How long do deck screws need to be?

Asked by: Cukui Bednark

Most decking screws are 8-gauge and, while 2 1/2 inches is the minimum length needed to hold decking boards to the joists, 3-inch screws are commonly used to provide extra holding power against the upward pressure of shrinking or warping boards.

How long should deck screws be?

about 3 inches

Q: How long should decking screws be? Deck screws are usually about 3 inches, though it may be a good idea to use 6-inch screws if you need to secure a 4×4 post.

What size screw is best for decking?

Deck Boards



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.

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.

How long should deck screws be for 5 4 decking?

Screw size



How long should your deck screws be? Deck screws should be 3.5” in length for 2-inch thick lumber or 2-½ to 3” for 5/4-inch thick boards for the screws to drive deep enough into the joists to hold the board secure.

What screws to use on a deck?

What screws should I use for a deck frame? For your deck framing, we recommend stainless steel screws or coated steel structural screws. (See options here). The most popular fastener choice is the GRK Rugged Structural Screw and Simpson Strong-Tie SD.

What screws to use for 2×6 deck boards?

So, what size deck screws to use for 2×6 decks? Typically, the thickness of the 2×6 decks varies around 1.5 inches. As you will need approximately 1 inch of penetration, the 2.5 inches to 3 inches deck screws will be the best choice.

Should deck boards be butted together?

We recommend butting treated deck boards together because as the moisture dries from the wood, the boards will shrink and naturally form gaps to allow water drainage. (Depending on moisture content, cedar, cypress and especially hardwood decking may require deliberate spacing for consistent joint sizes.)

Do I need to predrill for deck screws?

Deck screws installed in the field, not close to the board’s end or edge, need not be predrilled. Predrilling is required near the end of deck boards to make room for the screw. As the screw is acting like a wedge, driving between the wood fibres. That screw pushes against the decking, splitting open the board.

How many screws do I need for a 2×6 deck?

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.

How do you keep screw lines straight on a deck?

Along the side section of the deck these fold down tabs right along the edge of the eye joist placing the fasteners in the center.

What is the standard gap between decking boards?

1/8 inch

When installing new air-dried decking the proper gap ranges from 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) – 1/4 inch (6.5mm) depending on the environment. If you are installing air-dried decking during a rainy or humid season you may want to place the boards with a 1/8 inch (3.5mm) gap.

How far should screw decking be from edge?

When using a screw fixing method, it’s important to fix your decking board to every joist and you need to take care not to screw your board too close to the edges. Generally you should leave at least a 25mm space between the screw and either the edge or the end of your board.

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

With screws installed randomly and not in straight lines, it won’t look like a professional job. On average, expect to use 350 screws per 100 square feet if using deck boards 6 inches wide with joists spaced 16 inches apart. With deck boards 4 inches wide, you’ll need 480 screws for the same joist spacing.

Where do you start deck boards?

In most cases, it’s best to start with a full board on the outside edge of the deck and work toward the house so the odd board is less visible. Then measure when you’re 4 to 5 ft. away from the house and adjust the gap sizes to be sure the last board is a consistent width.

Why do deck screws break?

The most likely cause of deck screws snapping is a combination of the boards and the screws. Simply, if the boards shift, it alters the pressure on the screws, and they may snap.

Why are my deck boards popping?

It is that cold temperatures cause materials to shrink, and some components of your deck are shrinking more than others. This builds up stress that suddenly relieves itself and produces the loud cracking or popping sounds. Usually this doesn’t mean any damage has occurred.

Why are nails coming up on my deck?

Over time seasonal expansion and contraction causes. This it just slowly forces nails up out of the deck. You can nail this back down just drive it down with a hammer.

How do you replace a broken deck screw?

And I'm just going to put a bit of glue right. And a tiny bit of glue in the hole. Like. So like so at the time it worn the hole. That's it. So that's in there. And then just give that a tap.

How do you remove old screws from deck boards?

Use a pair of locking pliers to remove the offending screws. Grip the head with the pliers, lock them, then turn the pliers counter-clockwise to remove the screw from the wood. Another option is to use the drill chuck technique. Remove the bit from your power driver.

How do you remove old stripped deck screws?

But you just lock your Chuck. And then to get the screw out you just undo the Chuck. So you can see it's still grabbing on the head of the screw. There we go comes out.

How do you pull up deck boards without damaging them?

Show you so again you just wedge wedge the crowbar down and wedge it down and you work your way with these two wedge. Sledge her crowbars down and then work your way.

Can I flip my deck boards over?

It over and I can show you that by flipping the deck board over I can get a much better look and a much better surface on the deck board without actually replacing.

What is the fastest way to remove deck nails?

I put it up a little bit. And just move that out of the way so we can see it then i'm going to use the other. End. Knock it through. And pull it right on out the next one is going to be right in here.