The Trex Hideaway Universal Hidden Fasteners for Aluminum Framing (PDF) provides step-by-step installation instructions for using Trex’s Universal Hidden Fasteners with aluminum framing systems and other metal substructures. This guide outlines the correct way to install grooved deck boards, maintain proper gapping, and secure fasteners to ensure long-term performance on projects where metal framing is required.
Trex Universal Hidden Fasteners are compatible with aluminum and steel framing systems when installed using the recommended 300-series stainless steel screws. The guide includes detailed notes on metal framing requirements, including double-joist spacing at butt joints, adjusting span framing per the framing manufacturer’s specifications, and maintaining the maximum 19 mm overhang at board ends.
Builders will find instructions for installing the first deck board using face screws or optional start clips, depending on the framing profile. The manual highlights how to pre-drill only the deck board—not the framing—when fastening the first board. For angled installations, the guide provides guidance on screw placement, spacing, and ensuring proper alignment to avoid twisting or gaps.
A key technique included in this guide is the use of a scrap grooved board to hold hidden fasteners in place while driving screws. This ensures the fastener remains straight and properly seated as the rest of the boards are installed. Instructions also cover how to install butt seams over sister-blocked joists, how to maintain correct gap spacing, and how to slide subsequent grooved boards into the installed fasteners.
The document also reinforces following Trex’s standard gapping guidelines for width-to-width (6.4 mm) and end-to-end spacing (3.1–4.8 mm depending on temperature). Safety notes emphasize using the correct fasteners for metal framing and consulting the framing manufacturer for structural requirements.
Download the full Trex Hideaway Universal Hidden Fasteners for Aluminum Framing (PDF) below for fastener diagrams, deck board preparation, spacing charts, and installation best practices. For help selecting the right Trex fasteners or aluminum framing solutions, contact your local TimberTown team—we’re always here to help you build smarter, longer-lasting outdoor spaces.
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