Abstract: A system is disclosed for assembling a deck structure. The system includes an elongate joist member having at least one inwardly facing slot. Each slot has an interior portion and an entrance that is narrower than the interior portion. A mounting bracket has a first leg that engages the joist member and a second leg that is attached to and extends at an angle from the first leg for engaging a section of the deck structure. The bracket is connected to the joist member by at least one primary connector element that is retained by and extends from a respective slot and engages a corresponding opening in the first leg of the bracket. There is at least one secondary connector. Each secondary connector element is engaged with a corresponding primary connector element to restrict the bracket from disengaging the corresponding primary connector element. A mounting bar for plank retaining clips may be mounted to a stringer, a joist member or some other part of the deck frame.