Deck Problems - Composite Decking & Mushrooming

Not Using Composite Deck Fasteners Does Have Consequences

One of the drawbacks of building a deck with composite decking and using the face screwing method is mushrooming.

Composite decking can "mushroom" when face screwing methods are utilized and the deck builder uses cheap composite decking screws. Basically, since composite decking is made of both plastic, wood, and glue, when a cheap deck screw is drilled into a composite deck board, some of the hard material often will rise above the deck surface and around the screw hole. It looks like the compote materials mushroomed over the screw hole. This can happen even days or weeks after the deck is installed!

While I don't have a picture to show, you (instead the one here is of some composite deck boards that are out of place because the deck builder didn't use deck fasteners), I can tell you that a deck with a bunch of mushroom holes is gross and disgusting to look at. Getting rid of them can also be a tedious task. You can end up scratching your deck surface if you try to remove them carelessly, or with the wrong deck tools.

Prevent Composite Decking Problems with Deck Fasteners

Building a composite deck with deck fasteners is not only a practical idea, but it can make your new deck have less problems in the long run. If you value the money you're about to spend on a new deck, then there's no good reason to not use hidden deck fasteners to prevent composite decking problems. The last think you can afford is to have an unsightly deck that will make you lose time and money in the future.