Pressure-Treated (ACQ) |
| 1023-FP5, 1027-FP5 | ProMax® Stainless Steel Auger Point (Self-Drill) |
| 1024-FA5, 1030-FA5 | Type 305 Stainless Auger Point (Self-Drill) |
| 0823-FPT, 0827-FPT | ProMax® NoCoRode Plus Dekkers™ (Self-Drill) |
| 0824-FCT, 0830-FCT | NoCoRode Plus Standard Point |
Trex®, TimberTech®, Fiberon®, Boardwalk®, Composite Lumber |
| Composite Deck Screws, | SST Deck Screw Color Match |
| 1025-S54, 1025-S34 | S.S. DeckFast Composite-Lumber Screw |
| LCS, TMR & TLS | Epoxy-Coated Composite-Lumber Screw |
| 0925-LMD, 0925-SGP | Composite-Lumber Screw |
Western Red Cedar, Redwood, Teak, Ipe, Pau Lope™ |
| 1023-FP5, 1027-FP5 | ProMax® Stainless Steel Auger Point (Self-Drill) |
| 1024-FA5, 1030-FA5 | Type 305 Stainless Auger Point (Self-Drill) |
| 1024-SFB | Type 305 Stainless Headcote Auger Point Painted Head |
Seaside Applications |
| 1024-SD6, 1030-SD6 | Type 316 Stainless for Seaside Docks |
| 1024-FA5, 1030-FA5 | Type 305 Stainless for Inland Decks |
WHICH DECK SCREW SHOULD I USE?
Selecting the best fastener for any decking job requires answering just three easy questions: What decking material will be used? Will the deck be exposed to a corrosive environment? Finally, how thick is the decking material?
The choice of fastener material is dictated by both the decking material and the environment. Galvanized screws work well with pressure-treated decking, while Redwood or Western Red Cedar decks are usually built with stainless steel screws to prevent staining around the screw heads. The new man-made decking materials, such as Trex® polymer wood, can be fastened with either galvanized-steel, ceramic-coated or stainless steel screws. Tropical wood decking, such as Ipe, Pau Lope™ or Teak, is generally fastened with stainless steel screws for virtually a lifetime of maintenance-free service. The corrosive atmosphere of a seaside location dictates a minimum of type 305 stainless steel fasteners, regardless of the decking material used. Docks, because of their more severe service requirements, should be built with type 316 stainless steel screws.
Screw material also dictates the screw gauge required. Our hardened-steel NoCoRode Plus screws are strong enough that #8s are adequate for most applications, while the softer stainless steel normally requires a #10 screw. If you are in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions or if the structure may experience unusual loads, consult a Licensed Professional Engineer for design assistance.
Fastener length is easiest to determine, since it is governed by the thickness of the decking itself. Standard 2x4s or 2x6s require a 3 in. L fastener, while 5/4x4s or 5/4x6s only require a 2-1/2 in. L fastener. With rare exceptions, it’s that simple.
The following table lists fasteners commonly used for decking applications:
ProMax® Optimized Thread Length™: What It Means and Why You’ll Like It!
Deck screws are a good example of Optimized Thread Length™. The screws normally used to install 2x4s or 2x6s for decking are 3 in. L and have 1 in. of unthreaded shank. Since 2x4 and 2x6 deck material is 1-1/2 in. thick, the threads bridge the joint, as shown, resulting in either an uneven and unsightly surface or screws that are over-driven trying to “pull the board down.”ProMax screws are different. Thread length is optimized to eliminate crossthreading. Plus, the 1/8 in. L system allows use of the longest possible screw.
ProMax® is a registered trademark of McFeely’s® Square Drive Screws
FAQs
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.
Should I use #8 or #10 deck screws? ›
Screw material also dictates the screw gauge required. Our hardened-steel NoCoRode Plus screws are strong enough that #8s are adequate for most applications, while the softer stainless steel normally requires a #10 screw.
What deck screws should I use? ›
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.
What is the best screw system for a deck? ›
We suggest using GuardDog for pressure-treated, redwood and cedar deck screws. Autofeed Deck Screws are fantastic for ipe and any hardwood decks. Since it's made of stainless steel, it's also great for use on decks near salt or freshwater and any type of 'wet' environment.
What length decking screws do I need? ›
We would recommend using deck screws to fix your deck boards down, ensuring that the screw length is at least 2.5 times the thickness of the board to be fixed. Screws should be positioned at quarter points i.e. 25% in from the board edges and 25mm in from board ends.
Should decking be screwed to every joist? ›
Securing the joists
The decking board must be secured to every joist that it covers along the sub-frame. Make sure to use two decking screws where each board meets a joist.
Should I use a #8 or #10 screw? ›
#8 General furniture construction, cabinets, light construction. Good all-purpose. From 5/8" to 3" lengths. #10 General construction, heavy-duty furniture, outdoor projects, decks, lawn furniture, boat building, etc.
Should I pre drill holes for deck screws? ›
Do deck screws always need pilot holes? That is a question contractors ask all the time. As a general rule, pilot holes are recommended when attaching deck boards to framing.
Should you countersink deck screws? ›
When the screws are countersunk, you get a cleaner and more professional look. Your choice of deck screws matters.
How deep should you drive deck screws? ›
Drive the deck screws into the board so that they are flush with the top of the board itself; slightly deeper than flush is alright, too. You just want to prevent screws from being too high or too low on the boards.
You can, however, use deck screws for pressure treated wood to build an outdoor structure. These bolts are sturdy and can withstand harsh weather and the corrosive properties of the wood.
What are the best wood screws for outdoor use? ›
Several options are available regarding what type of screw is best for outdoor use. - Deck screws and coated screws are among the most popular and widely used. - Silicon bronze and stainless steel are also good choices, as they have excellent rust resistance and corrosion protection.
Should I use stainless steel deck screws? ›
In fact, it is recommended to use stainless steel screws for outdoor projects such as decking, as they are resistant to rust and corrosion. It is important to use the appropriate size and length of screws for your particular decking material and thickness to ensure proper installation.
How to choose a decking screw? ›
Diameter: Most opt for 10-gauge (10g) screws, but 12-gauge (12g) screws are more common for wider decking materials. Length: The most common length is 60mm, suitable for most decks. Ensure a minimum of 40mm embedment, leaving a maximum of 20mm of decking material exposed. Use longer screws for thicker decking material.
What gauge decking screws should I use? ›
Which Screw is Best for your Deck?
| Board Width | Screw Gauge | Spacing between Boards |
|---|
| 70mm – 90mm | 7-10G | 4-6mm |
| 90mm – 120mm | 10-12G | 5-8mm |
| 120mm+ | 14G | 8-12mm |
The thickness of your deck boards is the primary determinant for screw size. There are deck boards with different thicknesses for example a 1″ x 6″ will have a finished thickness of 3/4″. A 5/4 x 6 deck board will have a finished thickness of one inch. For these boards, 2 1/2″ to 3″ screws are generally recommended.
How many screws should I put in decking? ›
The general rule of thumb for standard deck fasteners is 350 screws for every 100 square feet of decking, which is based on standard 6" wide boards (5-1/2" actual), and 16" joist spacing.
What size screws to attach 5'4" deck boards? ›
A 5/4 x 6 deck board will have a finished thickness of one inch. For these boards, 2 1/2″ to 3″ screws are generally recommended. This length ensures that the screw penetrates sufficiently into the joist below, providing a secure connection.
How deep should deck screws go? ›
Drive the deck screws into the board so that they are flush with the top of the board itself; slightly deeper than flush is alright, too. You just want to prevent screws from being too high or too low on the boards.
What do the numbers on deck screws mean? ›
Screws are measured in diameter by length. An example of an imperial screw measurement would be a #7 x 1″ deck screw. The #7 is the pre-defined diameter of the screw and the 1″ is the length of the screw. Imperial diameters range from 0 to 24 and their lengths are measured in inches.
