Choosing the best screw for cedar decking requires careful planning and thorough research. Building a deck is no small task, and if you so much as use the wrong screws, all your hard work may come to naught. Keep in mind that whatever screw you choose for your cedar decking has to be able to stand the harshness of the elements, structural stress, and wood preservatives. We have fished out some of the most efficient screws for cedar decking. We’ll also be providing a comprehensive buying guide, so that you can be well prepared for picking screws.
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Contents
Factors to Consider Before Buying Screws for Cedar Decking
The Kind of Wood you’re Working With
Before anything else, know the kind of wood you’re working with and the best screws for it. Cedar, Redwood, and Western Red Cedar decks are constructed with stainless steel screws so that there’ll be no discoloration around the screw heads. However, you can use galvanized, powder-coated, or ceramic coated screws. If you have any experience with deck screws at all, you should know that deck screws will that are coated tend to bleed over time into the wood and, therefore, mar its beauty.
Consider How Prone The Screw Is to Rust
The right screw can speed up and simplify a job. If you choose the right model of screw for cedar decking, the screws will provide the lasting hold and appearance you expect. The screw materials recommended here are sound. Galvanized steel is layered with a slim coat of zinc that helps to prevent corrosion, while stainless steel has so much strength and can resist rust. .
Where Will Your Place the Screws?
The next big question to ask yourself is whether the screw is for indoor or outdoor use. If you are inserting it into a piece of furniture that is inside, you may consider using zinc srews since it won’t be under the heat of the sun. However, outdoor screws need protection against corrosion and from moisture and temperature. So they have to be sturdy and durable.
Think about Size
One of the most important things to consider in the selection of screw for cedar decking is the length. Fortunately, this is easiest to determine since the thickness of wood itself is what will determine the length of screws to use. You need a 3-inch Length screw for the standard 2x4s of wood and about 2 inches of 5/4x4s and 5/4x6s.
The Head of the Screw
The screw head is the top part of the screw where either a screwdriver or a driving machine is used to drill the fastener into the wood. Screws come with different head types. A flat screw head will allow you to countersink the screw to ensure that nothing remains exposed. Other head are more decorative, but they can have functional properties too. Of course, you’ll be needing a screwdriver to drive the screw into your wood. Luckily, screw drives too come in a variety of shapes. The most common ones, however, are Phillip’s head, slotted, Torx, square, and hex.
Top 12 Best Screw For Cedar Decking
How would you like a screw that is so sturdy it doesn’t strip out or bend? The Power pro premium screws portray durable screws at their best. These screws are rust and corrosion resistant and come in a bronze coat. A box of power pro screws weighs one pound and comes in a size 1lb box. With over 300 screws in a single package you will be using these screws for a while. They come with a countersinking blade that enables the head to stop right on the deck’s surface and not sink into the wood. As if that is not enough, they have a point style of 17 points, which makes drilling quick and easy. When driven into wood, these screws do a perfect job and seal the whole surface. With their resistance against rust and corrosion, they can be used conveniently with cedar and treated wood.
Pros
- No wood splitting
- Pre-drill is not necessary
- Thread bores fast
Cons
- The screw is a little thin
Jake Sales Coated Wood Screws
The Jake sales coated wood screw features 3-layers of painted steel, and it weighs about 1.03 pounds. Although this screw is only available in the brown color now, it also exists in other colors, including white, grey, dark brown, Madeira, tan, and Winchester. If you’re looking for screws that can withstand heavy-duty works, then these screws are for you. They are carefully crafted for both heavy-duty jobs and soft works that may include the use of hard and softwoods. What’s more, the Jake’s wood screw also has dual threads. These threads help prevent the pulling out of composite materials above the wood surface, a process known as mushrooming.
Pros
- Deep, Wide, and sharp threads for easy drilling
- Star head provides double torque
- No need for pre-drilling
- Perfect for heavy tasks
Cons
- Head can strip out
- Hard to remove
Deck Wise Stainless Steel Trim-head Screws
Want a reliable fastener that holds your decking in place for years? Try the Deck wise stainless steel screws. This is one unique screw that comes with a T15 start Torx drive head. It is available in black, cedar, hardwood brown, outdoor grey, and stainless steel (but only available right now in the cedar color which will go perfectly with your cedar wood). This steel fastener weighs a whopping 15.7 ounce and is as long as 2.5 inches. That should give you an idea of how utterly durable this screw will be when you use it. Like the other screws we’ve listed above, this fastener also has a 17 point style type that makes it easy to drill. To crown it all, It comes in a package of 100 screws pieces.
Pros
- Durable
- Sharp tip
- Good price
Cons
- Head sink into wood
Black Xylan Coated Stainless Flat Head Phillips Wood Screw
Black Xylan Phillips screw is a black colored stainless steel screw that has a flat head. This screw has been coated with black xylan hence its name. Of course, the coating has it’s function, which is to protect the screw from harmful elements and make it last longer than its counterparts. So whether you intend to use it indoors or outdoors, this screws will indeed hold up. Because the head is compatible with a deep-cut Phillip drive, you should not have trouble drilling it into your wood.
Pros
- Great price for value
- Great for exterior and interior use
- Durable
Cons
- Some screws are flawed
SNUG Fasteners
SNUG fasteners are one of the best screw for cedar decking. Made with high-quality stainless steel, they have a Torx drive system and come in a tan coat. They also have the bugle head style that helps to conceal their head. This fastener weighs about 1.2 pounds. The screw’s kind of coating makes it resistant to corrosion, while other features like the stardrive and cutting threads proves handy for fast driving and firm holdings.
Pros
- Comes with corrosion-resistant coating
- Has star drive for fast installation
- Very affordable
Cons
- A pack may not have up to a hundred pieces of screws
Hillman Fasteners
Hillman Star Drive Deck Screws, available in the tan color, are made of steel. One fascinating thing about these screws is the self-drilling point style that makes them very easy to use. A box weighs 4.97 pounds and each screw has a ceramic finishing, though it’s a start drive kind of screw that helps guard against cam-outs. One other impressive feature is its flat head. Screws with flat heads fit snugly on wood, leaving no space for moisture to penetrate it. And because these screws are also well coated, they prevent rusting and corrosion. Hillman’s screw is durable, sturdy and you’ll get your money’s worth from it.
Pros
- Reliable for cedar decking use
- Affordable price for the quality of screws
- Flathead style makes driving it easy
Cons
- Only available in one color
CAMO Edge Deck Screws
This screw is quite unique in its own way as it is used at the edge of a deck and not on the surface. You can effectively use it to reduce the movement of the deck at the joist – which is the main reason why it is best suited for edges. The kind of tip it comes with – the rake tip-reduces splits in borders. So, no, your wood will not be splitting with this screw. Added to its advantages is that it is resistant to corrosion and can be used with cedar, treated timbers, or lumbers. More interestingly, you can use them confidently on decks that are located near flowing or open waters because they hardly ever rust.
Pros
- Made with sturdy stainless steel material
- Highly recommended for the installation of 5/4 cedar deckings
- Screws cut though knots in the deck boards and joist
- Black coating help screws go unnoticed
Cons
- A little bit expensive
- Only one color options
Grip-Rite Prime Guard
Grip-Rite screws is a 10 by 3 inches long screw. It has a point type of 17 and a T25 start drive. This screw comes with a bugle head that helps to conceal its head after use. It is also very flexible to use, and one can nail it into hardwoods without damaging it. We love how the screws are of outstanding quality and how they do not rust over a long period. This is one screw that you will enjoy using
Pros
- Tork drive allows for comfortable driving
- They last long
- Price is affordable
Cons
- Some screws may not tighten much
GRK Trim Handy FIN Screws
GRK screws are distinct in their own way in that they come in various sizes. Their sizes are between 1 and 1¼ inch to 5 inches in length. Meanwhile, they weigh 6.4 ounces and are usually used for wood finishing. Their gold color coat enables them to match with the color of most wood, thereby not disfiguring the aesthetics of the wood. This screw can be used on hard and soft surfaces, but pre-drilling is required when it needs to be used on hard surfaces. Though small in size, this screw has a firm hold on the wood. Plus, it is of good quality, and we agree that it’s dependable.
Pros
- Trim head prevents wood splitting
- Can be used on deck and flooring
- Provides a nice finished look
Cons
- Pre-drilling is necessary
Wood Pro Fasteners
Wood pro screws are screws work well. This screw weighs 5.11 pounds and varies between the 1 to 1½ inch size. Each screw has been coated gold by one of the most reliable coating factories, which means you can rest assured that it won’t rust. Though thinly coated, its coating doesn’t chip off. This coating also enables it to be used under any weather condition as it is resistant to rusting and corrosion. With its Torx head, it stops right on the surface of the wood when drilled. Because of its durability, it can also be used for treated lumbers.
Pros
- Sharp type-17 point
- Commendable thickness
- Offers value for money
Cons
- Only one color
ORGRIMMAR Wood Screw
This may not be the fanciest screw, but it sure is functional. The ORGRIMMAR wood screw is made with carbon steel, which is also known as mild steel. Carbon steels have high tensile strength and are used in the manufacture or buildings of Bridges, gears, etc. Due to this strength, hammering the screws into your wood would be a bad idea as it can cause your wood to split. Instead, it should be screwed in using a screwdriver, after pre-drilling. This product also comes with a flat head that keeps it from sinking into the wood.
Pros
- It doesn’t break
- It holds wood firmly.
- Flathead prevents moisture from entering the wood
Cons
- Once screwed in, it can’t be forced out.
FastenMaster FMGD003-75 GuardDog Exterior Wood Screw
Talk about versatile wood screws, and you’ll find the GuardDog screw right up there with the best. These screws can handle so many tasks including deck frame blocking, stair stringers, and railings. Another thing that sets these fasterners apart is their ease of use. Because it also has a versatile head design, you can use it with a square drive and a Phillips drive. But that’s not all, their threads are sharp enough to penetrate cedar fast, and you don’t have to worry about these screws fading. They happen to also be rust-proof.
Pros
- Very durable screws
- They’re simple to use
- A Free PoziSquare drive comes with every box
Cons
- Box may not come full
Frequently Asked Questions
What are The Best Screws to Use for Cedar Decking?
The best screw option for cedar decking is stainless steel because the likelihood of it reacting with water and salt is low. But even if you can’t get your hands on stainless steel, go for hot-dipped galvanized screws. These fasteners have a zinc coating, which safeguards them from corrosion.
Do You Need Special Screws for Cedar?
Yes, you do. The best option is stainless steel, especially with western red cedar. Also acceptable is aluminum and hot-dipped galvanized screws. These are a little less expensive.
What Are Screws Made Of?
Generally, screws are made of steel. Steel has a mixture of two natural elements, which are carbon and iron. Meanwhile, manufacturers sometimes introduce other elements like zinc to give the screws more strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion.
What Size Screws Should I Use for Decking?
For a standards deck, you need 8-gauge screws with at least 2 1/2 inches of length. Some people, however, use 3-inch screws just to be sure that the fastener holds well against the pressure of the warping boards. As a rule, the screw should always go no less than halfway into whatever wood you’re using.
Are Screws Better than Nails?
Screws have proven to be better fasteners than nails, though nails too have their advantages. Screws come in a wide range of types, and their grip is stronger and tighter. Unlike nails, removing screws isn’t so hard. Plus, when you want to connect angles, you can do it effectively with screws. Screws do not pop out easily, and they keep boards from popping up after a while.
Why Do Screws Have Different Heads?
The slotted screw head and driver were the first to exist. They were quite simple to use and also useful. However, when other screw sizes began to emerge, there arose a need for better drivers and heads. People needed it to be more centered and wanted some additional torque so they can make the screw tighter. Today, there are different screw heads and drivers. Some of them have functional relevance, while others are for aesthetics.
Why Do Screws Come Loose?
Screws come loose because, over time, they build up pressure after they’ve been installed. As such, this pressure begins to make the screws lose their grip and loosen on their own. Other factors, too, like material expansion and vibrations, can cause screws to come off.
Will Screws Split Wood?
Not when you drill the pilot hole before installing your screw. Screws may cause wood to break, but this often happens when you’ve not drilled a hole before trying to insert your screw into the wood.
Will Screws Rust?
Yes, screws can rust. However, this depends on what kind of material the screw has been made from. Stainless steel screws are the most rust-resistant and can last for years without yielding to corrosion.
Conclusion
It doesn’t get better than this. Choosing the best screw for cedar decking isn’t as hard as it appears. You just have to be sure what you’re buying will give you maximum benefits, and this review has helped you with that. Now, it’s time to buy. Have fun as you choose!
