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Popular Ipe Clip & Hidden Deck Fastener Systems
All hidden deck fastener systems require pre-grooved Ipe boards. We can custom mill grooves into your order â just add it to your quote request.
Ipe ClipÂź Extreme
The original and most popular clip for Ipe decking. Stainless steel construction for maximum durability.
Ipe ClipÂź Extreme4
Four-way design for grooved boards. Faster installation than traditional two-piece clips.
Tiger ClawÂź TC-G
Heavy-duty hidden fastener with positive board engagement. Great for wider joist spacing.
Ipe Clip & Hidden Deck Fastener Specifications
Fastener material selection follows corrosion-resistance guidelines from the Engineering Toolbox.
Material
Stainless Steel 304/316
Compatible Wood
Grooved Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood
Joist Spacing
12", 16", or 24" OC (varies by clip)
Coverage
â75-100 clips per 100 sq ft
Installation
Pre-grooved boards required
Warranty
Varies by manufacturer
Why Use Ipe Clips & Hidden Deck Fasteners?
The professional choice for high-end Ipe and hardwood decks
Clean, screw-free deck surface
No exposed fastener heads - professional finish
Prevents surface staining from metal corrosion
Easier deck cleaning - no screw heads to catch mops
Allows natural wood expansion and contraction
Increases resale value of your deck
Hidden Deck Fasteners vs Face-Screwed Installation
Both methods work well for Ipe decking. Choose Ipe clips for a seamless finish, or face-screwing for budget-friendly installs.
Hidden Fasteners
- Clean surface - no visible screws
- Professional finish - premium appearance
- Requires grooved boards - custom milling
- Higher material cost - clips add expense
- Slightly longer install - but worth it
Face-Screwed (Traditional)
- Visible screw heads - functional look
- Traditional appearance - still attractive
- Standard boards - no grooves needed
- Lower material cost - no clips required
- Faster installation - direct screwing
How to Install Ipe Clips & Hidden Deck Fasteners
Order Grooved Boards
Hidden fasteners require pre-grooved Ipe boards. We can mill grooves on both edges of your decking boards. Add this to your quote request.
Calculate Clip Quantity
Plan for approximately 75-100 clips per 100 square feet of decking, depending on joist spacing and clip system used.
Follow Manufacturer Instructions
Each clip system has specific installation requirements. Always follow the manufacturer's installation guide for best results.
Hidden Deck Fastener FAQs
What are hidden deck fasteners and how do they work?
Hidden deck fasteners are small clips or biscuits that secure decking boards from below or from the side, eliminating visible screws on the deck surface. They slot into a groove pre-routed along the edge of each decking board. As you install each board, a clip snaps into the groove and fastens to the joist with a screw, then the next board slides over it â producing a completely screw-free, clean deck surface.
Are hidden fasteners the best choice for ipe wood decking?
Yes â hidden fasteners are strongly recommended for ipe wood decking. Ipe is an exceptionally dense hardwood (Janka hardness 3680 lbf) that requires pre-drilling for every fastener. Using hidden clips like the Ipe ClipÂź Extreme means fewer penetrations through the board face, which preserves the wood's integrity, allows natural seasonal movement, and produces the premium screw-free look that ipe deserves. They also simplify installation for contractors.
How many hidden fasteners do I need per square foot of decking?
As a general rule, plan on approximately 175â200 Ipe ClipÂź Extreme fasteners per 100 square feet of decking (with standard 16" joist spacing). The exact count depends on board width, joist spacing, and whether boards run on an angle. Our team can help calculate your specific project requirements â call 1-844-674-4455 or request a quote.
Do ipe boards need to be pre-grooved for hidden fasteners?
Yes â most hidden fastener systems require grooved decking boards. At Ipe Woods USA, our grooved ipe decking is pre-routed at the mill so clips fit perfectly without additional on-site milling. If you have ungrooved ipe boards, you can use a biscuit joiner or router to cut the groove yourself, but ordering pre-grooved boards saves significant labor time on larger projects.
Can I retrofit hidden fasteners on an existing ipe deck?
Retrofitting hidden fasteners on a fully installed deck is generally not practical â the clips require access from the side during board installation. For a full retrofit, the deck boards would need to be removed, grooved, and reinstalled with clips.
What is the difference between Ipe ClipÂź Extreme and Extreme4?
The Ipe ClipÂź Extreme is the original single-clip design. The Ipe ClipÂź Extreme4 is a four-way design that can be installed from either side of the board, making it faster to install and reducing installation time by up to 30% on large decks.