Due to such an overcrowded marketplace, it might be tricky to select the best screw for your decking frame.
Our great selection for you…
We are here with this handy guide that will ease the best type of screw you acquire. Consider the prime factors before purchasing the decking screws.
Buying Guide
- Purpose and Screw Size
There is no ideal, one-size-fits-all fastener for a DIY deck frame. Various sizes are available. Select the one that best fits your deck frame.
- Decking:
If you acquire to fasten 5/4 decking, opt for 21/2-inch coated screws and spiral nails, and you can also use a 12d ring shank.
The size of deck screws varies on the thickness of the 2×6 decks. For 1 inch of penetration, 2.5 inches – 3 inches deck screws opt. If you acquire deep penetration, like 1.2 inches or 1.5 inches, select the screws having a 3-inch thickness.
8 Gauge, 2.5” Coated Deck Screw
It commonly opts for the best Screws for deck joists.
- Railings:
For 1x railings, opt for 10d, 8d, and 6d galvanized screws.
- Framing
If you require screws for deck framing, opt for 10d or 16d decking screws in 2x stock. For thinner stock, go with short-deck screws.
Now the question may arise. Which screw to be opted for attaching framing hardware with the fasteners? For that, you need 3-inch deck screws. These are the Best screws for a 4×2 decking frame. If screws aren’t available, you can opt for 16 d nails.
Simpson SDS 1.5” screws
These screws work as the Best fasteners for deck framing and the Best screws for wood decking.
- Types of Screw Heads
Before purchasing screws, select the one that had the desired, required screw head.
Let’s discuss each type with their general purpose use.
- Cap Head, Or Undercut screw
Cap head or Undercut screws are the ones that are opted for decking frames.
They provide a neat and clean look after blending with your deck surface.
Another best feature of this screw is, featuring a reverse thread option to prevent mushrooming.
- Flat and Bugle head screw
Most individuals favor flat and bulged shape screw heads for general purpose construction. If you require fastening structural modules, a flat screw head is the best choice to use.
- Trim Head Screw
These screws possess a unique head shape and are opted for finishing applications. They are a bit smaller with self-effacing looks.
Don’t get confused by their small size because it holds the same power as the standard screws.
- Truss Head Screw
If you require fastening and securing thin, one-ply materials, opt for truss head screws. They are best for use for large-sized holes or landscaping situations. It possesses an extra-wide head, slightly rounded on top, making it fit for securing materials.
- Hex Head Screws
Hex head screws are hexagonal-shaped head screws with an in-built washer. The best screws are the ones that help in distributing the weight load to a wide area. So, if you need to secure structural wood for framing, ledgers, and joists, opt for hex head screws.
(It might be easy now to select the best head-type screw for your deck frame).
- Screw Material
Various materials are opted for making screws. Each type has its feature and purpose of use. Select the one that best suits your desired requirement.
- Copper Screw
If you require corrosion-free screws for your deck frame, you need to select copper screws to get the job done.
Tip
Go to the selected product description to check the screw material.
- Standard Galvanized Fasteners
They can be opted for fastening deck frames but are weak at protecting the screws from rust and corrosion because of having a single protective coating.
- Double-Dipped Galvanized Fasteners
These fasteners provide better anti-rust and corrosion-free features and are the best choice for your deck frame.
- Stainless Steel screw
You might be familiar that Stainless steel is the best iron alloy for anti-corrosion. The best, high-quality, and most durable deck screws are stainless steel screws, which lie on the top-rated screws to use.
They are a bit costly but possess better features than other screws.
- Anti-Corrosion
Before purchasing a screw, check for the anti-corrosive feature in the product feature section. As discussed earlier, the stainless steel screws are the best for climate Structural stresses.
They are corrosion-free and well tackle the chemical wood preservatives.
Do people usually ask which screws to opt for cedar wood? It’s simple!
The best corrosion-resistant screws for pressure treated 54 cedar decking are;
- Double galvanized
- Ceramic coated
- Stainless steel
ACQ
To check whether the screws are anti-corrosive, check the ACQ approval.
Tip
You can check the material used option to know whether the screw is corrosion free or not.
- Cost
Based on type, durability, quality, and efficiency, a different cost range is available for deck screws. The best top rated are more costly than a medium one. Stainless steel screws require a high cost as compared to other screw types.
- Low Cost
If you want an affordable screw, then affordability is your prime priority. Check for the product with standard cost containing a maximum of the prime factors you acquire.
- High Cost
If you are quality lovers and want to spend more on better features and durability, select the top-rated brand that suits your decking frame.
Tip
Before purchasing, check for the total budget required.
- Durability
Select the best screw that has increased durability. A long-running module is best for fastening your decking frame.
- Warranty
Select the brand that provides a lifelong warranty.
- Screws or Nails for Deck Framing
It’s challenging to select from nails and screws. Select the one with more pros and is easy to use for deck frames.
- Holding power
Screws had high holding power compared to nails.
- Removing nail/ screw
The removal of screws is easier than nails.
- Looks
In terms of look, people don’t like screw heads as they possess small spaces that may hold water, dust, etc. nails have no small head holes, so, no water puddles.
- Professional Approach
Professional builders find driving nails easier than driving screws.
