6 Types of Deck Screws: Everything You Need to Know to Choose the Best Deck Fasteners
You've put in so much time and money to build a fantastic deck, and now it's falling apart or becoming unsafe because the fasteners just didn't do their job. Understanding the different types of deck screws and choosing the right one from the start can help you avoid safety issues and give you a solid and durable outdoor space.
Types of Fasteners for Decking
Stainless Steel Deck Screws
Stainless steel fasteners might seem to cost a bit more initially, but they really help keep your repair and maintenance costs down in the long run.
Just make sure you’re picking the right stainless steel grade to get the best results.
304 stainless steel deck screws work great for decking projects in inland or areas where you don't have to worry too much about extreme weather or saltwater.
316 stainless steel deck screws are best for decking projects within 5 kilometers (3.11 miles) of the coast or marine environments where exposure to saltwater or sea air is common.
If your deck is situated around a pool, these marine-grade deck screws are designed to withstand the corrosive effects of chlorine and other harsh chemicals. Also, stainless steel decking screws work best with pressure-treated wood because they don't corrode easily, which is very important when working with chemically treated lumber.
The best stainless steel deck screws have a Type-17 point and Torx drive. This ensures a strong, secure, and efficient deck construction.
Coated Deck Screws
Coated decking screws are available in various colors to match the aesthetic of your deck.
These screws are suitable for moist environments but are not ideal for coastal applications.
Even though they might not stick around as long as stainless steel screws, you can make them last a bit longer by proper installation. If you damage the coating as you're installing these fasteners, the underlying material will be exposed to moisture and air, leading to rust. It is of all importance to use a snug-fitting driver and proper torque control when driving coated screws.
Coated screws may not be the way to go for commercial decking. The coating on the screws can be worn through by constant friction (foot traffic and environmental factors) and heavy loads.
Composite Decking Screws
One of the biggest selling points of composite decking is its low maintenance requirements. A simple wash is usually enough to keep it in good condition.
Composite decking screws are specifically engineered to minimize mushrooming and provide superior holding power in composite materials.
Available in both coated and various grades of stainless steel, give serious consideration to the prevailing environmental conditions when making your choice.
These fasteners are available in colors that match common composite decking tones, improving the appearance of your deck.
Galvanized Screws
Galvanized screws are a budget-friendly option for DIY enthusiasts.
Although these screws offer good rust resistance, they are not as resistant to rust or as durable as stainless steel marine deck screws.
Of particular importance to consider is that the hot dip galvanizing process tends to clog recesses and fine threads, so these screws often have coarse threads and oversized Philips drives.
Once the galvanized coating wears off, these fasteners can rust, creating unsightly rust streaks on your deck's surface.
Structural and Framing Screws
There are several good reasons to use structural and framing screws when building your deck.
Structural screws are designed to withstand stress and heavy loads. They are made with high-grade materials that can handle the weight and movement on your deck.
Thanks to their advanced threading and sharp points, structural screws are easier to drive into wood than nails, saving you time and effort.
Unlike nails, screws are much better at holding joists and beams together, making the deck structure safer and more stable.
Hidden Deck Fasteners
For a clean and smooth deck surface with no visible screws or nails, hidden deck fasteners are the best option.
With no visible hardware, cleaning and maintaining your deck becomes easier, contributing to a pristine and more enjoyable outdoor space.
Since these fasteners are not exposed to moisture and debris, they can help extend the life of your decking material.
They are also great for high-quality or exotic decking materials. These fasteners provide a uniform appearance across the entire deck, ensuring consistency, especially in large commercial projects.
Save Your Money and Time by Installing the Best Deck Screw
If you want to build a deck that will last, you need to buy high-quality deck screws from a reliable source. If you buy cheap or fake decking screws, they might not hold your deck together properly, which could be dangerous and cost a lot to fix later on.
Choose Eagle Claw Fasteners' high-quality deck screws. Our fasteners are designed by decking experts, giving you the peace of mind that you're building a deck that stands the test of time. Our Torx head screws are available in 304 grade or 316 marine grade stainless steel at various lengths and box sizes.
FAQs on Types of Deck Screws
What factors should I consider when choosing deck screws?
There are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you're choosing the right type of deck screws for your deck.
Material: Go for ones that are made from corrosion-resistant material.
Type of Deck: If you're going with composite decking, make sure to grab some composite-specific screws to avoid any damage.
Screw Head: Choose the screw head type that ensures ease of installation and adds aesthetic appeal to your deck. We suggest using a Star drive (TORX) head. Star drive (TORX) head prevents cam-out, preserving the screw and prolonging driver life.
Climate: If you're near the coast, go for the 316 grade stainless steel deck screws.
What size screws for deck framing?
When you're framing a deck, you'll usually need:
Length:
- 2 1/2-inch screws are great for securing deck boards to the framing or for putting on smaller trim pieces.
- 3-inch screws are perfect for securing 2x4 or 2x6 boards. They strike a nice balance between penetration and hold, which makes them great for general deck construction.
- 3 1/2-inch screws are great for those higher-stress connections where you need a bit more holding power. Use this size when you're securing double joists, rim joists, or ledger boards.
Diameter:
- #10 or #12 gauge screws for adequate strength
- #14 for very heavy duty applications.
What length deck screw should I select?
The general rule of thumb is for the screw to be three times the length of the material you're fastening. For 1" thick decking, a 3" long screw is the way to go.
Can I use any screw to hold down my deck area?
No, you definitely want to use screws that are made for decking:
Deck Screws: Designed to resist corrosion and can handle all kinds of weather.
Structural Screws: When building the framing and joists, go for heavy-duty structural screws. These also come in stainless steel as well as galvanized options.
Using the wrong screws can cause decking components to break down early and create safety issues.
What kinds of deck screw heads are there?
Deck screw heads come in different styles to match various needs and looks:
Flat Head: It sits level with the decking surface for a nice, smooth look.
Bugle Head: The tapered design lets screws sink slightly into the decking material.
Trim Head: It's got a smaller diameter, so it looks less obvious—perfect for composite decking.
Choosing the right head type makes installation easier and keeps things looking neat.
How do I choose the right deck screw bit?
The type of screw head determines which deck screw bit to use:
Phillips Head Screws: Use a Phillips bit, which is common but prone to cam-out.
Star Drive Screws (Torx): For better power and less stripping, use a Torx bit.
Square Drive Screws: For a tight fit, use a square drive bit.
But don’t be overwhelmed by the range of choices! Do not hesitate to give us a call or join our live chat for advice as to the best solution for your project. You’re welcome anytime.