Skip to content

Hidden Fasteners: Worth the Upgrade

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.