CONSULTATION » Decking boards » concealed screws
Concealed screw connection for wooden decking
There are various systems for the concealed screwing of wooden terraces. But which one is best and what are the different pros and cons? Our comparison gives you an overview.
Screwing from below or lateral attachment?
The systems for the concealed fastening of wooden terraces can be sorted into two types of construction. Some systems rely on the decking board being screwed on from below, while others work with the board being fastened at the side. Both solutions offer different advantages and disadvantages. All in all, however, we have had better experiences with screwing from below, which is why we recommend this solution to our customers.
screwing from below
✓ Decking can work
✓ low risk of splintering
✓ secure hold
✓ good ventilation of the terrace
✓ suitable for every plank profile
x relatively complex installation
Side attachment
x Decking should not work
x increased risk of splinters due to milling
x high risk of default
x Poor drying of the lateral groove
x Lateral grooving of the planks necessary
✓ Relatively easy assembly
Fastening systems in detail
BioMadera's Clips
System: Screw connection from below |
Material: stainless steel |
Demand per crossing TD/UK: 2 clips |
Need screws per TD/UK: 5 screws |
Price per sqm*: 18 € |
assembly height: 6mm |
Width: 27mm |
Length: 54mm |
plank width: every plank width possible |
Disassembly: min. 6mm joint |
Wood preservation: very good |
Types of wood: any decking wood |
Peculiarity: also available in black |
Conclusion: The technically best system for concealed fastening of wooden terraces. However, it is also more complex than some other solutions.
Early Bohlenhalter
System: Screw connection from below |
Material: galvanized steel |
Demand per intersection TD/UK: 1 bar |
Need screws per TD/UK: 3 screws |
Price per sqm*: 12 € |
assembly height: 5mm |
Width: 25mm |
Length: 190mm |
plank width: 95 to 150mm |
Disassembly: not possible |
Wood preservation: Well |
Types of wood: any decking wood |
Peculiarity: the classic |
Conclusion: Relatively inexpensive system, which, however, requires more space on the substructure and is not available in stainless steel.
Hedgehog V2
System: lateral attachment |
Material: stainless steel |
Demand per intersection TD/UK: 1 connector |
Need screws per TD/UK: 2 screws |
Price per sqm*: 20 € |
assembly height: n / a |
Width: n / a |
Length: n / a |
plank width: any width |
Disassembly: not possible |
Wood preservation: Well |
Types of wood: any decking wood |
Peculiarity: Board tends to splinter |
Conclusion: Expensive since an extra lever tool is required for around €300. Technically critical because the mandrel is pushed in laterally without pre-drilling.
Terracon Clippers
System: Screw connection from below |
Material: Plastic |
Demand per intersection TD/UK: 1 clipper |
Need screws per TD/UK: 3 screws |
Price per sqm*: 18 € |
assembly height: 15mm |
Width: n / a |
Length: n / a |
plank width: 120mm to 150mm |
Disassembly: not possible |
Wood preservation: very good |
Types of wood: no hardwood |
Peculiarity: Joint spacing is specified |
Conclusion: Similar to the early plank holder with a continuous bar. Unfortunately made of plastic and not suitable for hardwood. The system with the highest installation height.
Sihga plank fix
System: Screw connection from below |
Material: stainless steel |
Demand per crossing TD/UK: 2 PlankFix |
Need screws per TD/UK: 5 screws |
Price per sqm*: 23 € |
assembly height: 5mm |
Width: 20mm |
Length: 61mm |
plank width: any plank width |
Disassembly: min. 8mm joint |
Wood preservation: very good |
Types of wood: any decking wood |
Peculiarity: similar to the BioMaderas clip |
Conclusion: Almost identical to the BioMaderas Clip and technically a very good solution. Small drawback: the price and the larger gap for disassembly.
Instant wood clamp connector
System: lateral attachment |
Material: stainless steel |
Demand per intersection TD/UK: 1 connector |
Need screws per TD/UK: 1 screw |
Price per sqm*: 13 € |
assembly height: 0mm |
Width: n / a |
Length: n / a |
plank width: any plank width |
Disassembly: min. 6mm joint |
Wood preservation: moderate |
Types of wood: any decking wood with a groove |
Peculiarity: In-house development of instant wood |
Conclusion: Clever solution, since assembly is quick and inexpensive. Unfortunately at the expense of structural wood protection, since poor ventilation and floorboards with grooves are necessary.
* Prices for 120mm board width and 5mm joint, as of December 2020.
Table of Contents
process
calculate demand
calculate costs
Order wood samples
Wood decking shipping
interim storage
Building instructions wooden terrace
grocery list
Prepare the subsurface
meadow or earth
stone or concrete
roof or balcony
hillside
Lay out the foundation
Establish height compensation
Lay the substructure
Install decking
Select saw blade
Screw the decking boards together
Building instructions terrace screws
Assembly instruction clips
Fade wooden terrace
build stairs
Decking boards crooked
Typical mistakes
Care for
Clean
Enjoy
Decking quality
Best decking wood
Wood species comparison
hand sorting
cracks and curvature
Durability wooden deck
Wood vs Aluminum
Concealed screw connection comparison
branded products
finger joint