If you’re building your deck, there are several tools you will need. These include tools for layout and measuring; general carpentry and digging; cutting; fastening; smoothing, and shaping.

A good tape measure, as is a framing square and a speed square, is essential. Several types of clamps help hold pieces in alignment temporarily while you drive fasteners, including a pipe clamp and a squeeze or sliding clamp.

There are many different options for hidden fasteners for hardwood decking. We’ve done our best to narrow the choices and help you make an informed decision.

A deck extender is a perfect solution for homeowners looking to add outdoor space to their homes without replacing their existing deck with a new one. It is a cost-effective way to increase the size of your home and give you more room to entertain in style.

Choosing the right clip can be tricky, but it will ultimately make your life much easier and result in a more aesthetically pleasing finished product. It will also ensure that your decking will not be damaged by the natural expansion and contraction of wood over time.

Before deciding on a clip, research the product and its durability. For example, many companies were subjected to long-term cycle testing to ensure that they would hold up against repeated expansion and contraction of hardwood boards over time.

The QuickClip was then used for decking projects to test its stability and durability. This included a full year of constant use by contractors and homeowners alike.

It was able to withstand a full year of cyclical compression and release, the natural movement that wood undergoes as it is exposed to weather conditions. This gave us the confidence that the quick clip extender would provide a safe and secure decking option for years.

Whether building a deck from scratch or extending your current one, a few tools and equipment will be essential to complete the job safely and efficiently. These include a tape measure, a chalk line, and good hand tools for digging, cutting, screwing, and fastening.

For your tape measure, opt for a 25-foot tape that will handle most tasks. You might use a longer video for a more significant project for accuracy.

To help you with your measurements, a measuring tape with a built-in laser is ideal. This is helpful when laying out your floor and makes it easy to spot any misalignments or areas that need adjusting.

In addition, a laser is also helpful in cutting or resizing the boards you’re using for your deck. For more precision, a circular saw can also be used for these tasks.

Another handy tool is a hand sled, which can persuade tight boards into place. A flat pry bar will also do the job but can damage the wood if misused.

To add an extension to your deck, begin by marking out the outline of the desired new area with wooden stakes or mason’s twine. This will allow you to keep the extension square and ensure it stays level as you build it.

Choosing the Right Deck Support

Many deck tools and equipment help you get the job done right. These include framing and speed square, essential for checking corners and marking long lines. A tape measure and torpedo level are also necessary for checking levels.

Another essential tool is a deck compressor, which can save time from carrying a drill and screwdriver around the job site. The compressor is typically an 18- or 20-volt cordless model that has a clip you can load with screws to drive them fastening quickly and firmly.

It offers a one-step hidden fastener tool that eliminates the need for partial installation, but it still requires loading a new clip each time you want to replace a board. And since metal clips don’t cover the joist completely, you may have to tilt them to get consistent spacing between boards. Fortunately, Deck Clips combine plastic with metal for easy installation and strong holding power.

Installation

When installing your Quick Clip Extender, ensure you do it right first. The most effective way to do this is by adequately matching your fastening system to the base material you will be working with on-site, mainly if there are a wide range of variations in strength between the decking and the joists underneath. This will help prevent misalignments that may drive the tool piston into the wrong decking panel and potentially cause problems. In addition, if you are using a multi-tool to install the extension, it is also a good idea to ensure that the most efficient clip is the one you will use on the job. For example, the Edge Screw is an excellent choice as it features a patented rake tip that augers through your board material as it drives, reducing the potential for splitting and cracking and a never-miss guide to keeping you on track.