You want to have a reliable and sturdy deck, but you don’t know how. From unrivaled longevity to better safety levels, deck screws have proven to play critical roles in enhancing the deck’s integrity.
These screws help in boosting the structural robustness and structural reliability of your deck. Perhaps, with the following insights of the best deck screws, you will make a more logical decision.
Top 10 Deck Screws Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Material | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Eagle Claw Tools and Fasteners #10 x 3 Inch Stainless Steel Deck Screws | Stainless Steel | $$$$ | 4.4 |
 | 2. Power Pro 967788 Premium Outdoor Wood and Deck Screws | Stainless Steel | $$$$ | 4.8 |
  | 3. Phillips II Plus 25# 9x3-1/2" Deck Screws | Stainless Steel | $$$$ | 4.7 |
 | 4. Hillman Fasteners 48419 Deck Screws, (#10 x 3) | Stainless Steel | $$$ | 4.9 |
  | 5. Eagle Claw Tools and Fasteners #10 x 3 Inch Stainless Steel Deck Screws | Stainless Steel | $ | 4.2 |
 | 6. Power Pro 967781 Premium Outdoor Wood and Deck Screws | Steel | $$ | 4.7 |
 | 7. Phillips Velocity 9G x 3" Tan Deck Screw 350ct | Carbon Steel | $ | 4.3 |
 | 8. Hillman Fasteners Deck Plus 48422 Tan Deck Screws (#10 x 3-1/2") | Stainless Steel | $$$$ | 4.8 |
 | 9. Eagle Claw Fasteners #10 x 3 Inch 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel Wood Screws | Stainless Steel | $$ | 4.7 |
 | 10. Kreg SDK-C2W-700 2-Inch, 8 Coarse, Deck Screw, 700 Ct | Metal | $ | 4.5 |
What are Deck Screws?
Deck screws are screws that help hold down composite deck boards to steel beams. You could also rely on them to hold down different timber to structural timber or these steel beams.
Usually, these screws tend to be readily identifiable from the standard wood screws despite their significant similarities.
These deck screws are resistant to corrosion, thanks to the coating they have. The ease of their penetration is astounding.
What are Decking Screws Used For?
Most people rely on decking screws to help fasten boards when decking. They are also crucial when building deck framings and installing rails. Since most of them can withstand harsh weather conditions, you can rely on them for outdoor usage.
Their robustness implies that they can handle a significant number of wood types. Whichever wooden structure you have, this will be the ultimate choice.
What Kind of Deck Screws Should I Use?
The best deck screw would be a #9 or #10. It measures between 2.5 and 3.5 inches, and it is all-around. Usually, 3-inch screws play a significant role in providing enough holding power against warping boards’ upward pressure. As long as you use an 8-gauge or above, you will have no reason to worry.
Top 3 Best Deck Screws Reviews
1. Eagle Claw Tools and Fasteners #10 x 3 Inch Stainless Steel Deck Screws
- Size: #10 x 3″
- Point Style: Type 17 Point
- Quantity: 1750 deck screws
The Eagle Claw Tools and Fasteners deck screws are made of stainless steel, providing you with unrivaled robustness. Its sturdy design helps enhance durability and is suitable for decking, fencing, and general-purpose woodwork. Besides, stainless steel is less susceptible to corrosion.
The diameter of this stainless steel wood screw allows it to work for various applications. It also ensures that you secure your materials without too much hassle. Its coarse thread makes it even much more comfortable to connect these materials.
2. Power Pro 967788 Premium Outdoor Wood and Deck Screws
- Size: #9 x 3″
- Point Style: Type 17 Point
- Quantity: 2000 deck screws
Thanks to its unique design, Power Pro 967788 deck screws assure you of optimum performance. This trim design provides you with an impressive aesthetic appeal. Its patented thread design allows the screws to sink into the wood without pre-drilling.
Power Pro 967788 comes with stainless steel construction, which highlights durability and reliability. It has a bronze epoxy coating to protect against rust and corrosion. It also has no split twist to prevent wood splitting.
3. Phillips II Plus 25# 9×3-1/2″ Deck Screws
Looking for deck screws that can help stripping issues, look no further than the Phillips II Plus. It is well-engineered, and its head design minimizes stripping, snapping, or breaking whenever you are fastening. Its patented recess comes in handy in boosting the torque provided.
Whether or not your wood is treated, this screw will work correctly. Its robust construction assures you of enough strength and reliability. Ideally, the stainless steel used on this deck screw is resistant to rust.
What are the Best Screws for Decking?
An excellent decking screw will often be sharp, tapered, self-sinking, and corrosion-resistant. Its thread technology should assure you of ease of use and convenience.
All in all, ensure that you pick one with the right length, preferably between 2.5 and 3.5 inches, depending on the lumbar you have. Otherwise, #9 or #10 will be suitable for your reliance.
Should I Use Screws or Nails For Decking?
There is hardly a one-dimensional answer to this, as the choice depends on the deck’s intention. However, using a combination of nails and screws should suffice.
Screws are excellent for laying down your decking, thanks to their tensile strength. On the other hand, you could rely on nails for a few structural elements.
How Strong are Decking Screws?
There is no denying that deck screws are more robust and more reliable than nails. These screws can hold up to 125 pounds on average. However, a few high-end options can comfortably hold up to 200 pounds.
Most of these deck screws are made from stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to various elements.
How Many Screws Should I Put in Decking?
It all depends on the size of your decking. However, ensure that you use at least two screws at whatever point the deck board meets a joist. This move helps to hold the panels in place and firmly so.
Further, use at least three screws to secure your decking to their rim joints. As long as you can place them accordingly, you will be sure of the enhanced integrity of your deck.
What is the Shear Strength of Deck Screws?
Shear strength is the amount of force that a deck screw can handle from its sides. One of its most significant determinants is its elasticity. An increase in elasticity implies an increase in shear strength.
Unfortunately, deck screws do not provide as much shear strength as you envision. Compared to nails, nails will carry the day.
Are Deck Screws Strong?
Yes! Deck screws are some of the most robust screws you have around. Most of these deck screws are made from copper or stainless steel. These materials are coated, and they can readily withstand harsh climatic conditions.
Their robust construction comes in handy in boosting their reliability and durability.
How Much Weight Can Deck Screws Handle?
Did you know that deck screws can readily hold a considerable number of deck screws at a go? This weight could range between 500 and 1000 pounds.
Ideally, steel can hold between 50 and 100 kPsi, which translates to the number mentioned above. The weight in a stud will often lie between 240 and 300 pounds.
How Much Weight Can Four Deck Screws Hold?
On average, a screw can hold between 80 and 100 pounds, meaning four screws can do so within 320 and 400 pounds. This weight will depend on the screw length, its quality, and its type of thread. Unless they are all impressive, your deck screw will not hold enough weight.
How Deep do Screws Need to go?
This will often depend on the thickness of your chosen board or bottom material. Usually, experts suggest that you drive in at least half the thickness of the screw. For instance, if the bottom material is a 2*4, the ideal depth should be about ¾ inches.
What Kind of Deck Screws do you Use on Pressure-Treated Wood?
Pressure-treated wood is likely to give you a headache whenever you are drilling. It is always crucial that you settle for the most reliable and robust screw at this time.
Aim at strong screws at this time, including galvanized steel, stainless steel, and copper. You could also consider silicone bronze. These materials will readily penetrate treated wood, allowing you the convenience you envision.
Do I Need to Pre-Drill for Deck Screws?
Undoubtedly, pre-drilling is not a necessity whenever you want to use deck screws. However, most experts suggest that it will help to do so. That is because it helps minimize the pressure applied to the wood around the screw.
Otherwise, you will end up dealing with wood cracking or splitting in the long run.
How Far Apart Should Screws be on the Deck Board?
Did you know that a typical deck needs around 350 screws per 100 square feet? The measurement is based on a standard of 6-inch wide boards and 16-inch joist spacing.
This number suggests that you need a one-foot space between the fasteners on one side and 2/7 feet on the other side. This figure assumes that the board is square, measuring 10*10 feet.
What are the Best Deck Screws for Treated Lumber?
As long as you use treated timber, it will be best to understand which options are suitable for you. Mostly, the choice needs to highlight reliability, sturdiness, and durability. Ensure that you choose hot-dip galvanized steel for your treated lumber.
You could also opt for stainless steel. These materials are strong enough to penetrate treated material without a struggle.
What are Deck Screws Coated With?
Various coating agents are at your disposal, and the choice is dependent on your ultimate goal. A standard deck screw comes with hot-dipped galvanized steel. Polymer coatings will also suffice when dealing with treated lumber.
On the other hand, you could opt for stainless steel coating if you are in a wetland or a marine environment.
Are Deck Screws Rust-Proof?
Yes! Regardless of the material you choose, the coating on the deck screw is usually strong enough to resist rust. However, some deck screws can rust, especially if they are of low quality.
The best choice would be stainless steel. That is because they can work both indoors and outdoors, proving that their resistance to corrosive elements is unrivaled.
Are Brass Screws Strong?
You cannot overlook the ability that brass has in resisting corrosion. That is despite how nonmagnetic it is. However, that should not mean that it is more vital than steel. While it could be a suitable choice compared to copper, it should play second fiddle to stainless steel.
How Many Deck Screws Per Pound?
The number will always vary with the size of your chosen deck screw. For instance, one pound of 2-inch deck screws comes with about 118 pieces. However, if you were to opt for a standard size, you will find approximately 77 pieces in your one-pound holder.
Are Deck Screws Stronger Than Wood Screws?
You can barely overlook how strong deck screws are, making them incomparable to wood screws. Thanks to their robust construction and premium materials, they will always be much stronger.
These materials have impressive properties, including corrosion resistance and enhanced versatility.
How to Remove Deck Screws?
This process is relatively straightforward. Ensure that you have your screwdriver. Use a flat head screwdriver to back out the screws. Once you can comfortably remove the screw, repeat the process. As long as you do not focus on those with stripped heads, you are good to go.
How to Remove Stripped Deck Screws?
Here is a process that you should have at your fingertips. Place a flathead screwdriver under the screw and try to back it out. If it is still hard, rely on a hammer or crowbar to pull this stripped screw. Repeat this process with every screw in the deck.
How to Remove Broken Screws?
This process entails placing a crowbar under the deck board and pull it slowly until you free the broken screw. You will then hammer one end of the screw, pulling it up from the deck board. Lastly, you repeat this process on each of the remaining screws.
How Many Screws in a 5lb Box?
On average, a 5-pound deck screw box comes with about 365 screws. This amount is enough o take care of a 100-square feet deck. However, some boxes might have fewer screws, especially if they are long and thick.
Conclusion
Having the right deck screw helps maintain the integrity of your deck. It allows you to have relatively huge gatherings from time to time. As long as you understand the basics of how to use, maintain, and remove them, you have no reason to worry. Thankfully, the insights above are all that you can ever need.
