Hidden Fastener Ready

Pregrooved Decking Boards

Pregrooved decking (available in Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, and Garapa) is milled with precision side grooves to accept hidden fastener clip systems—giving you a clean deck surface with no visible screws. Select your species from the dropdown below.Compare hidden fasteners • Installation guide.

Clean, screw-free surface using hidden deck fasteners

Faster installation and consistent spacing

Available by species, grade, and length with live pricing

What is Pregrooved (Pre-Grooved) Decking?

Pregrooved decking boards are milled with a groove along both edges of the board. That groove is designed to accept hidden deck fastener clips, allowing boards to be installed without face screws. The result is a cleaner finished look and a faster install compared to traditional top-fastened decking.

Pregrooved boards are commonly used for hardwood decking installations because they provide a premium appearance and help reduce common issues caused by face fastening—like surface checking around fastener heads and visible hardware.Learn about hidden fastener systems or view full installation guide.

Why Customers Choose Pregrooved Decking

Pregrooved decking is the preferred option when you want a clean surface and a professional finish.

No Visible Screws

No visible screws on the deck surface

Consistent Spacing

Consistent board spacing using a clip system

Faster Installation

Faster installation compared to pre-drilling and face-screwing hardwoods

Cleaner Appearance

Cleaner appearance over time since the board face isn't penetrated

Premium Look

Premium look for high-end decks, balconies, and rooftop applications

How Pregrooved Decking Works with Hidden Fasteners

Hidden fastener clip systems are designed to sit in the groove along each board edge. Learn more about comparing hidden fastener options or use our decking calculators to estimate materials needed.

Typical Installation Sequence:

Fastener clips are inserted into the groove and screwed down into the joist
Each board locks into the clips, creating uniform spacing
The next board engages the same clip system, continuing the pattern

This creates a clean deck surface with no hardware on the board face. If you prefer traditional face fastening, explore our eased-edge decking boards.

Shop Pregrooved Decking

Browse our inventory of pregrooved hardwood decking boards designed for hidden fasteners.

Compatible Hidden Fastener Systems

Pregrooved decking is compatible with most hidden fastener systems designed for grooved boards. Common clip systems include:

Ipe Clip® style systems
Tiger Claw® grooved board clips
Deckwise® grooved decking fasteners
Similar clip systems built for edge-grooved boards

Our Recommended Fastener: Ipe Clip®

We sell and recommend Ipe Clip® hidden fasteners for pregrooved hardwood decking. These clips are specifically designed for dense tropical hardwoods and provide superior holding power with easy installation.

If you're unsure which fastener system is best for your decking species or joist layout, contact us and we can recommend the correct system for your project.Compare hidden fastener options or browse all guides.

Installation Notes & Best Practices

Always follow local building codes (ICC) and consult the National Design Specification (NDS) for structural requirements.

Joist Spacing & Substructure

• Use a flat, properly supported substructure
• Joist spacing is commonly 16" on center
• Ensure adequate ventilation beneath the deck

Fasteners

• For dense hardwood decking, stainless steel fasteners are strongly recommended
• Use clip systems designed specifically for grooved hardwood decking

Natural Wood Movement

• Like all wood decking, pregrooved decking will expand and contract with seasonal moisture changes
• Proper spacing, airflow, and fastening technique are critical to long-term performance

Cut Ends

• Seal cut ends (especially hardwoods) to reduce end checking and improve durability