To experienced installers, would you say it is less effort to install with hidden fasteners than with screws and allows perfect straight gaps?

Hi Lucas, the use of the hidden fasteners would remove the task of having to create a gap in the material like you would with screws. In return, this should use less effort. We now have a One Step Fastener tool that you use with the Hidden Fasteners that cuts down on installation time as well. Please let us know if you have any additional questions. Thank you, Trex Customer Care Team