Are hidden fasteners a good choice for deck boards?

[Tomhanks]

Hey everyone, what are the pros and cons of using hidden fasteners for deck boards on a pressure-treated frame? How well do they hold up over time compared to face screws, especially with seasonal changes? Thank you in advance!

[Downaski]

Hi Tomhanks, hidden fasteners give a cleaner look and make the deck surface smoother, which is great for walking barefoot. They work well if the boards are straight and dry. But with pressure-treated wood, which tends to move more with seasonal changes, hidden fasteners can sometimes loosen or allow the boards to shift. Face screws usually hold better over time, especially with wood that expands and contracts. They're also easier to remove if you ever need to replace a board. So it's really a trade-off between appearance and long-term durability.

[Tomhanks]

Hey Downaski, thanks for the explanation. Also, does cupping or warping tend to happen more often with hidden fasteners on pressure-treated decks?