The ABC’s of Deck Screws Explained…

The ABC’s of Deck ScrewsSave 10% on all deck screws in April!

Spring is around the corner and if you intend to build or repair your deck, it’s time to start planning! Using the proper supplies will save you lots of grief, reduce costs and let you enjoy your deck sooner.

When it comes to building decks, there are a number of good reasons for choosing deck screws over nails. Deck screws offer more holding power than nails and can pull a bowed plank down flat better than a nail can. Screws also eliminate damage (‘smiles’ and ‘frowns’) that hammering often produces in the wood. They can also be removed much easier than nails and without damaging the wood if and when a deck board needs to be removed.

Main features of Decks Screws:

  • Designed for easy and quick installation and outdoor use.
  • A self-countersinking head style so when set in the deck board, the head lies smoothly on the surface.
  • Made to resist corrosion in the harsh outdoor environment.
  • Specialized points permits fastening without pre-drilling a pilot hole (self tapping).
  • Thread design reduces effort to insert screw while remaining tightly in place and difficult to pull out.

Types:

Dacrotized Steel Bugle Head Square Drive
Example of a Dacrotized Steel Bugle Square Drive Deck Screw
A steel bugle head square drive deck screw with a ceramic coating for cost effective corrosion resistance. The square drive may be slightly more difficult to load onto the drive bit than phillips drive, but it will stay on better and not cam out as easily. The dacrotized coating resists corrosion exceptionally well and won’t stain lumber.
Dacrotized Steel Bugle Head Phillips Drive
Example of a Dacrotized Steel Bugle Phillips Drive Deck Screw
A steel bugle head square drive deck screw with a ceramic coating for cost effective corrosion resistance. The phillips drive permits easier loading onto the drive bit, but the phillips drive bit has a tendency to cam out of the recess in the head of the screw. The dacrotized coating resists corrosion exceptionally well and won’t stain lumber.
Stainless Steel Bugle Head Square Drive Type 17 point
Example of a Stainless Steel Bugle Square Drive Deck Screw
A stainless steel bugle head square drive deck screw offers effective corrosion resistance. The square drive may be slightly more difficult to load onto the drive bit than a phillips drive, but it will stay on better and not cam out as easily. The stainless steel resists corrosion exceptionally well and won’t stain lumber. The type 17 Point offers a sharper point and a slot cut out of the point (shank slotted) that improves drilling and displaces the wood chips when being drilled into wood.
Stainless Steel Bugle Head Phillips Drive
Example of a Stainless Steel Bugle Phillips Drive Deck Screw
A stainless steel bugle head phillips drive deck screw offers effective corrosion resistance. The phillips drive permits easier loading onto the drive bit, but the phillips drive bit has a tendency to cam out of the recess in the head of the screw. The stainless steel resists corrosion exceptionally well and won’t stain lumber. 



Click here to read more about when, why and how to use deck screws when building or repairing an outdoor deck here.

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