What screws are best for decking?
Screws used in deck building must be able to endure the weather, structural loads, and the caustic nature of natural and chemical wood preservatives. Galvanized, ceramic coated, or stainless steel screws are the best corrosion-resistant fasteners for pressure-treated cedar or redwood.
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.
Why are deck screws star?
Star Drive The Star (also known as Torx) has a six-point, star-shaped drive that was developed mainly to enhance tamper resistance and ensure snug fits. The star design drivers cut down on the risk stripping the screw heads, slippage, or cam-outs, with tight, specific fits.
What color are deck screws?
Composite Deck Screws Painted heads, in your choice of Hardwood Brown, Rosy Brown, Cedar, Composite Grey, or Composite Sand match the most popular colors of composite decking.
How many deck screws do I need?
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.
What size screws do I need?
The general rule of thumb is that the screw should enter at least half the thickness of the bottom material, e.g. 3/4″ into a 2 x 4. The other factor is the screw’s diameter, or gauge. Screws come in gauges 2 through 16. Most of the time you’ll want to go with a #8 screw.
How much weight can a 3 inch wood screw hold?
The easiest way to increase the amount of weight a screw in a stud can hold is to simply double up. If you have room for a second or a third screw, just add more. Two screws can hold 160-200 pounds. Three screws can hold 240-300 pounds.
Why are deck screws Square?
A popular head shape is a square, because it holds the driver and doesn’t strip as easily as Phillips heads. One feature of deck screws that makes them easy to install is the sharpness of their point. They often come to a very sharp, narrow point, to reduce the necessity of drilling pilot holes.
Should I pre drill holes for deck screws?
While it is not considered necessary to pre-drill wood screws, it is highly recommended by professionals that you do so. When you do not drill pilot holes in advance, you are essentially putting extra pressure on the wood surrounding the screw (weakening it) and increasing the chances of the wood splitting or cracking.
Why are deck screws not Phillips?
Not all decking screws have been changed to the square head type. You can still get decking screws with Philips drive heads, but these head types have lost much popularity for decking because of the time factor that they add to the job and the cost factor in ruined screw heads and driver bits.
What are deck screws called?
Also Known as Torx, 6lobe, and Hexalobular Drive Stainless Steel Deck Screws in all drive styles feature a notched Type 17 point to help cut into the wood or composite boards being installed, as well as sharp cutting threads for stronger retention.