In this video, Handyguy Brian talks with Ray from Decks R Us about the best decks boards for do-it-yourselfers. For those people who want to install a deck by themselves, there are a multitude of deck boards that are accommodating to any DIY skill level.

Groove on Groove Decking

Ray suggests deck boards with a hidden fastener system. He goes on to explain that groove on groove decking with this hidden fastener system is the easiest form of deck installation. Groove on groove decking will provide the homeowner with clips so that they can install deck boards easily. The homeowner then just needs a screw gun in order to install this type of decking.

Composite Deck Screws

Another option is old fashioned composite deck screws. The screws for these decks go in from the top of the deck board. Just find the screws that match the color of the deck board that you are putting in, and you will be set. You can also find better quality screws that recess and are designed not to mushroom up to the surface.

Decking from Scratch

If you want to build a deck from scratch, you can also cut your own grooves with a biscuit joiner. This technique is more difficult than finding deck boards that already have pre-cut grooves. Ray suggests a company called Cortex that sells screws with a special bit that goes into the deck board. Cortex also sells plugs made out of the deck board that cover deck screws so that you can no longer see them.

When choosing a decking material, vinyl and PVC decking is easier to work with than composite or capped composite deck boards. Vinyl wrapped composite would need to be pre-drilled whereas straight Vinyl or PVC decking can be screwed without pre-drilling. From easy groove on groove decking to building a deck from scratch, every level of DIY homeowner has options for their brand new deck.