Planning to build your deck but you’re looking to get the highest quality materials on the market? Obviously, the deck hardware, including the screws for decking, are an important upgrade that you’ll want to look into.
In this article, you’ll find out more about the best deck screws, what are the ones you should avoid, and some other high-quality materials you can use to create the best outdoor space that you’ll ever have!
Without further ado, dive right in!
The Best Screws For Decking
Deck screws come in a variety of designs. #10 decking screws are a good all-around option, available in lengths ranging from 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches. Decking screws are sharp, tapered, self-draining, and coated for corrosion resistance. You can drive them with a cordless drill/driver as quickly as nails.
Deck screws are considerably quicker to drive and have a greater holding power than nails. Even though screws are easier to remove than nails, they must be driven accurately without stripping the head.
The best screws for decking are the stainless steel screws. They are corrosion resistant and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Another option is the coated deck screws. They have a coating that helps to prevent rust and corrosion.
Decking Nails
Nails are measured in penny or d, size, which denotes their length. The gauge of a nail increases as the penny size grows; a 16d nail is longer and fatter than an 8d.
- Nails with broad heads and thick shanks are used for framing in general. They stay put, but they're difficult to drive and occasionally split the wood.
- Box nails, thinner than common nails of the same size, reduce splitting in 3/4-inch or thinner boards.
- The design of ring shank and spiral nails make them unlikely to loosen or fall out over time, as they grip the wood fibers tightly. However, this also makes them tricky to remove when you need to.
- Finishing nails have slender shanked, small, barrel shaped headed nails that are perfect for trim work! Sink the heads in for a professional look.
- Casing nails are thicker and heavier than finishing nails, making them ideal for projects that require more holding power.
Power Fasteners
Carpentry projects often require fasteners, such as nails and screws. Power fasteners are a type of tool that helps to speed up the process by using compressed air or an explosive charge.
Here at Deck Bros, we’re using the latest technology when it comes to fasteners, drills, materials, and all sorts of tools for that matter. We’re making deck building a quick and simple process.
While power fasteners may be pricey, you can always rent the tool you need from your local rental store. Not to mention, they offer various advantages in comparison to a standard hammer and nails set:
- The left hand can be used to fire the weapon while the right one steadies the operation and maintains it upright.
- The nail is driven out of the gun with a single blow, eliminating the repeated hammer blows that might cause a piece to fall out of alignment.
- The risk of a nail bending or colliding with the deck and dinging it is eliminated.
- The nails used in nail guns are thin and have blunt tips, ensuring that the wood piece is never split.
- You can hit nails into locations or postures that would be difficult to reach with a hammer.
- Many guns can be set for countersinking fasteners or leaving them flush with the surface.
Heavy-Duty Screws and Bolts
To secure a big item, such as a pole, use a lag screw or a carriage bolt. If the timber contracts in subsequent years, bolts are stronger and can be tightened. Always put washers under the head of a lag screw or the nut on a carriage bolt to prevent the fastener from disappearing into the wood.
Attach a ledger to brick, block, or concrete using lag screws and masonry anchors. If you need to only attach the ledger temporarily, then use masonry screws instead. They will not hold as well but are much easier to drive in without needing anchors.
The Right Size For Deck Screws, Fasteners, And Nails
Use these ideas to get your deck fasteners sized correctly the first time:
- Decking: Attach 5/4 decking with 2 1/2-inch stainless steel deck screws or 12d ring shank or spiral nails. Make sure you're getting composite deck screws.
- Rails: Attach 1x trim, rails, and cap rails with 10d, 8d, and 6d galvanized, steel or aluminum finishing nails. Again, stainless steel decking screws will also work great, if not better.
- Framing: In 2x stock, use 10d or 16d common, spiral, or ring shank nails (or decking screws) in 10d or 16d common, sparkling silver. 8d or 10d box or ring shank nails (or shorter deck screws) should be used in thinner stock. Attach framing hardware with the fasteners supplied by the manufacturer using 16d nails or 3-inch deck screws, as required by your building code.
What Are The Best Deck Screws
There are many different types of screws that can be used for decking, but when it comes to the best screw for the job, stainless steel deck screws are hard to beat. They are durable, rust-resistant, and will not corrode over time.
You’ll find all these screws in home improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot.
They also have a Phillips head that allows for easy installation. If you are looking for an alternative to stainless steel deck screws, you can also use galvanized steel or aluminum screws. These types of screws will also provide a long-lasting hold, but they may not be as resistant to rust and corrosion as stainless steel screws.
No matter if it’s composite decking or wooden decking, your deck boards will be safest with stainless screws for decking or coated screws for decking. These are deck screws specifically designed to withstand everything Mother Nature throws at it, and they’re definitely the best deck screws on the market these days.
Conclusion
Screws, nails, and anchoring hardware must withstand many years of moisture, therefore it’s critical to use a reliable fastening method.
- For example, standard galvanized fasteners have a single layer of protection against rust, which might eventually flake off.
- While double-dipped galvanized fasteners may offer more protection, coated fasteners made specifically for decks will last longer.
- Stainless steel is an expensive deck fastener material, but it's one of the best screws for decking on the market.
Here at Deck Bros, we’re taking care of your project from start to finish. We’ve been building decks for a lifetime now and we know what’s the most cost-effective solution for your deck before we even see it.
Check out our deck building offer and give us a ring at (402) 369-5724. Or request your free quote and we’ll call back within two days to discuss your upcoming deck construction.