Hidden fastener unit and related method of use

A fastener unit adapted to secure at least one board to a support, the fastener unit comprising:

• a spacer block defining a first fastener hole configured to receive a fastener therein, the spacer block including a front surface, an opposing rear surface, a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface, the spacer block having a thickness extending from the front surface to the rear surface, the thickness corresponding to a gap between a first board and a second adjacent board, the spacer block including a vertical axis;
• a grip element extending from the front surface and the rear surface of the spacer block, the grip element aligned with the first fastener hole of the spacer block, the grip element configured to fit in and engage a first groove defined by the first board;
• wherein the spacer block includes a first resilient compression element extending outwardly from the first side surface on a first side of the vertical axis, the first resilient compression element being vertically compressible toward a first plane that is orthogonal to the vertical axis, the first resilient compression element configured to fit in and forcibly expand within the first groove of the first board, thereby securing the spacer block in a position adjacent the first groove defined by the first board,
• whereby the spacer block is configured to be disposed in the gap between the first board and the second adjacent board.

A method of using a fastener unit comprising:

• providing the fastener unit including a fastener, a spacer body defining a first fastener hole therethrough, a grip element joined with the spacer body and projecting outward from the spacer body, with the fastener projecting through at least a portion of the grip element, and a first resilient compression element extending laterally from the spacer body, the first resilient compression element including first and second portions that are operable in an open mode, and in a compression mode in which the first and second portions are moved toward a first plane that is orthogonal relative to a longitudinal axis of the fastener;
• converting the first and second portions from the open mode to the compression mode;
• inserting the first and second portions into a first groove of a first board;
• releasing the first and second portions so that the first and second portions forcibly engage the first groove, thereby holding the spacer body adjacent a first side surface of the first board adjacent the first groove.