Should you nail or screw deck boards?

Asked by: Shea Lindsay

For the decking boards, many agree that screws perform better than nails. They have better tensile strength and will less likely to pop out, which is a common problem in decking. Many also agree that nails are better used for the frame of the decking.

What is the best way to fasten deck boards?

Sprues should be driven just deep enough to dimple the surface of the wood. Once the decking is tacked in place snap temporary chalk lines along the path of the underlying joists.

Should I replace nails in deck with screws?

If you are purchasing a home with an older deck, you may want to consider replacing nails with longer lasting and stable deck screws. The screws will lock down the wood a lot easier and be more durable during long, hot summers.

Is it better to nail or screw 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.

Is it better to nail or screw 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. one example would be Outlaw fasteners.

Should you leave a gap between decking boards?

Determining Deck Board Spacing



When using wood decking, you want a gap of at least 1/8 of an inch after your decking has dried out. If you’re using decking that’s already been dried out, you can leave a 1/8-inch gap when you install. Many decks will use “green” wood, or wood that hasn’t been dried down or kiln dried.

What is the correct way to install deck boards?

Start laying the full length five quarter by six boards deck boards must have spacing between them to allow for water and debris to pass between the boards. If you're using pressure-treated lumber.

What kind of nails do I use for a deck?

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.

What’s the difference between wood screws and deck screws?

Wood screws come in a variety of shapes and sizes that are suitable for different woodworking projects. Deck screws, on the other hand, are more suitable for outdoor use because they are usually made out of corrosion-resistant materials like copper or hardened steel.

How do you hammer a deck with nails?

Use a nail set to force the nail back into place without damaging the surrounding wood. Select a nail set that is slightly smaller than the nail head. Place the tip in the center of the nail, and strike the other end with your hammer. The force will drive the nail back into the wood without leaving a mark!

Do you need special screws for pressure treated wood?

Do You Need Special Screws for Pressure Treated Wood? Yes, you do. In the preservative-treated wood industry, stainless steel and hot-dip galvanized fasteners are the most recommended options for working on pressure treated lumber.

What are the disadvantages of screws?

Screws can rip right through certain materials, making them a poor fastener choice for weak, thin woods. Door skin (1/8-inch plywood) and similar materials may allow screw heads to sink or rip right through. Very soft woods such as balsa will also sink or dent under the pressure of a screw head being driven in.

Will pressure treated wood eat nails?

Simply put, ACQ-treated lumber is extremely corrosive to metal fasteners such as nails, screws, deck hangers, etc.

What happens if you use regular nails in treated lumber?

They will corrode, but not overnight. It’s not like your floor is going to fly off into orbit because it’s not nailed down. So yeah, you should probably go back with some deck screws or something later, but it’s not an emergency if you can’t spend the $8 this week.

What kind of screws do you use for pressure-treated wood?

Galvanized, ceramic coated, or stainless steel screws are the best corrosion-resistant fasteners for pressure-treated cedar or redwood.

Why can’t you use coated nails in treated lumber?

While sinkers’ vinyl coating allows them to drive or “sink” into framing materials quickly, it doesn’t provide significant protection from corrosion. Thus, the copper-based preservatives in treated lumber often cause vinyl-coated steel sinkers to corrode prematurely.

What hardware should I use 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.

Can aluminum nails be used in pressure-treated wood?

Nail manufacturers recommend that you go with aluminum or stainless steel fasteners when you’re using either of these woods—and whenever you’re using pressure-treated wood. (The preservatives incorporate salts that react with the zinc.) Also, never use galvanized nails with copper flashing.