Camo Deck Screws

I recently decided to try a different type of fastener on a large deck project. Instead of fastening the pressure treated deck boards using the traditional screw through the top method I wanted to conceal the fasteners and discovered an edge fastening system called Camo.

The company claims to be the first "edge deck fastening system that easily and affordably attaches treated lumber, hardwood, cedar, composite or PVC deck-boards directly to the substructure, creating a beautiful, fastener-free deck surface."

The Tool

The system requires a special tool to properly set the angle and depth of the screw as it is screwed into the deck board. The tool runs around $50 and is durable and works very well.

The Screws

The Results

This deck project used 5/4 inch pressure treated decking and the end result was very impressive . The camo screws along with the camo tool worked very well. The tool is easy to use, aligns every screw properly and does a nice job spacing the individual deck boards. Another nice feature is that the tool will set the screw at the correct depth without splitting the wood. The screw heads held up very well. During this project there were occasions where deck boards had to be removed and I was able to easily remove screws and reinstall them.

Aesthetically the decking looked great when viewed from the top, the screws are noticeable when viewed from an angle but I think this is a minor detail considering the alternative method where screwing from the top leaves a much bigger blemish.