Z-DECK Hidden Deck Fastener

The Z-DECK Hidden Deck Fastener is a concealed stainless steel deck board connector that creates a stronger hold than conventional face-screwing from above. The Z-shaped bracket hooks into a groove on the narrow side of the deck board, then screws horizontally into the board edge and vertically into the joist below — locking the board in place while allowing 4–6 mm of natural wood movement for shrinking and swelling.

Every component is stainless steel: the connector body and the two included countersunk screws with self-tapping tips. This makes the Z-DECK suitable for the most demanding exterior environments, from residential terraces to beach boardwalks and boat docks. Testing by Holzforschung Austria confirmed the Z-DECK exceeds their performance requirements, with particularly strong results on hardwoods and tropical wood species.

Despite the robust connection, every board can be removed individually without disturbing its neighbors — unscrew and unhook one board at a time.

Features and Benefits

• Concealed from the first board to the last — no visible hardware on the deck surface
• Stronger than conventional face-screwing from above
• Very robust — suitable for beach docks, boat docks, and commercial boardwalks
• Individual board replacement — any single board can be removed without affecting adjacent boards
• Optimal wood protection through self-cleaning joint design that sheds water and debris
• Increased security against board twisting — the hook engagement resists rotational forces
• Allows 4–6 mm of natural wood shrinking and swelling
• All stainless steel construction — connector and screws
• Exceeds the testing requirements of Holzforschung Austria
• Proven performance with hardwoods and tropical woods including oak, ipe, and cumaru

• Residential wood decks and terraces
• Commercial outdoor terraces and public boardwalks
• Beach and boat docks
• Marina and waterfront decking
• Hardwood and tropical wood deck installations

• Material: Stainless steel (connector and screws)
• Set Contents: 1 pc. Z-DECK stainless steel connector + 2 pcs. CS-screw stainless steel 4.5 × 35 mm with self-tapping tip
• Wood Movement Allowance: 4–6 mm shrink/swell
• Recommended Joint Spacing: Starting at 7 mm
• Maximum Recommended Board Length: 3 meters (9.8 ft.)
• Coverage (500 mm joist spacing): Approx. 28 connectors/m² for 150 mm boards; approx. 40 connectors/m² for 100 mm boards
• Packaging Coverage: 9 m²/unit (150 mm boards); 6 m²/unit (100 mm boards)

Steps

1. Cut a groove on the narrow (edge) side of each deck board for the Z-DECK hook. This can be done with a table saw, router, or CNC.
2. Hook the Z-DECK connector into the edge groove of the deck board.
3. Drive the first included screw horizontally through the connector into the board edge to secure the connector to the board.
4. Position the board with the attached connector onto the joist.
5. Drive the second included screw vertically through the connector down into the joist to secure the assembly to the substructure.
6. Repeat at every joist crossing for each board across the deck.

Tips

• Even the best connecting system cannot offset poor quality timber. Ensure that timber is dry and avoid timber from the core (pith wood) and spiral-grained boards.
• Maximum recommended board length is 3 meters (9.8 ft.).
• Recommended joint spacing starts at 7 mm.
• Pre-drill when working with hardwoods, particularly oak.
• Follow the installation instructions of your timber supplier in addition to the Z-DECK installation guide.