The 15 Best Screws for Hardwood 2020 (Reviews & Guide)

Screws are arguably the most versatile and commonest fasteners around the World. From joining cabinets to mounting hardware, and brackets, screws are handy for several home improvements. The most significant advantage of having a screw is perhaps how it forms a strong connection without needing to cut or take apart your project. Choosing the right screw for your project, however, is an extensive process. The best screws for hardwood are durable, reliable, and will endure rugged use without stripping or breaking. Our review will give you an understanding of the best products in the market and how you can buy them.

Factors to Consider Before Buying the Screws for Hardwood

The Type and Material

Screws are made from different materials. Stainless steel screws are durable and do not corrode. Brass holders are best for interior space as they have less corrosion-resistant properties. Zinc-plated and Bichromated screws promise average corrosion-resistant. However, the latter tend to lose their protective treatment. However, the most popular type is steel, especially for interior use. This is because steel is affordable, strong, and is available in different sizes and shapes. Plus, steel penetrates the wood better and won’t snap when they are subjected to stress or considerably high drive force.

Screws with sharp threads and points are strong to make them suitable for withstanding stressful driving force. For reliable performance, we recommend screws that are coated for outdoor use. Weather-resistant products are coated against corrosion and rust. If you plan to use your screw outdoors, we recommend marine-grade stainless steel.

The Head Type

After deciding on the material, the head type is another factor that you should consider before buying the screw. Since screws for hardwood are available in different shapes and sizes, a single product won’t for all applications. Screw heads are of two types: the ones that sink into the wood and screw heads that protrude out of the wood. Screws that sink into the wood have more holding power or when you don’t want it to be too visible. Drilling into a predrilled hole ensures that the screws don’t split delicate wood during the process.

Stardrive and Torx head transfer sufficient power between the screw and the driver. As a result, it provides the least wear to bits. Some other head types that we have are:

• Trim head screws: The head of this type of screw sinks well into softwood and has excellent holding power. Plus, they won’t split thin and delicate wood.
• Flat and oval head: flat heads have self-countersinking properties while most oval heads do not. However, each type comes with fine teeth and double serrations that sink into woods without tearing or splitting.
• Pan head: A flat bottom and flat head characterize pan head screws. The holder offers reasonable holding power; however, the contact is not as strong as screws with larger heads and longer body.
• Truss head: also referred to as “mushroom head,” the overall head is larger and flatter in diameter. There is an added area beneath the head that prevents the screw from sinking into the wood.

The Point and Shred

An excellent entry point reduces the stress of drilling the screw into the hole. A screw with a sharp point penetrates hardwood, and it creates an entry hole for the thread and shank. A self-trapping point cuts a hole through your hole and channels up the debris to reduce outward pressure. The thread is the other force that drives the screw into the wood after the point has done its job. Available in soft and coarse versions, coarse-threaded holders reduce torque and hold woods better. Some products come with thread design that enlarges the hole so that the shank can turn as you drive in the screw. See more best wood clamps.

Coating

Screw coating prevents corrosion, enhances appearance, and reduces friction. If the product is not coated, we recommend that you paint or lubricate it to reduce friction and make it go in smoothly.

Best Screws for Hardwood Review

500, 1-1/4″ COARSE WASHER HEAD SELF TAPPING SCREW

The 500, 1-1/4″ COARSE WASHER HEAD SELF TAPPING SCREW is best for indoor use with limited exposure to harsh weather. The product is available in two thread types: fine and coarse to fit different wood types. Nonetheless, each thread features a self-tapping tip that drills down the holes quickly without splitting the wood. The coarse thread is best for use on softwoods that are not too dense as the screws bite dipper into the wood. The Maxi-Loc head design gives the screw flat underside to hold the joint of your wood together. There is a smooth area below the head that glides freely over the unthreaded part of the screw. As a result, it pulls tightly against your floor.

Pros  

• Double thread-design
• Self-tapping tips
• Tight seams

Cons 

• Not a bronze-colored finish as described

#8 X 1-1/2″ Stainless Flat Head Phillips Wood Screw

The durable stainless steel screw features a flat head with no coating or exterior finish. By implication, you ‘won’t have to bother about paint peeling or chipping. It, however, features corrosion-resistant properties thanks to marine-grade stainless. As a result, you can use the screw for floors near water. For maximum penetration, the product comes with thick, coarse threads that increase its holding ability in softer materials and quick fastening. The flat head feature also comes in handy as it gives it a nice row finish. Plus, the deep cut drive is available in different varieties.

Pros 

• Superior stainless steel
• Coarse threads
• Corrosion-resistant

Cons 

• Some products in the package came defective

#10 X 2″ Stainless Flat Head Phillips Wood Screw

One-hundred pieces of the #10 X 2″ Stainless Flat Head Phillips Wood Screw is guaranteed to see you through your flooring project. The product comes with a strong and rugged flat head design that works for indoor and outdoor use. Unlike regular steel, superior stainless steel performs well against rust. The small screws are right as the slots are deep to prevent the screwdriver from slipping. It is also coated to make it corrosion-resistant. More than use on hardwood, the screws for hardwood doubles for use on other types of jobs that require medium-sized fasteners.

Pros 

• Strong and durable
• Flat-head design
• Deep cut hand

Cons 

• The package is not great as many buyers lost most screws in transit

Hard-to-Find Fastener 014973291549 Twinfast Wood Screw, 8 x 1-1/2″

The black-colored screws don’t strip and don’t stick out of place. Another advantage of the black color is that you can use it for a variety of projects. The Hard-to-Find Fastener 014973291549 Wood Screw, 8 x 1-1/2″ features nice and precise threads with a sharp edge that bites into the wood for a more secure hold. Twinfast threading design features twice the threads per inch to make it an excellent choice for soft and dense wood material. It also has a clean countersink and flat-head for a flush that you can drive with a standard Phillips driver head.

Pros 

• Black phosphate coating
• Twinfast threading
• Flathead

Cons 

• The diameter is a bit small

#8 x 3/4″ Stainless Truss Head Phillips Wood Screw

The #8 x 3/4″ Stainless Truss Head Phillips Wood Screw is another handy screw to have around for different types of projects. Designed with coarse stainless steel, the product comes with the deep cut Philips drive that prevents head-striping. Since stainless performs well against corrosion, the screw won’t be affected by water. Slightly rounded and extra-wide head has a wide head base that acts as a washer for even load distribution. The coarse threads design gives it a self-drilling performance to make it more convenient to drill into your hardwood.

Pros 

• Large truss head
• Consistent finish
• Solid and high-quality

Cons 

• A bit tricky as it tends to strip towards the end of tightening the screw

#6 x 1/2″ Xylan Coated Stainless Flat Head Phillips Wood Screw (100 pc)

The black-Xylan coated screw features deep cut Philips drive to prevent striping. Whether you intend to use it outdoor or indoor, the product is designed for corrosion-resistant performance. Sharp tips make starting without a pilot hole reasonably easy, although having a predrilled hole makes it easier to use. The black coating also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the screw. More than this, however, it is a slick and durable protective coating that prevents stripping.

Pros 

• Durable coating
• For indoor and outdoor use
• Corrosion-resistant

Cons 

• The head could be bigger

WoodPro Fasteners AP9X212-1 #9 by 2-1/2-Inch

The all-purpose wood construction screw, true to its name, works for a wide range of interior and exterior flooring. The product is coated with Golden Electro-Polyseal coating for reliable performance. Special nibs under the screw head also provide countersink, and type-17 points let you star drilling effortlessly. The Electrocoating is thinner, hence, makes it durable for an all-weather application. The screws grip hard and stay hard to hold a lot of weight. Torx head design also gives it a no-slip performance no matter how hard you drive them.

Pros 

• Easy to drive-in
• Turns without stripping
• No need to predrill holes

Cons 

• Some buyers received screws without a star bit

Power Pro 48611 Premium Outdoor Wood and Deck Screws

Another premium wood screws for hardwood is the Power Pro 48611 Premium Outdoor Wood and Deck Screws. Designed by Hillman, the product features a no-strip star drive with six points of contact. This feature eliminates splitting by maximizing the drive torque. It also features countersinking blades that take out the wood fibers and reseals the surface. The bore-fast serrated thread also lets you sink the screw into your wood without needing to predrill the wood. Plus, it slightly enlarges the hole to reduce friction and prevent wood splitting. Fastener coating on the product reduces corrosion in redwood, cedar, and treated lumber.

Pros 

• Smooth drive
• Less wood splitting
• Countersinking blades

Cons 

• The screw is a little thin

#10 X 2″ Stainless Oval Head Phillips Wood Screw (50pc)

The #10 X 2″ Stainless Oval Head Phillips Wood Screw is long, fits right, and seat well for easy fastening. The threads on the product are consistent and are great for use in wet environments. Not just this, marine-grade stainless steel makes it handy for use on a saltwater dome. The coarse threads do not only give the bite that you are looking for; it increases its holding ability. Unlike flat head screws, the oval head design of the product is slightly raised to give it a decorative dome. Deep cut drive lets the bit fit snugly to reduce stripping.

Pros 

• Varieties to choose from
• Deep cut drive
• Corrosion-resistant

Cons 

• The magnetic steel is a low-grade mix

Kreg SML-C250-50 2-1/2-Inch #8 Coarse Washer-Head Pocket Screws

The Kreg SML-C250-50 2-1/2-Inch screw is thick and has one of the most popular head styles as the bearing surface. Hence, the head will not overdrive at the bottom of the pocket. The auger tip also self-taps its hole to prevent the need to predrill. It also has a large-diameter steel shank compared to many products that are offered for sale in the market. Bronze-colored finish and dry-lubricating coating ease driving torque and make the screw rust-resistant. For convenient use, the product comes with an easy-to-read instruction.

Pros 

• Valuable instruction
• Long screws
• Self-tapping screws

Cons

• Inconsistent threading across the products

Kreg SML-C125B-100 Blue-Kote WR Pocket Screws

Blue screws may not be the top of your list; however, they are aesthetically pleasing without cutting down on performance. The Kreg SML-C125B-100 Blue-Kote WR Pocket Screws features three corrosion-resistant layers that shield it from harsh outdoor conditions. Since a single pack includes 100 screws, you have enough to handle your project. Self-taping tip design drills its hole while you drive in the screw. Case-hardened steel also prevents breaking and bending, plus, large maxi-loc head gives it reliable and robust performance. A deep square drive ensures optimum driver engagement.

Pros 

• Large head
• Durable steel shank
• Corrosion-resistant layer

Cons 

• Does not come with a driver bit

#10 X 1/2″ Stainless Pan Head Phillips Wood Screw

The #10 X 1/2″ Stainless Pan Head Phillips Wood Screw is not the most extended screw in the market. However, it does enough to hold your floor together. The pure-stainless pan head screw is solid and has a flat bottom. This, plus a slightly flattened top and rounded side, make it usable for a variety of application where you need a flat bottom-head screw. An advantage of the screw is that it sits on top of the surface of the material. Hence, the body goes all the way into the wood. For flexible selection, the product is available in different varieties of colors.

Pros 

• Wide and flat pan head
• Corrosion-resistant
• Easy to screw in

Cons 

• They are short

Hillman 48610 Power Pro Premium Exterior Wood Screw, 9 X 2 1/2-Inch

The Hillman 48610, like other screws by Power Pro, slightly enlarges the hole with its bore-fast design for quick screwing. It does this by cutting the hole and transporting the fibers out with its twist shank and countersinking blades. The drive on the screw has six points of contact to deliver maximum drive torque. The torque prevents splitting for convenient wood installation.

Pros 

• Torx drive
• No splitting
• Lasting coating

Cons 

• Some buyers received shorted pieces

Simpson T10300WPP Hardwood Decking Screw

The Simpson T10300WPP Hardwood Decking Screw penetrates hardwood with ease thanks to its raised-ridge technology. The design features four corner thread form that reduces driving torque. The product package contains the driver bit, and there are approximately 350 screws in the product. Threads on the screw are 2/3-inches up the shank to tightly draw the wood. Since it is stainless, it offers quality corrosion-resistant properties.

Pros

• Won’t break in composite material
• Corrosion-resistant
• 6-lobe drive

Cons

• Not a 6-star drive

Kreg SML-C250B-125 2-1/2″ Coarse Thread Number 8 Blue Kote Pocket Hole Screws

Coming in the last place is the Kreg SML-C250B-125 2-1/2″ Coarse Thread Number 8 Blue Kote Pocket Hole Screws. The coloring of the product makes it an excellent choice for different outdoor and indoor hardwood flooring. The screws for hardwood are easy to use and are sturdy for reliable use. It also features a flat bottom head, a smooth shank, and a square drive. Plus, it has a self-tapping tip, a case hardened steel, and an anti-corrosion layer for optimal performance against rust.

Pros 

• Good fit and finish
• Easy to use
• Flat head

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How can I hide my screw head?

Screws for hardwood are attractive and aesthetically pleasing. However, there are times that you don’t want the heads to be noticeable. The solution is to cover or hide the screw head. We recommend that you predrill the hole and drive the screw all the way. You can then proceed to cover it with a decorative wood plug

• Can I reuse my screw? 

Screws are recyclable and reusable. However, it can only be reused if the threading and drive recess is not damaged.

• Should I use nail or screws? 

Nails are stronger, however, bends more readily when subjected to enormous pressure. Screws hold woods better and tighter than nails, especially when hardwood contracts and expand.

Conclusion

The best screws for hardwood is a handy tool that lets you finish your project with ease. All the products we have listed above promise reliable performance, regardless of the pressure that is exacted. Check the buyer’s guide to make your purchase worth it.