Deck Nail Vs Screw: Ideal Deck Fasteners Compared

When building a deck, choosing between nails and screws can be tough. Both are important for making sure your deck stays strong and lasts long. Here’s what you need to know about each.

Deck nails are usually made of rust-proof metal and are great for attaching deck boards. Deck screws, on the other hand, are special screws just for decks. They have a unique design that helps them hold onto the deck better.

Both nails and screws have their own good and bad points, and you can use both to fix deck boards in place. Let’s compare them to see which one might be the best for your deck project.

What’s The Difference Between Deck Nail And Screw?

Deck nails and screws are different in a few key ways. Screws are great for jobs where you might need to adjust things later because they’re easy to take out with a drill.

Nails are cheaper and good at handling pressure where two surfaces slide past each other, which is why they’re often used in big projects.

Screws are stronger for holding things together under tension, like in kitchen cabinets or porch railings. In the past, nails were more popular for long jobs because they were quicker to use.

But with the invention of electric and pneumatic screwdrivers, and especially cordless drills, screws have become much more common.

When deciding between the two, screws are usually the better choice. They have threads that grip into the wood, making a tighter connection.

Nails, being smooth, can be hammered in but they might loosen over time, especially in a deck that faces weather changes causing the wood to expand and contract.

Screws stay put better in these conditions, while nails might start to come loose. Also, when you drive a screw in with a power tool, it pulls the materials together more tightly.

Screws are generally stronger than nails and easier to remove, which is handy if you need to fix or replace a part of your deck later.

What To Consider When Choosing Deck Nail Vs Screw

When choosing fasteners for your deck, don’t just pass by the nails in the hardware store. Even though screws have many great features, nails still play an important role.

Yes, screws are stronger in pulling things together (tensile strength), but they can break more easily than nails. Ever snapped off the tip of a screw?

Nails, on the other hand, can bend a lot without breaking. The frame of your deck is what keeps it sturdy.

The fasteners that hold this frame together need to support the weight of the deck. So, would you want something that can bend without breaking or something that’s rigid but might break?

That’s why it’s good to use screws for your framing. In fact, it’s best to use a mix of deck hardware and nails when joining your joists to beams.

If you really want to use nails for your whole deck, think about using ring shank nails. They have rings like screw threads to keep the nail in place.

These nails can hold better than screws. But, they’re not easy to drive in, even with a nail gun, because of those rings. And once they’re in, they’re nearly impossible to remove without damaging the wood.

You might be tempted to use helical nails, which have threads to help them grip better. But don’t be fooled.

These nails can split softwoods and are tough to drive into harder woods. So, when it comes to your deck, think carefully about whether nails or screws are the best for each part of the job.

What Makes Deck Nail And Screw Different?

Deck screws and nails are both used for fixing things like decks, but they’re different in several ways. Here’s a breakdown of these differences to help you choose what’s best for your project:

Price

Deck nails are generally more affordable and are a cost-effective choice for large projects. They offer good corrosion resistance, especially anodized ones. Deck screws, though more expensive, come in different finishes to suit various needs.

Stainless steel screws are the most resistant to rust but come with a higher price tag. Galvanized screws are a common, budget-friendly option. Despite the initial higher cost, many people prefer screws because they tend to last longer, justifying the expense over time.

Project Size and Tool Requirement

For large projects like building a deck or house framing, nails are often chosen due to their strength and ease of installation.

Most nails have flat heads, allowing for quick hammering or use with a nail gun. Screws, being more suited to smaller projects, require more precision and effort to install.

There are many types of screws, each with a specific head design for different tools. While manual screwdrivers are more labor-intensive, power tools like drills make screw installation much easier and faster.

Pre-Drilling

When working with soft woods like pine, you can usually hammer nails in directly without pre-drilling. However, for harder woods, pre-drilling is essential to prevent splitting.

With screws, pre-drilling is often necessary, especially for harder woods. Using a countersunk bit ensures the screw sits flush with the wood surface, creating a neater finish and stronger hold, especially in soft timbers.

Durability

Although nails are robust and less prone to breaking, they might not hold as securely over time, especially in fluctuating weather conditions.

Screws, on the other hand, are more likely to snap under stress because of their threaded design.

However, their ability to grip the wood tightly makes them less likely to loosen over time, offering a more enduring solution for decking projects.

Cupping

Deck boards are prone to cupping, where the edges rise due to moisture changes. Screws can help reduce this effect.

Their strong grip keeps the boards more securely in place, minimizing the movement that leads to cupping. This results in a smoother, more stable deck surface over time.

Ease of Use

Nailing is a straightforward process and can be faster, especially with a nail gun. However, screws require a screwdriver or drill for installation, which might take more time and effort.

The advantage of screws is in their removability; they can be easily unscrewed for adjustments or repairs, whereas removing nails can be more challenging and may damage the wood.

Maintenance

Nails can make deck maintenance more difficult. Once hammered in, they can protrude from the wood surface, complicating tasks like sanding.

Screws, conversely, can be countersunk below the surface or easily removed, facilitating maintenance activities like sanding or replacing individual boards without causing damage to surrounding areas.

Deck Nail vs Screw: Advantages

Screws are a bit like nails in that they come in many shapes and sizes. They’re almost as easy to use as nails, but they have a stronger hold and last longer.

It’s also easier to take out screws without damaging the wood. Some people say you should use screws for building decks because the heads of the screws can trap water, which is not good.

Screws are better than nails for attaching deck boards. Nails can slowly come loose over time, but screws, with their threads, stay tight even with a lot of weight and use.

Deck screws are special because they resist rust, can sink into wood on their own, have a tapered shape, and are really sharp.

Stainless steel screws are pricier but they don’t rust easily, just like stainless steel nails. Using stainless steel screws is a good investment. They help keep your deck from getting damaged or falling apart over time.

When And Where To Use: Nails vs Screws?

Outside Jobs

Nails are a good choice for outside work like putting on roofs, siding, and covering walls. They cost less, which helps when you need many fasteners for big projects.

Nails are quick to put in and hold well for these types of jobs. They’re strong enough to withstand outdoor conditions and can be used with a hammer or a nail gun, which makes the work go faster.

Decking

For decks, screws are the way to go. They grip stronger and last longer, keeping your deck boards secure.

Modern deck screws even come in types that hide themselves, making the deck look cleaner and more professional. These screws are designed to resist outdoor weather, so they won’t rust or come loose easily.

Railings

When adding railings to your deck, choose screws. They provide a tight fit and won’t easily loosen, keeping the railing safe.

Screws are also less likely to break under the weight of the railings, making them a reliable choice for this part of your deck.

Interior Finishes

Inside the house, nails are often used for trim work like molding and baseboards. They’re cheaper and blend in better, so you won’t see the fasteners in your finished work.

Nails are also easier to use in tight spaces and can be quickly put in with a hammer or nail gun.

Deck Planks

For the main surface of the deck, use screws. They ensure a long-lasting, sturdy deck. Pick screws that are made for outdoor use to prevent rust.

If you’re using a hidden fastening system, get screws that match that system to make sure everything fits right and looks good.

Stairs

Both nails and screws work for deck stairs. Use screws for the main structure, like attaching the stair stringers to the deck.

For the stair treads (the part you step on), use the same screws as the deck planks for a consistent and strong build.

Inside your home, screws are great for subfloors because they prevent squeaks.

Nails are better for hardwood floors as they allow the wood to expand and contract with changes in humidity. Nails give a bit more flexibility, which is important for natural wood floors.

Features Of Best Deck Nail

The best deck nails are tough, rust-free, and last a long time. Here’s what makes them good:

• Good deck nails are made to be strong and to not rust. Galvanized nails are treated to resist rust, which is really important for outdoor decks.
• There are lots of nail types. The best ones for decks are stainless steel nails. They don’t rust and don’t leave marks on wood like cedar.
• These are the top choice for decks, but they’re more expensive than regular nails. They’re worth it because they last longer and keep looking good.
• These are a more budget-friendly option for deck building. They have a strong coating that protects against rust. They’re not as pricey as stainless steel but still offer good protection.
• Some galvanized nails only have a thin coating that can wear off and rust. Also, aluminum nails aren’t great for decks. They’re softer and can corrode, especially when they touch the chemicals in pressure-treated wood.

So, for building a deck, choose nails that are strong, have good rust protection, and are suitable for the type of wood and environment they’ll be in.

Deck Nail vs. Screw: Which One To Choose?

When deciding between deck nails and screws, think about what you’re building:

Drywall or Subfloors

Screws are usually better. They hold things tightly and don’t come loose easily. For drywall, people often use Phillips-head screws with a drill or a powered screw gun.

Hardwood Floors

Nails are the choice here. They don’t leave visible screw heads and are less likely to split the wood. Nails also flex a bit, which is good because wood expands and shrinks naturally.

Short-Term Projects

Screws are great for temporary work because they’re easy to remove and hold tightly. They’re handy for things like making jigs (temporary frames for consistent work), installing hinges, or woodworking tasks.

Cabinets, Trim, and Furniture

Use screws for building cabinets, attaching trim, or putting together furniture pieces like attaching tabletops to bases.

Structural Work

Nails are often used for structural projects like wall framing because they can bend under pressure instead of snapping like screws.

Outdoor Work

For installing hardwood floors, putting up siding and roofing, or securing plywood for exterior walls, nails are the go-to. Box nails are good for clapboard siding because they don’t split the wood.

Finishing Touches

For smaller details like baseboards, molding, and door jambs, finishing nails and brads work best.
In short, choose screws for stronger hold and easy removal in projects like drywall, subfloors, and furniture. Use nails for flexibility and strength in structural work and outdoor projects.

Ring Shaft Nails Are Better For Stronger Gripping

Ring shaft nails are a special type of nail. Unlike regular nails which are smooth and have flat tips, these have rings around their shafts.

This design makes them stronger and helps them hold onto things better, up to 40% more than normal nails.

These nails are really good for softer woods like plywood and shingles because they grip better and last longer than the smooth kind.

You can use them for things like drywall and floors too, but they’re harder to pull out than screws and might leave a rough hole if you remove them.

Final Thoughts

When building a deck, it’s best to use both nails and screws. Different parts of the deck need different kinds of fasteners. For example, screws are great for the deck surface because they keep it flat and are very strong.

This helps to prevent the boards from bending or warping later. But for the main structure of the deck, like the beams, regular nails are usually good enough, unless you want to use more expensive special fasteners.