If you’re working on a new deck, patio or another outdoor project, finding the perfect materials is half the battle. Should you use treated, cedar or composite materials? Piers or posts on your deck? One of the most confusing areas to figure out is which deck screw or fastener provides the best strength and durability for your needs. Because the fasteners hold the entire project together, they can be a common failure point if you don’t choose the right one. Here’s a look at different available wood screws to help you make the right choice.
- Deck Screw Basics
- Generally speaking, you’ll want to use screws instead of nails because they are much less likely to work loose. This aspect of its performance means that it helps reduce warping in situations where a nail would just pull out. Composite PVC products should use a stainless steel screw for the best performance, but tend to be more expensive and can leave a pattern of shiny dots on the surface of your deck unless you choose to get painted screws or paint them following installation. Wood decking provides better performance with the less-expensive coated screws.
One material you should avoid is using indoor screws, such as drywall screws, for exterior use. Not only will they not hold up as well, they’ll stain your new project as they corrode, leaving unsightly marks behind. If you have the choice available, pass by the #2 Phillips drive screws. These screws can strip out easily, leading to serious aggravation when you’re driving or removing them. Square- or Torx-driven screws can be driven much more easily and are easy to use several times. For pressure-treated wood, either pre-drill your holes or use an impact driver to get your fasteners to drive more easily.
- Huttig-Grip Products
- To be able to drive your deck screws quickly and easily, Huttig-Grip’s assortment of Torx-head exterior screws deliver strong performance and easy installation. They feature a range of regular decking screws in 1-1/4″, 1-5/8″, 2″, 2-1/2″,3″, 3-1/2″ and 4″ lengths, which are available in one pound, five pound or bulk boxes. They also have stainless steel deck screws available in 2″, 2-1/2″ and 3″ lengths in one pound and five pound boxes, as well as a selection of 8D and 16D galvanized nails in one pound, five pound and bulk boxes.
- GRK Products
- GRK ‘s Climatek screws only come in white, but can be printed to match your project and are coated for use with treated wood. Available in both handi-packs and pro-packs, their Climatek and RSS structural screws are available in 2”R4, 2 ½”R4, 3 1/8”R4, 4”R4, 5”R4 and 6” R4 sizes, allowing you to get a solid connection for all of your project’s needs. Their trim head screws are available in a wide range of sizes for your trim and finish carpentry purposes. Their Trex composite decking screws are available in three colors to match common stock decking options. For the contractor, we also have these fasteners available in bulk packs, and can always place a special order for you that will typically arrive within just a few days.
By understanding your options in deck screws, you can quickly find the best choice for your project’s other materials and situation to ensure that your project provides years of enjoyable service. If you’re not quite sure exactly which option is best, the experienced associates at Poulin Lumber can help. Please feel free to contact us today with any questions.
