How To Install Deck Boards | Why No One Wants Deck Screws Anymore!

Learn how to install deck boards with hidden screws. See why this amazing tool makes it easy. All the Tips + tricks plus, everything you need to install deck boards with hidden screws from start to finish for beginner deck builders. Tips to starting your first board for a %100 flawless deck. Amazing trick to fix bent or bowed deck boards.
For our American friends: if you are installing pressure treated decking (wet wood) that has a high moisture content, your deck boards are usually installed with a 1/16" spacing. Be sure to check. It's a tighter spacing than in this video.
Links:
Marksman Pro-X1: (1/16" in video) : amzn.to/3C3IlzY
Marksman Pro: (3/16"): amzn.to/3WIdGBy
Camo deck screws: amzn.to/43ar6sA
deck spacer: amzn.to/3J1zfHK
G-Tape joist flashing: amzn.to/3qgrnf2
Glazier bar: amzn.to/3NMEVbm
Chairs: amzn.to/43Zq4jw
Also used:
2" galvanized L brackets and screws
Amazon Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for supporting my channel!
My Amazon Storefront (US): www.amazon.com/shop/darudhillon
My Amazon Storefront (CAN): www.amazon.ca/shop/darudhillon
Watch Next:
What Nobody Tells You About Building Deck Stairs: • What Nobody Will Tell ...
How To Build a Deck Easies Floating Deck: • How To Build a Deck | ...
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Always follow your local building codes and use proper safety measures when undertaking home improvement projects. Follow decking installation requirements and lumber guidelines.
#deck #deckbuilding #decking
About: Learn how to install deck boards DIY, beginner decking installation tips, deck building, everything you need to install deck boards on a ground level, floating deck, balcony or porch on your own. Floating deck board installation on above ground deck attached to a house in a shady area. In ground decking installation, deck board tips for DIY, deck board installation tips and tricks, decking tips for beginner DIY, installation, Camo fasterner tips + tricks, how to use camo deck fasteners, how to install, how to install joists, joist spacing, diy deck building, home improvement deck tips, how to install decking, deck installation. Camo Marksman Pro X-1 + Camo Marksman what is better? The winner today is...tips to decking for beginner DIYers. Deck boards pressure treated, 5/4 deck boards 12 ft with Camo hidden deck fastener system how to install first board. Camo deck fasteners, 5/4 x 6 deck boards, deck build, deck framing, deck frame construction. Glazer bar, pry bar for decks. My favorite tool is the glazier bar. Common floating deck problem solved. Decking installation, step by step for beginners with contractor Daru Dhillon
#DeckBuilding #Deck #DeckBoards
Time codes:
00:00 Trick to installing deck boards intro
00:12 Tip: 1st Deck Board, Where to install, nosing
00:42 How To Screw 1st Deck Board with Camo Edge Deck Screws
01:43 Tips: Hidden Fasteners Camo Markman Pro-X1 + Marksman Pro
04:24 Common Deck Mistake Avoid This
05:03 How To Fix Deck Boards That Are Bent or Bowed
08:20 Tips To Install Last Board With Hidden Fasteners L Bracket Method
09:10 How To Cut Deck Boards, end of deck with circular saw rip cut and chalk line
About: Traditional deck screws + why this tool makes it easy. Everything you need to install decking and common mistakes to avoid with pressure treated deck boards. Where do you install your first deck board? + Why. How to fix bent or bowed deck boards, lay decking straight. How to use edge deck screws instead of traditional deck screws. How to install the last board closest to your house. Tips + tricks to using the Camo Markmen Pro X1 tool + Camo Marksmen, What's best, There's a big difference! Tips to build a deck, what tools + fasteners you'll need. Learn how to install deck boards with hidden fasteners for composite, cedar, pressure treated wood and hardwood. How to use Camo hidden fasteners, for pressure treated wood, composite decking and PVC decking. If you have any questions on building your own DIY Deck let me know! Deck building is one of the most rewarding outdoor projects you can do! What do think about hidden fasteners?

[@DaruDhillon]

Have you tried hidden fasteners yet, what do you think? Have your say here or share a tip of your own! Thanks for watching. You May Also Like: 👇 What Nobody Tells You About Building Deck Stairs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKeri2iXhbZ6qrs

[@thriftedandshifted464]

Amazing, detailed video. I'm ready to build my own deck now.

[@DaruDhillon]

Go get ‘em! Thanks 👍🏽

[@handytbutler7380]

Great video. I like the jig you set up for straightening the boards. I used the camo screws on my floating deck about six years ago and love the look. Had a couple break but that’s to be expected. It is very time consuming though.😊

[@DaruDhillon]

True that. It's extra time but I love the looks so much. Good to hear that it worked out for you on your floating deck! You're ahead of the curve on using the screws. A lot of people are just finding out. Thanks!👍

[@jackm4825]

You're a great teacher, thanks

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks Jack! All the best on your build, enjoy!

[@albertshilton5336]

You did a great job on this video. Lovely presentation. Fun to watch. You could easily be a big time KZbinr!

[@DaruDhillon]

Wow, thank you!

[@michaelstlouis2472]

Nice job, thanks for all the tips.. 👍👍👍😁😁😁💋💋💋

[@DaruDhillon]

You are so welcome!

[@McmM-cv9sb]

You are amazing you do beautiful work keep up the good job😊😉

[@DaruDhillon]

Thank you so much 😀

[@rochiellebevans1783]

Awesome.

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks Rochielle!

[@davidalau]

Bravo! It’s always impressive to see a person installing decking who doesn’t curse. I haven’t mastered that skill. Otherwise, if deck boards go a bit squirrelly and warped, hitting them with a hose and leaving them to heat up in the sun makes them far more pliable when it comes to finessing them back into straight.

[@DaruDhillon]

Good tip David on the hose. You're right decking calls for finessing and love I hearing about new solutions to try out. Thanks for that! Hope you're enjoying your summer. I'm sure you have some projects in the works. 👍

[@diynevala]

Aren't they gonna swell, and after they dry up again, they'll leave larger gaps between? Otherwise I'm on *board* ..

[@Food-Fire-and-Featherboards]

Great video & tips! Why did you use spacers when the camo tool has built-in spacers? Cheers!

[@DaruDhillon]

Love the tool but because we have a lot of trees and debris from overhead I choose a slightly wider spacing. If you don’t have a lot of nature around the tool spacing is great.

[@GeorgeMinton-jb8ky]

As a homeowner who has replaced their deck one time in 30 years I can attest to having tight spacing between the deck boards. If you have trees over your deck (and you will if you plant trees in your yard even thirty feet away from the deck) the tighter the space the less you will have to clean the gaps out. I have a Stihl battery blower and I clean the deck often and the gaps still get clogged. I will say having a battery blower will spoil you. You will be able to go anywhere around your house with no cord which is something I did for over 20 years. Pay the extra for the blower. You will be glad you did. Available at Ace Hardware.

[@DaruDhillon]

Sounds like great advice learned through experience. I’m glad you found a tool that works for you and is satisfying to use. I appreciate your tips. Thanks

[@rmsessler]

Great video. How do you attach the L-brackets when you flip the last board?

[@DaruDhillon]

I was able to install them from the underside of the deck since it’s above ground.

[@jacgan208]

Bravo Daru 🤩😘

[@DaruDhillon]

Hi Jac! Thanks ☺️

[@juliehampton7438]

Great video! Where can I find a list of the exact type of deck boards you used. Are they cedar? Having troubles choosing which type of wood!

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks Julie! I’m using pressure treated deck boards 5/4 x 6 in this video. Cedar is my favorite but very pricey here. I’m on a budget and I love this look! It’s my go-to for a natural look and most homeowners assume it’s cedar.

[@bravocompany1072]

Great instructional video. Every deck i install i use the camo pro. It makes work so simple and amazing looks. Lets talk abiut the milkwauke surge. How much do you love it? I wish i bought one sooner. Such a great tool and love how quiet it is.

[@DaruDhillon]

I do love it. Fortunate to have been using them for years. Lots of power and reliable. Thanks!

[@jamiealexander1185]

I've used bowrench to help with a bowed deck board. I work by myself. Very easy to use and works using framing members. No screwing decking scraps first. SAVES TIME.

[@DaruDhillon]

Smart. I was going to do the same thing. I didn’t open the package from Amazon until the day I needed it. The handle was missing so it wasn’t useable. Lesson learned.

[@tabbott429]

Thanks for sharing some good tips. As a professional I always put the boards tight together so when they dry out and shrink the gaps dont get to big. I also prefer standard screws with the larger head placed about an inch from the edges ( not hidden) for better holding power and less chance of splitting the edge of the deck board. The camo tool is something Ive never used but it seems pretty cool for the purpose you showed. If i get a customer that wanted hidden fasteners on wood Id try to talk them out of it but would do it for an extra charge ( having to buy the special tool and screws that im sure are more expensive) if they really were set on it. Good job overall!

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks for sharing your perspective. Where I live we can’t put our deck boards tight because our lumber isn’t wet. Our neighbours to the south can put their deck boards tight depending on what region they live. Yes, you are spot on! To your point it requires more labor so you’d have to take that into account with pricing.

[@frankcampos1251]

Great video and I really appreciate the detailed explanations. I have a couple of questions; for a ground-level floating deck where one side will be against the house, how do you recommend attaching that last deck board since there is no access to the underneath to screw in the brackets? And, is there a recommended way in which direction to lay the deck boards - the long way or short way on the deck?

[@DaruDhillon]

Hi Frank! For the last deck board I also face screw with the edge deck screws. Like I did in the video for the first deck board. I’ve been really happy with the look because the screws disappear and are hard to see. I usually install deck boards in the same way as in the video. Parallel to the length of the house. It elongates the deck for a nicer look. ❤️

[@frankcampos1251]

@@DaruDhillon thank you so much for your suggestions and reply!

[@DaruDhillon]

@@frankcampos1251happy to help. Good luck! 👍🏽

[@BowieMcAlpine]

Great deck videos - thanks! I would like to use the bracket method for the first deck board. Do you have a recommendation for fasteners? I can’t find any galvanized screws that are short enough for a 5/4” cedar board.

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks Shannon! I picked the brackets up at HD they come with the screws. When using brackets try to install the ones on the corners as close to edge as you can to keep it laying flat. Good luck with your project!

[@michaelscott356]

Great video,@@DaruDhillon, and as much as I hate to be a smartass, please say lying flat. Only chickens "lay"....as in, eggs. The rest of us lie....as in down! As in, I'm going to lie down for awhile.....Tell the dog to lie down.....Make sure that board is lying flat on the ground. Yes, it's English, from England...where all "new" North Americans got their language AND their laws. (I say "new", because I'm not sure how a native American or a First Nations Canadian says "I think I'll go like down for a few minutes!" Cheers, and please do Google it. 🙂

[@daveoconnor9878]

Don’t agree with tight spacing if you have trees. I use 1/4 or 5/16. Gaps can be cleaned easy with a garden hose. Tight spacing requires a lot of work with a knife. Debris accumulation at the joist is the main reason that joists rot. Also surprised to see 1 inch thick deck boards

[@DaruDhillon]

Absolutely, I agree tight spacing with trees isn’t a good idea. With shrinkage this deck is now 1/4”. Debris accumulation is a major cause of rot. I have a video on the causes of deck failure that show this in action for anyone who is interested. I appreciate your helpful tips. Thanks!

[@huntsman1771]

Congratulations you just figured out how to add an extra days labor cost to installing a deck . I'm sure the contractors are going to love this.

[@JohnRohoboth]

doy?

[@albertshilton5336]

Question. What do you think is the best oil base sealer for a Washington red cedar deck? I don’t want to stain it, but I do want the grain to pop and bring out the natural red color. Thanks, Al

[@DaruDhillon]

I don’t have an oil based stain to recommend. If anyone else does please share here in the comments. Cedar is beautiful with a natural stain, it will look lovely. Hello to you in Washington State. It’s a beautiful place!

[@noodlesiis]

In the UK it can be hot one minute and cold and wet the next.. I’m now having to redo my deck because although treated the gaps closed up in the Winter time surface water then couldn’t drain away so by Spring time it was lifting etc.. I’m still not really sure what the best gap is to go for because debris can easily block the gaps if it’s too narrow and wide gaps just get wider in the summertime.. Tricky!

[@DaruDhillon]

Yes, you raise a good point. The more your temperature and conditions of your weather contrast you’ll see greater differences in expansion. Also, the type of lumber and moisture content of the decking is an important consideration. Your experience will lead you to a good decision. Hello to you in the UK! 🇬🇧 I love visiting your beautiful country.

[@mxmillo]

Dang... just finished my deck... wish I had seen this before I started.

[@DaruDhillon]

Not to worry, it is great. Enjoy it.

[@wherearewegoing3657]

How do you avoid cupping or bowing when only screwing the edges? Also wondering how many boards rip out the edge when they shrink.

[@DaruDhillon]

I haven’t had an of those issues. I’m using the longer screws. Our wood here isn’t wet so the shrinkage is minimal with the 1/16” spacing.

[@BestSpatula]

Use a bowrench for straightening the bowed boards.

[@DaruDhillon]

Funny enough I ordered one for this build but the handle was missing so I couldn’t use it. Thanks for sharing your tip!

[@seanshahla44]

Any idea how to anchor the deck to the ground in areas prone to hurricanes?

[@DaruDhillon]

Hi Sean, that's an excellent question and important to know in your area. I've seen special heavy duty screw in ground anchors used but I don't have experience with building requirements for hurricane areas.

[@MichaelJ674]

Simpson Strong-Tie H1A or H2.5A hurricane ties.

[@djea3589]

You can not just choose the "best side" to face up, especially with hidden screw edge fastening and no screw in the center of the board.. These boards WILL cup or crown. If you turn the boards in opposite alignment to the bark you will have some cupping concave and others crowning convex. These screws can not stop this from happening as there is no screw in the center of the board. You should install "bark side up" so that you will have crowning instead of cupping. This will allow water to naturally run off in the reveal between the boards. On very rare occasions a board will cup in the opposite direction relative to the bark. when that happens you will most likely need to replace it to look and feel correct. Also, I never use a specific spacer such as 1/8 inch. I use a variety of spacers depending upon the needed reveal. Every board is slightly different in width and can even vary along its length. installing as a constant spacer can cause a build up of tolerance at the final board. One does not want the final rip to be (example) 4.5 inches at one end and 3.75 at the other. Instead, every few boards re-measure the left, right and center of the deck to the last wall. Begin adjusting early, using just a tiny bit more reveal where necessary to assure the rip cut board will be the same width on its entire length. never allow less than 2/3 of a board width for the final rip, it will NEVER look correct and be sure that all reveals look even overall. Better to rip the first board enough to assure at least 2/3 of a board in the final ripped board when you know that this will happen. This is all basic stuff.

[@joshsmithward8848]

Those are some great tips, thanks, but I wouldn’t say it’s basic. Don’t be a snob.

[@djea3589]

@@joshsmithward8848 I am sorry I only stated fact. However, if someone wants to put out a "how to" video they should be getting the facts correct or stop wasting everyone's time and energy and ruining product. It is NOT about snobbery, it is about people on the web that "think" they know something and want to share it when they are dead WRONG.

[@joshsmithward8848]

@@djea3589I hear you. There are no standards bodies or apprenticeships and titles anymore. It’s just a bottom up sponge world. It may be a little gross but that’s how it is. I agree that there should be professionalism to a how to video put out for the public, just saying to share your own expertise with an eye to making people do a less crappy job than not doing it at all. Because we will do it no matter what.

[@shortypalmer2560]

Absolutely, your comment is what I was going to say. The way I was taught was to always put the bark side up

[@kalev60]

When doing the deck from start I usually try to build it so that no ripping the nearest board to house is needed, (little math on paper or just top view drawing SketchUp). Those screw systems are easy to use and look way better then screwing through the face, but I still haven´t given up on the idea of going full medieval and building a deck with no metal fasteners for the boards just dove-tail and wedged wooden pegs...

[@DaruDhillon]

That’s a great thing to do ahead of time so there’s no ripping. Thanks for sharing that tip. It’s a good one! Dove-tail would be next level. That’s an eye for detail!

[@mc-nk3zu]

Start your first board at the start of the home or structure your deck IA built off of. After you install it. Start pulling measurements from other end of the deck. So you can start squaring up your deck boards to land perfectly on it. It's alot easier and the end product comes out nice. With less work.

[@joshsmithward8848]

What?

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks for sharing your experience and tips!

[@grandpanorton5785]

You never said what to do with the angles after you flip the board over. How do you fasten them to the joist if the deck is 2 feet off the ground and can't access to screw them?

[@DaruDhillon]

I’d fasten the last deck board and then the two before it so that my drill will fit. Out of sequence from the norm.

[@johnnydodgecountry9508]

It would be tough having you as a co-worker every day LOL...Good stuff though.

[@JohnRohoboth]

why?

[@samtrolinder4837]

Amazon offers hidden fasteners for 1/3 of name brand cost. I been installing hidden deck fasteners 20+ yrs & only facescrew material when necessary

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks Sam for sharing your experience with hidden fasteners. I have a link in the description for Amazon. Yes, you know it they have good deals worth checking out. Appreciate it!

[@markbrown585]

I was always taught lay boards crown up. That way the edges don’t curl up over time.

[@DaruDhillon]

That’s good advice Mark. Thanks!

[@sseel2877]

Tight spacing on treated helps hold water and warp boards at least in my experience. Bigger spacing helps them dry and makes it easier to clean. IMO

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks for sharing your experience with your deck. You are right that keeping them clean from debris is important. Appreciate your take!

[@Macismad]

Warped board? Re-wet it down. Seriously soak it until it is saturated with water, then screw it down. It will dry true enough. However, remember that while wet it is also swollen. As it dries it will shrink. One board may not affect much but more than one could cause inconsistencies with your gapping. The gaps after drying will be wider. This goes for all lumber on all projects like decks, fences etc.

[@DaruDhillon]

☝🏽This is a good one. Thanks Robert for sharing your advice. It can come in handy. 👍🏽

[@trespasser121]

What's the point of using screws vs nails if you don't actually do it in a way that allows easy removal of the boards when time comes for repairs? I only use face screws for that reason. Makes it easy to access them as my cedar deck needs regular maintenance because of the humid climate we have in Onrtario.

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks for sharing your take on cedar. I haven’t found any issue with removing boards. I use a drill on an angle with a putty knife to protect the adjacent board. It’s good you found a system that works for you! I’m in Ontario too. ❤️👍🏽

[@chanfonseka8051]

@@DaruDhillon Removing boards after a few years (which is typically when you have the need to replace them) is a BEAR because dirt and wood fibers have filled in the screw head making it nigh impossible to engage the bit. Also typically you can't see the head properly and have to jiggle the bit around to engage by "feel". I've had some success by using an awl to clean out the hole (and the gunk in the head) but to do that successfully on 16+ screws just to remove one board is asking for a lot.

[@alexg5189]

It is easy to remove the camo screws, just put your drill on an angle and pull them out, shouldn't really take more time than face screws. The camo system is overall a way better option. The drill angle of the screws prevents warping of deck boards and keeps them crowned for water drainage. The screws are also less prone to splitting wood and the finished look is a lot cleaner and more professional.

[@user-qu1mi3kv2j]

Would if you need to replace a board in the middle of your deck?

[@DaruDhillon]

Remove screws at an angle and protect the adjacent board when removing.

[@wallyj2000]

Really, really beautiful🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@DaruDhillon]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@giovannimurru]

what kind of wood are you using?

[@DaruDhillon]

Pressure treated. Looks amazing, with great value.

[@giovannimurru]

so is it pine wood?@@DaruDhillon

[@giovannimurru]

@@DaruDhillon how do you remove the green stains that are usually found in this kind of wood?

[@DaruDhillon]

@@giovannimurru I find they fade over time. But if someone knows a trick please share!

[@bobmariano3731]

You the woman 👩 👍👍😘⚾️

[@DaruDhillon]

Hey Bob! Thanks. I like the ⚾️❤️

[@bobmariano3731]

🥰

[@user-oc7uq8ue7t]

Buy hanging fascia over now you have to notch post some people should stick to something they know.

[@DaruDhillon]

This was built for deck mount posts. No notching required.

[@tchevrier]

"Daru Dhillon". Why does that name sound so familiar??? Have you been on TV?

[@DaruDhillon]

Good memory! I did

[@ZenDude65]

Great hair girl, :)

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks!

[@wayneguy6043]

They will warp

[@DaruDhillon]

Use long screws if you’re concerned go with deck screws. Cheers!

[@diynevala]

I smell a razorblade business..

[@davehaggerty3405]

I never understood the desire for hidden fasteners.

[@DaruDhillon]

Hi Dave, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.

[@eddiesalvador9294]

Where the are screws

[@DaruDhillon]

The edge is where the screws are. Not in sight but securing the deck boards on the sides. Do you like the look?

[@louish.9414]

I’m not using wood water loves unprotected material.

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks for sharing your perspective. I know in some areas composite is popular. Where I live people prefer natural materials like wood. 🌎

[@randyloomis2313]

Nothing wrong with a face screw

[@DaruDhillon]

Tried and true. Used them today on a beautiful raised garden bed. Agree wholeheartedly.

[@robertkattner1997]

Old hat, been done 8 years ago.

[@DaruDhillon]

Decks have been around for a long time. We still love them ❤️

[@KrustyKlown]

Looks time consuming and expensive ... traditional exposed deck screws rule, and can be easily tightened after wood shrinks/warps.. and are easily accessable for future repair or modifications.

[@DaruDhillon]

There are definitely fans of each method. This look goes well with modern or contemporary homes. Thanks for weighing in with your take. 👍🏽

[@KrustyKlown]

@@DaruDhillon Your Videos are Awesome.. like your delivery & production. You rare very likeable!!.. even if I'm not a fan of them hiden screws, lol.

[@DaruDhillon]

@@KrustyKlown Thanks! I appreciate that. We can all learn from each other and value different ways of doing things. It’s good to keep an open mind.

[@Food-Fire-and-Featherboards]

You can back out the Camo screws using the tool if a borad ever needs to be replaced. Cheers!

[@davidredford3111]

Who really cares if you can see screws you gonna lose sleep because your neighbor came over said oh no look at all the screws they give it character save money stop buying fasteners

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks for your feedback in this!

[@Poncho758]

This chick is completely clueless you never put spaces in between pressure treated lumber decking you bring them up tight because against one another that because they will shrink the way she’s doing it you end up with a haft 1” space between the boards.

[@DaruDhillon]

You install with no spacing if your wood is wet. I’m in Canada. Our wood is not wet. It has less shrinkage than US pressure treated. Spacing is based on moisture content and the amount of overhead debris/nature that will be accumulated on the deck. This deck is featured in my deck staining video. With lots of closeups on the spacing. You might get a kick out of it!

[@jhbuilders]

I have the greatest tip for everyone never use a impact drill for installing deck boards or hidden fasteners. It’s noisy and extremely slow compared to a regular drill. But thanks for the good videos.

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks for sharing this tip. I have heard that some people prefer using a drill vs an impact driver. If anyone else would like to weigh in with what they like and why that would be great. Thanks for posting your thoughts!

[@Fozzie68]

I think it’s personal preference and if your wearing the APPROPRIATE PPE. NOISE WONT BE A FACTOR !!

[@donaldconover4782]

Impact is much faster than a drill . Compare and you will see

[@jhbuilders]

@@donaldconover4782 impact is faster than a drill. Unbelievable. Ok.

[@iubi112002]

Nobody is bother if you see the screws !

[@DaruDhillon]

If you don’t mind seeing the screws, go with what you like! Thanks for sharing your take. ❤️