Why are decks built with screws?

For deck boards, screws are the fasteners you want to use for holding strength. They provide excellent retention of the boards and prevent the dreaded board squeak that occurs when nails are used. Board squeak is what happens when there is distance between the deck board and the frame.

Is it better to build a deck with screws or nails?

Decking screws are better than nails when building a deck. Decking screws hold down your decking more securely than nails and will stop your decking from warping. Also, you can easily remove screws for deck maintenance without causing damage.

Are deck screws necessary?

Just like any other fastener or component, screws are purpose designed which means that deck screws and wooden screws are quite different. Deck screws have a major advantage over nails and wooden screws: they eliminate the risk and stress of the material splitting, cracking, and becoming weak at the fastening point.

Why do you build decks with screws not nails?

The Consensus:

Screws are superior for laying down the decking. They hold things flush better and have a better fastener/tensile strength, which keeps boards from popping up over time. However, unless you use more expensive structural screws you need to use nails for structural elements and joists.

What is special about decking screws?

Decking screws are weather resistant so they can stand up to the great outdoors. They come in either carbon steel or stainless steel that provides high resistance to corrosion. The deck screw has a countersunk head so they sit low giving you a level finish to the surface.

Nails Vs Screws || Dr Decks

Do you put deck screws in every joist?

Tip #1 - Fastening Deck Boards

This means using two screws on each end, and using two screws towards the outside of the boards at every joist along the way. Doing this will help keep the boards firmly in place and won't give it the freedom to warp or cup.

Should I hide deck screws?

Hidden deck fasteners are a nice way to keep the surface of your deck looking clear and unencumbered. But they are not the right fastener for all decks. In fact, using hidden deck fasteners inappropriately is a formula for failure. Some deck projects require the stronger fastening power of face screws.

Where should you not use deck screws?

Our inspectors have seen a disturbing trend of late: people using wood or deck screws when building structural elements. This means ordinary wood screws cannot be used to attach rafters to top plates, or joists to beams. Nor can wood screws be used to install joist hangers.

Should deck screws rust?

Most screws will rust when exposed to moisture unless they are dipped in a rust-resistant coating. If the coating chips or flakes away, rust may form under the coating which can then undermine the strength of the screw.

Why do home builders use nails instead of screws?

Not only are they easier to install than screws, but nails are also easier to remove. If a building component needs replacing, a worker can easily remove a nail using a hammer or similar tool. To remove a screw, construction and carpentry workers must use a screwdriver, which generally requires more time and energy.

How long do deck screws last?

Galvanized steel costs less and protects less

It's the zinc coating that protects a galvanized-steel deck screw from corrosion, but what makes these fasteners especially attractive is the price, far lower than stainless. Depending on exposure and production variables, galvanized-steel screws should last 10 or 15 years.

Are deck screws OK for treated lumber?

Screws used in deck building must be able to endure the weather, structural loads, and the caustic nature of natural and chemical wood preservatives. Galvanized, ceramic coated, or stainless steel screws are the best corrosion-resistant fasteners for pressure-treated cedar or redwood.

What are the disadvantages of screws?

Disadvantages and Limitations of Screw Drive

Limited holding power: Screws may not provide the same holding power as other fasteners, such as welding, and riveting, which can limit their use in certain applications. In structural components, standard screws may not be able to provide the necessary support or strength.

What is the best method to attach deck boards?

It is a well-known fact that face screwing wood decking boards directly into the deck joists is the strongest deck fastening method available. Two screws per board width, fastening at every joist location provides extra lateral bracing for the entire deck, not just the deck boards.

Should I use 8 or 10 screws for decking?

A good all-around choice is #10 decking screws—generally in 2 1/2- to 3 1/2-inch lengths. Decking screws are sharp, tapered, self-sinking, and coated for corrosion resistance. With a cordless drill/driver, you can drive them about as fast as nails.

How far in should deck screws go?

The majority of fastening will be done once all of the boards are tacked down. The screw length is very important; these screws need to penetrate in the joist by 1-1/2 inches.

Why use green deck screws?

Blued screws are heat-treated until the oil is completely burned off, which increases holding power. Deck screws are typically coloured brown or green and are made to withstand the highly corrosive chemicals in pressure-treated lumber.

Does pressure treated wood corrode screws?

Almost all available pressure preservative treated wood products in the market are ACQ treated wood. There are numerous cases of corrosion of connectors and fasteners with ACQ treated wood products.

How often do you need to screw in decking?

Once you know the lineal meterage of decking required it is quite easy to approximate how many screws you will need. Say you need 500lm of decking, divide that by . 450 which is your standard joist spacing. Then times it by 2 because each decking board need 2 screw to fix it to each joist.

Should you drill pilot holes for deck screws?

It is important to note that while composite screws eliminate the need to pre-drill the vast majority of the deck, pre-drilling is still required around the perimeter (within 1" of the end of the board) as well as on stair treads.

What deck screws won't rust?

Stainless Steel Fasteners

304 fasteners are highly rust-resistant. These nails and screws are a great option for drier climates. Stainless steel 316 is the recommended fastener choice for humid climates. Known as "marine grade fasteners," they're made from nickel, chromium and a metal called molybdenum.

Are deck screws waterproof?

Stainless Steel Nails And Screws

Both have properties that make them weather resistant, and are especially hardy against rain. Our A2/304 grade stainless steel screws are recommended for use in timber cladding and decking applications. This makes them a versatile choice when it comes to outdoor screws and nails.

Do Trex hidden fasteners go on every joist?

» Ninety connector clips will cover approximately 5 m2 using 140 mm decking boards on 450 mm centers. NOTE: When using hidden fasteners (both start and connector clips), one must be used on every joist.

Do you fill screw holes on a deck?

What's the purpose of deck screws being ceramic?

These coated, self-tapping screws are covered with a ceramic material that provides additional protection against corrosion, making them well-suited for use in outdoor environments.