Deck boards need to have corrosion resistant screws because they are constantly exposed to the elements. If you are in a highly corrosive environment, such as within 20 miles of a body of salt-water, make sure to use 316 stainless steel deck screws.

What fasteners to use on deck?

For most of us, working within a strict budget, coated deck screws are the most viable option. Standard green or brown coated screws are the cheapest. A 3” length deck screws are preferable to 2.5” as they hold better. A #8 diameter deck screw is ideal, as any higher would split the wood.

Are nails or screws better for deck boards?





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.

What type of fastener is used for pressure treated wood?

Hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel fasteners, anchors and hardware are recommended by the Preservative Treated Wood Industry for use with treated wood.

What kind of fasteners are used to put the boards together?

Wood screws – These are the most common wood fastener types and are specifically designed to attach wooden boards and planks.

How do you attach deck boards?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You'll want to install each board so it's best looking side is visible for fasteners you can use nails or screws deck screws make the strongest fasteners.

What kind of nails do you use for pressure treated wood?





For most applications, however, best nails for pressure treated lumber are either hot dipped galvanized nails and bolts. For screws we recommend using ones that have a protective coating that is designed for use with pressure treated lumber.

How do I choose the right fastener?

Selecting a Fastener Size & Material

  1. Determine your load case.
  2. Calculate necessary clamping force for the joint.
  3. Choose the smallest bolt diameter that can support the clamp load. This will ensure a tight fit.
  4. Select an effective bolt securing method.
  5. Decide on the most appropriate tightening method.


How do you know what fastener to use?

Know the Application



You have to consider if your fastener will fit. The design of the fastener can be vital in knowing the amount of torque it can take. You may need a very long flange bolt to hold several components of your parts. Also, you need to consider leaving some threads of the fastener out.

How do you attach wooden deck boards?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: I like to do with free drill all the place is that way they don't split. So. Much. And it's real important to keep a nice even margin. Between your deck boards and the outside of your framing.

What kind of nails do you use for decking?

The best nails for decking are stainless steel nails as they offer the greatest resistance to rust with minimum discoloration to woods such as cedar. However, stainless steel nails are considerably more expensive than other nails.

How long should deck board screws be?

2 ½ inches and 3 inches



Deck screws measuring 2 ½ inches and 3 inches usually work best for fastening railings, deck boards, and joists, while 6-inch deck screws are necessary for 4×4 posts.

How many screws do I need for a 6 inch deck board?

The basic rule of thumb here is 350 screws for every 100 square feet of deck surface for standard 6” wide boards (5.5” actual width) and 16” spaced joists.

Do I need pilot holes for deck screws?

The main purpose of pre-drilling holes for deck screws is to prevent the wood from splintering. When it comes to driving screws close to the end of the deck boards, pre-drilling holes is often the only way to do this without ruining the wood. Pilot holes also prevent your screws from stripping or breaking off.

Should you leave a gap between deck boards?

The amount of space between deck boards should be anywhere from ¼” to 3/8” inch. You want plenty of space for water to flow between the boards and to allow small debris to fall to the ground. Deck board spacing greater than 3/8” of an inch can become problematic.

How deep should deck screws go?



Deck screws should be slightly countersunk below the decking surface. The finish screws set to approximately 1/8″ (3mm) below the decking’s surface. Providing a clean finish without any screw head protruding after the decking dries. The biggest concern is snagging your socks on a screw as you stroll across the deck.

Should deck screw holes be filled?

To give your deck a polished and professional look, you’ll want to fill in any holes left by erroneously placed screws as well as the small gaps above screws that you have countersunk into the deck.