When building a deck, don't forget about this

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 constructing your deck with the proper materials.

Most decks built in the past 25 yers have used the simplest deck building material, galvanized nails, to keep the boards attached to the structure.  In fact, builders have used these for decades and thought very little about other alternatives.  Now, stainless steel hidden deck fasteners are becoming more popular and even have power tools to help simplify their installation.

Out of all the fasteners on the market TigerClaw by far, is the most popular.  You see, TigerClaw Fasteners were created by a contractor frustrated 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. You can save more on labor costs than compared with other hidden fastener installations since all work is done from the top.

Constructed from heavy gauge stainless steel, strength and durability are assured. TigerClaw hidden deck fasteners offer resilient hold-down power for both wood and synthetic decking materials. 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 a better looking, 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?

When building a deck to last, here are 8 other things to keep in mind:

Use naturally decay-resistant or treated lumber for wooden decks and other outdoor structures. Don't allow untreated wood posts or lumber to sit directly on concrete.
* Clean joints between deck boards or between a deck and a house so debris and dirt won't retain moisture.
* Aluminum downspouts and water run-off should be guided 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.
* Ensure that the underside of the porch breathes properly, it is critical to maintain airflow. To prevent moisture buildup the space under the deck should not be completely sealed.
* Don't let leaves, barbeque grill covers, etc…. layout on your deck for long periods.  This allows mold and moisture to build up underneath.
* Add stains and sealers before the deck looks like it’s needing it.  Create a schedule once a year where you add the sealer so it's consistently apllied before the wood starts looking dried out.These can treat the wood and prevent 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 allows your bottom deck to feel like a covered porch on rainy days. With this small modification, the 1st floor deck can now also be used as an extra storage room.

I'm sure these ideas help you keep your wooden deck beautiful for many years to come. We look forward to your feedback.

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