Timber Link Blog

  Not all hidden deck clips were created equal. Here’s an introduction to the top hidden deck clips on the market so you can select the correct fastener for your build. High-quality grooved composite decking deserves fasteners that will keep the boards in place and help maximize the deck’s longevity. But with such a wide variety of hidden deck clips on the market, how do you choose the right one that’s sure to be easy to install and perform over time? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of hidden deck clips and compare their design, price, and performance so you can choose the best fastener for your build.   Plastic Clips: Trex® Hideaway® and TurboClip™ One of the most commonly-used deck clips, the Trex Hideaway, is made of plastic. These clips are inexpensive at around $0.50 per fastener, they create a 3/16 in. gap between boards, and are widely accessible and versatile, and are able to be used with multiple brands of grooved decking. While i...

  Check out these 5 features that will give your deck design a big bang for your buck – not only in style, but in practicality as well. 1. Levels A deck with different levels can break up a large area into distinct spaces for different activities. Levels are also a good solution for sloped yards where one deck flows into another as the terrain changes. 2. Bench A built-in bench around the perimeter of the deck is a great way to accommodate seating for a crowd. Clever designs can include built-in storage. 3. Railing Deck railings are not only a safety feature for your deck, they also add an element of style. Today’s trends tend to be simple and understated. Vertical balusters are available in metal and wood while glass and cable let you see the view beyond. Take note of your local building codes to ensure you are meeting safety requirements. 4. Shade Adding shade to your deck will keep you cool and comfortable in the heat of summer. A pergola or shad...

  A well-designed and built deck can add value to your home and transform your outdoor living area. If you plan on building the deck yourself, use these top 10 tips to help you embark on this project with confidence and get a professional finish you can be proud of. 1. Parallel or perpendicular When planning your deck, decide if you want the deck boards to lay parallel or perpendicular to your house. Whichever way you decide will determine which way your joists run. Parallel boards will have perpendicular joists, and vice-versa. 2. Check your grading Even if the ground where you will be building looks flat, check the grading so you know ahead of time if allowances need to be made in your deck design. 3. Slope it Remember to slope your deck away from your house and other structures in order to drain water in the right direction. Design a slope of 1/8 to 1/4 inch for every foot of decking. Build your slope into the structure under your deck and the top dec...

Face screws, Edge screws, and Hidden Deck Clips: Learn the differences between these fasteners to decide what to use for your deck build. When you’re building a deck, you likely know what kind of board you want to use. But have you put much thought into how you’ll fasten it? Sure, using any old screw could do the job, but it also might mean you’ll spend more time replacing boards down the road than enjoying the deck. Learn more about three types of fasteners— face screws, Edge screws, and hidden deck clips —so you can make the right choice for your project.   Face Screws Tried and true, face screws are a traditional fastener for square deck boards. For wood boards like pressure treated, cedar, and redwood, you can use a bugle-head deck screw, which is designed to keep the board down but is also very visible on the deck top.  For square composite or PVC decking, there are color-matched composite screws that blend into the deck surface. These screws typically ...

  There are great DIY outdoor projects that are consistently on homeowner’s to-do-lists. These ten projects will add value to your property and improve how you use your outdoor space. 1. Deck Building a deck is one of the more popular outdoor projects among homeowners. It’s an easy build for the average DIYer and can be finished over the span of a weekend depending on the scale and design. Your budget will determine what decking materials you use. A pressure treated wood deck is more economical than a cedar or composite deck . Composite decking, however, has the big advantage of hassle-free maintenance. 2. Fence A well-designed wood fence is both a practical and beautiful element that will increase the value of your property. It will not only provide you with privacy from your neighbors but it will also block unwanted views of the surrounding area. Choose a style that will complement and enhance your home’s architecture and landscaping. Vertical fence boards are ...

 It all began with the original SCREENEZE® System over 20 years ago. SCREENEZE® came to fruition over the frustration with traditional methods. There had to be a better way. We wanted a system that was self-stretching but, above all, easy to repair or replace a torn screen. After several years, we landed on the idea of a two-part system. The base secures to a traditional timber framed porch and a cap that, when pressed on, secures and stretches the screen fabric. Available in Four Colors Shop Now How to Install 1. Choose Mount Type: 2. Choose to do Miter Cuts or Square cuts with Plinths: 3. Identify the required Components includes in the Tube: 4. Identify the optional components for square cut installation (Sold Separately): 5. Decide if you are going to utilize the optional Plinth Kits (sold separately) to eliminate mitering the SCREENEZE® corners. If you are going to use the optional Plinth Kits, proceed to step 6 for a Flush Mount Application or step 7 for a Corner Mount ...

 Deck railings are a safety feature on decks built above the ground. Building codes vary but most require a railing on a deck built 24 inches above the ground. There are many styles and materials to choose from so decide on the look that will best suit your home and deck design. Today’s trends tend to be simple and understated. Railings are often built with plain balusters made of metal or wood for a traditional look. The color you choose can blend with your deck style or have it contrast as an accent. You can combine materials for a custom look or add decorative post caps, or caps with lighting. Growing in popularity are designs with no balusters but with glass panels or cables which let you see the view beyond. Alternatively you can choose a railing that is unique and makes a statement. An important detail to consider is the height of the railing. Take note of your local building codes for your new railing to ensure you are meeting safety requirements. Browse your d...

  5 Things to Consider When Building Your Dream Deck Building your dream deck, i t’s one of the most rewarding home renovation projects: upgrading your outdoor space with a dedicated space for eating, entertaining or relaxing. But the project can be daunting, both from a design and logistical perspective. Go the extra mile in the planning phase and you’re guaranteed a finished result that will be long-lasting, multifunctional, and maximize your time in the great outdoors, year-round. Read on for the 5 things to Consider When Building You Dream Deck. 1. What Will Your Deck Be For? Think about what you want your deck to do now, as well as any use you might want it to have in the future—for instance, as your family grows. Is it primarily for relaxing, or entertaining? Do you want it to include plants, raised beds or other decorative elements? How about grilling? How will it integrate with the rest of your space, such as a yard or pool? The possibilities are plenty, no m...

      4 Things To Know When Installing Composite Decking Trex composite deck boards are engineered to resist staining, scratching, and fading – and to eliminate time-consuming maintenance – so you’ll never have to step foot in the stain aisle again. What better match for Trex composite decking than Trex Hideaway hidden deck fasteners? These hidden fasteners install easily between deck boards, fastening them to joists with no visible deck screw heads on the surface. What’s more, Trex Hideaway hidden deck fasteners create precise and consistent spacing between boards, for an elegant finish that blends flawlessly with your exterior décor and braves the elements right alongside you. So, with your Trex composite decking and Trex Hideaway hidden deck fasteners in hand, before you get started on your next favorite room (your new deck!), let’s look at four things you need to prepare when installing composite decking: The 1st of 4 Things To Know When Installing Compos...