Tired of stubbing your toes on your wooden deck, check this out

Example of hidden deck fastner installation

Few people realize that it's not just about maintaining your deck after it's built that circumvents your deck from splitting, splintering, cupping, or rotting.  It's also about building your deck with the correct materials.

Galvanized Nails, have been a deck builders favorite over the last 50 years to keep the boards attached to the structure.  In fact, builders have used these for decades and thought very little about other alternatives.Stainless steel hidden deck fasteners are becoming more popular and even have power tools, as of April 2009, to help simplify their installation.

Out of all the fasteners on the market TigerClaw by far, is the most popular.You need to understand, TigerClaw Fasteners were created by a contractor irritated with the expense and intensive labor of other hidden fastening systems. Every box includes a free installation block. With this, these fasteners will install faster and easier than other comparable fasteners. With all work done from the top, you can save more on labor costs than compared with other hidden fastener installations.

Strength and durability are assured since they are built from heavy gauge stainless steel. TigerClaw hidden deck fasteners offer resilient hold-down power for both synthetic decking materials & wood. They allow the beauty of the wood to be preserved and reduce splitting, splintering, cupping and rotting.

The concept of a nail free deck surface is one that is also aesthetically pleasing. With many new composites and clear-grained wood decking available,  blemishing  a smooth, even deck surface with unsightly rows of screws or nails is becoming  increasingly undesirable.

I know a growing number of contractors are aware of hidden deck fasteners, but the majority aren't. This article's objective is to raise consumer awareness, and to bring hidden deck fasteners into the mainstream market.

With hidden deck fasteners, you can create an improved, longer lasting, safer deck at an affordable price.  Their's even an easy TigerClaw estimator tool to help you figure out how much these fasteners would cost to use on your deck.What's preventing you from choosing hidden deck fasteners over nails now?

Here are a handful of items to keep in mind when building a long lasting wooden deck:

* Use naturally decay-resistant or treated lumber for decks and other outdoor structures. Don't let untreated wood posts or lumber sit directly on concrete.
* Clean joints between deck boards or between a deck and a house so debris and dirt won't retain moisture.
* Wwater run-off, including downspouts, should be steered away from the deck
* Plants in clay pots sitting on the deck or porch can cause moisture pooling; likewise, plants and shrubs planted close can contribute to moisture and water buildup on and around your deck. Make sure that watering tools (hoses, sprinklers, etc..) not spray the deck.
* Since airflow is crticial, ensure that the underside of the porch breathes correctly. To prevent moisture buildup the under space should not be completely sealed.
* Don't let leaves, barbeque grill covers, etc…. layout on your deck for extended periods.This allows mold and moisture to develop underneath.
* Add stains and sealers before the deck looks like it's needing it.Create a consistent schedule where you add the sealer so it's consistently apllied before the wood starts getting dried out.  These can treat the wood and keep moisture from leading to rot
* If you have a 2nd story deck over a ground floor deck, make sure you get an underdeck drainage system to prevent additional wear to the bottom deck.This also permits your primary floor deck to behave like a unenclosed sunroom on overcast days, and it can be used as an a covered storage.

Hope these ideas help you keep your wooden deck beautiful for many years to come.