Both profiles use the same wood — the difference is how the boards attach and how the surface looks.
Grooved (Hidden Fastener)
- Side-grooved boards accept hidden clips
- Cleaner finished surface with no visible screws
- Faster on long, straight runs
- Slightly higher material cost
S4S (Face-Screwed)
- Standard four-sides-square board, plug or face-screw
- Most flexible — works at any board length
- Lower material cost
- Visible fastener pattern (can be plugged for clean look)
How to Choose
Pick grooved for design-forward decks with long uninterrupted runs. Pick S4S for budget-sensitive projects, complex layouts, or any deck where you may need to remove a board for service access.
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