• Increased risk of splitting with improper fastening

Composite Decking

Consistent look. Tight tolerances.

Composite boards are engineered for uniformity, but they require precise fastening and spacing to hold their shape and appearance over time.

Common challenges

• Expansion and contraction
• Manufacturer spacing requirements
• Surface fasteners that disrupt the finished look

Capped Composite Decking

Protection on top. Precision underneath.

Capped composite relies on a protective shell to perform long-term, which makes fastening accuracy critical.

Common challenges

• Damage to the cap leading to moisture intrusion
• Over-driving that compromises appearance and performance
• Inconsistent fastening that stands out quickly

PVC Decking

Low maintenance. High movement.

PVC won’t rot or absorb moisture, but it moves more than most decking materials.

Common challenges

• Significant thermal expansion and contraction
• Risk of fastener pop-out
• Exposed fasteners that highlight inconsistencies

CAMO for Every Decking Material

Different decking brings different challenges. CAMO answers them with deck screws engineered to perform across materials and jobsites with strength, control, and a clean, quality finish every time.

Edge Fastening

CAMO EDGE Deck Screws are designed for edge fastening across pressure-treated lumber, hardwoods, composite, capped composite, and PVC decking, giving you one proven approach across all your deck builds.

That means:

• Hidden fastening that keeps deck surfaces clean
• Reverse rake tip augers material out as the screw drives, reducing splitting and cracking
• Reverse upper thread that pulls boards tight to the joist for secure, consistent hold
• Trimhead design minimizes fastener visibility at the board edge
• Available in 1-⅞ inch and 2-⅜ inch lengths

Never settle for less-than-ideal performance from generic screws: EDGE Deck Screws give you clean drives, tight boards, and a fastener-free look that holds across materials. 

Face Fastening

When your job calls for face fastening, CAMO keeps that choice just as straightforward.

CAMO Composite Deck Screws are designed specifically for composite, capped composite, and PVC decking, with color-matched heads available in multiple colors to blend into the board surface.

Key features

• Color-matched heads available in multiple colors for a clean, finished surface
• Type 99 slash point for fast starts and reduced walking
• Trilobular shank to reduce driving torque and help prevent mushrooming
• Reverse thread near the head to pull boards tight and finish flush
• T-20 Star Drive to reduce cam-outs and bit wear

CAMO Wood Deck Screws are built for face fastening wood deck boards and exterior wood-to-wood connections, covering everything from decking and trim to blocking and structural details.

Key features

• Type 17 slash point for quick starts in wood
• Aggressive lower threads to draw boards tight
• Bugle head and countersinking head options depending on application
• T-25 Star Drive for improved torque control and reduced stripping
• Designed for exterior wood-to-wood fastening
• Available with corrosion-resistant coatings and stainless options based on exposure

Whatever the decking demands, CAMO screws deliver a secure hold and a finished look you’ll be proud to stand behind.

Stainless Steel

We all know material choice isn’t the only factor for fasteners. Environment matters.

Choose CAMO stainless steel deck screws for builds in:

• Coastal environments
• High-humidity regions
• Pool decks and waterfront applications
• Anywhere corrosion resistance is critical

You get the same CAMO performance, with added protection for harsh conditions.

Build It Right

Decking materials don’t all behave the same in the real world. CAMO deck screws are built to handle those differences without forcing you to rethink your fastening approach or make compromises across your jobs.

Choose CAMO for deck screws that work across the varied materials you work with, and deliver decks that install and perform as good as they look.

That’s how great decks are built.

In modern outdoor construction, the shift from traditional nails and lag bolts to structural screws has revolutionized how professionals and DIYers approach framing, decking, and general building. CAMO® structural screws lead this innovation, offering a code-compliant, high-performance alternative designed to crush building codes and streamline the job site. By eliminating the need for pre-drilling and providing superior corrosion resistance, CAMO fasteners ensure that outdoor structures are as durable as they are easy to assemble.

Engineering the Exterior Defense

Outdoor projects face a constant battle against moisture, UV rays, and the corrosive nature of pressure-treated lumber. To combat this, CAMO structural screws feature the proprietary PROTECH™ Ultra 4 coating system. This four-layer defense is the only coating on the market tested to the ASTM G198 standard, withstanding corrosion twice as long as industry standards. This ensures that critical connections remain rock-solid for the life of the structure.

Specialized Solutions for Every Connection

The versatility of the CAMO structural line lies in our specialized designs, each engineered for a specific structural role.

1. Framing Screws: The Efficiency Leaders

Designed to replace 8d, 10d, and 16d nails, CAMO Framing Screws are the go-to for wood-to-wood connections and deck blocking.

• Key Features: A Type 17 slash point removes material as it is driven, reducing friction and splitting without pre-drilling.
• Design: The large flat head maximizes pull-through holding power while finishing flush with the wood surface.

2. Ledger and Multi-Ply Screws: Replacing the Lag

For heavy-duty applications like fastening ledger boards or multi-ply beams, these 5/16 in. diameter screws are an ideal replacement for traditional 1/2 in. lag screws.

• Ledger Applications: They provide a code-compliant connection for attaching a deck’s ledger board to the house rim joist.
• Multi-Ply Beams: Specifically designed to draw together multi-ply dimensional wood headers and structural composite lumber beams.

3. Multi-Purpose Flat Head Screws: Low-Profile Strength

These versatile fasteners are designed for general construction projects, including deck posts, railings, and landscaping.

• Flush Finish: The flat head design features under-head nibs that help the screw countersink itself for a clean, professional finish.
• Performance: Available in 1/4 in. and 5/16 in. diameters, they offer aggressive threading for maximum holding power in various outdoor structures.

4. Multi-Purpose Hex Head Screws: High-Torque Control

For projects where high-torque installation is required, the Hex Head structural screw is the preferred choice.

• Ease of Use: The hex washer head locks into the driver, allowing for one-handed driving without the screw wobbling or falling off.
• Marine Options: In addition to the PROTECH Ultra 4 coating, these screws are available in hot-dip galvanized finishes, making them perfect for coastal or marine environments.

5. Truss Screws: The Hurricane Tie Alternative

CAMO Truss Screws have simplified how rafters and trusses are secured to top plates, effectively replacing traditional metal hurricane ties.

• Full Thread Design: These screws are fully threaded from head to tip, providing maximum holding power throughout the entire connection.
• Guided Precision: Every pail includes a hands-free truss guide, ensuring the screw is driven at the perfect 22.5-degree angle every time.

Whether you are locking in a ledger, securing a truss, or anchoring a deck post, the versatility of CAMO structural screws allows you to build smarter and faster. By choosing fasteners that are third-party tested and DrJ certified, builders can have total confidence in their reputation and the long-term safety of their outdoor projects. With CAMO, you aren’t just building a structure; you’re protecting what you build with the “mother of all coatings”.