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 transversely joined with a grip element, the grip element projecting from the spacer block in a cantilevered manner, the grip element configured to fit in a first groove defined by a first board, the spacer block extending from an upper surface to a lower surface, and from a front surface to a rear surface which define a thickness therebetween, the thickness corresponding to a preselected gap between the first board and an adjacent second board;
• a fastener extending through the spacer block and the grip element, the fastener disposed between the front surface of the spacer block and the rear surface of the spacer block, the fastener including a fastener longitudinal axis;
• a first wing extending from the spacer block, the first wing including a first proximal end and a first distal end, the first distal end being bendable relative to a first reference plane to which the fastener longitudinal axis is orthogonal, the first wing defining a primary reference plane;
• and
• a first finger extending from the first distal end, the first finger being bendable relative to the primary reference plane, the first finger including a first finger engagement end,
• wherein the first wing is sized for insertion into the first groove,
• wherein the first finger engagement end engages a first groove surface of the first groove transferring a force to the first distal end to thereby bend the first distal end relative to the first reference plane.