I get what you’re saying about “nothing’s truly maintenance-free,” but I’ve had a different experience with composite decking and hidden fasteners. The install’s definitely less brutal than ipe, and the boards don’t splinter or need sealing.
—I’ve found that using plastic hidden clips (like the ones for Trex or TimberTech) pretty much eliminates the rust issue. Not as classic-looking as real wood, but it’s held up surprisingly well right on the coast. Might not be for everyone, but worth considering if you’re tired of swapping out screws every few years.“the hardware always seems to be the weak link”
I hear you on the composite and hidden fasteners—definitely a smoother install than ipe, and you’re right, no splinters or sealing headaches. I’ve used those plastic clips on a few jobs near the water, and they’ve held up better than I expected. Only thing I’ve noticed is sometimes the boards can get a bit of movement over time, but nothing major. For folks who hate rust, it’s a solid option, even if it doesn’t have that “real wood” vibe.
I get the appeal of composites and those hidden clips, but I’ve actually run into some issues with board movement that were more than just minor. On a small dock project, a couple of boards shifted enough that the gaps got uneven—probably from expansion and contraction with the weather. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it did mess with the clean look over time. I’m starting to wonder if stainless screws, even though they’re visible, might offer more long-term stability in salty environments. The plastic clips are convenient, but I’m not totally sold on them for every situation.
I hear you on the shifting boards—nothing more frustrating than putting in the effort for a clean finish and then watching the gaps go all wonky after a season or two. But I’m not totally convinced that visible stainless screws are always the answer, even in salty air. I get that they’re reliable and you know exactly where every board is anchored, but I’ve seen plenty of decks where the screws start to corrode anyway, especially if someone tries to save a few bucks and goes with “stainless” that’s not really up to grade. Plus, the heads can start to look rough after a while, and then you’re stuck with a patchwork of shiny and rusty dots.
On the other hand, those hidden clips have their own headaches, like you said. I had a friend who used them on a pool deck, and the boards started to cup and shift just like you described. He ended up having to pull up half the boards to re-seat them, which was a pain. But I wonder if part of the problem is just the composite material itself—some brands seem to move more than others with temperature swings. Maybe it’s worth looking into brands that have better track records for stability, even if they cost a bit more up front.
I’m always torn between saving money now and avoiding headaches later. Sometimes I wonder if going old-school with pressure-treated wood and good quality fasteners is still the most budget-friendly way to go, even if it means more maintenance down the line. The composites are tempting, but between the price and these movement issues, I’m not sure they’re always worth it for every project.
Anyway, I guess there’s no perfect solution. Just depends on what you’re willing to compromise on—looks, longevity, or budget. If anyone’s found a magic combo that holds up in salty air without breaking the bank, I’d love to hear about it...
I’m always torn between saving money now and avoiding headaches later.
That’s the eternal struggle, right? I’ve had decks where I went “budget” on fasteners and regretted it every time. Sometimes I wonder if it’s just the salt air winning no matter what you do. Have you tried any of those newer coated screws? I’ve heard mixed things, but maybe they’re worth a shot.
