Tip #1 – Fastening Deck Boards
The strongest way to secure deck boards to joists is by using the top down (face mount) screw method. This means using two screws on each end, and using two screws towards the outside of the boards at every joist along the way.
Besides, Do decking screws need to be pre drilled?
Deck screws installed in the field, not close to the board’s end or edge, need not be predrilled. Predrilling is required near the end of deck boards to make room for the screw. As the screw is acting like a wedge, driving between the wood fibres. That screw pushes against the decking, splitting open the board.
Keeping this in mind, Is it better to nail or screw deck boards? The Consensus: For a deck build it’s best to use a combination of nails and screws. … Screws are superior for laying down the decking. They hold things flush better and have a better fastener/tensile strength, which keeps boards from popping up over time.
Do you screw deck boards to every joist?
Start the installation by securing each board with a few screws to keep them in place. … Once all of the decking is in place, snap a chalk line so that the screws can be installed in straight rows over the underlying framing. Each board should recieve 2 screws per joist, spaced about an inch from each edge.
Why are my decking screws snapping?
The most likely cause of deck screws snapping is a combination of the boards and the screws. Simply, if the boards shift, it alters the pressure on the screws, and they may snap. … So, a good screw will hold and tight and hopefully survive a bit of warping, and a poor-quality screw will snap.
Is it better to screw or nail deck boards?
The Consensus: For a deck build it’s best to use a combination of nails and screws. … Screws are superior for laying down the decking. They hold things flush better and have a better fastener/tensile strength, which keeps boards from popping up over time.
Can you use a nail gun on decking?
Use a nail gun primarily for affixing the decking and trim (or fascia) boards, with stainless-steel-finish nails to avoid rusting. For adequate penetration, nails should be one-and-a-half inches longer than the boards.
When should you use deck screws?
For deck boards, screws are the fasteners you want to use for holding strength. They provide excellent retention of the boards and prevent the dreaded board squeak that occurs when nails are used. Board squeak is what happens when there is distance between the deck board and the frame.
What nails are best for decking?
The best nails for decking are stainless steel nails as they offer the greatest resistance to rust with minimum discoloration to woods such as cedar. However, stainless steel nails are considerably more expensive than other nails.
How far apart should screws be on deck boards?
Bottom Line
Professional builders using standard 5 1/2-inch-wide deck boards attach them at each joist with screws set one to two inches from each edge of the board. The exact measurement doesn’t matter as much as uniformity of spacing for appearance’s sake.
How should board ends be fastened to a joist?
Fix the board to each joist by driving a nail into the tongue of the board at a 45º angle. If your boards do not stretch across the room, the ends must butt together over a joist. Cut and scribe the final board and secure using round lost-head wire nails.
How many screws do I need for decking?
For standard deck fasteners, the rule of thumb is that you need 350 screws for every 100 square feet of decking.
Why do I keep breaking screws?
The most common reason a screw breaks is because it is the wrong type of screw for the application you are working on. … Using the wrong type of metal screw, such as an aluminum screw, for wood construction on wood that is very heavy can lead to breakage.
How long should my deck nails be?
As a general rule, at least 1-1/2″ of a deck nail should protrude into the joist to which the decking is attached. For 5/4 inch decking use a 10d (3″) nail. For thicker decking use a 16d (3-1/2″) nail.
Which is stronger nail or screw?
When deciding between nails and screws, keep in mind that nails are less brittle, so they provide greater shear strength. … Screws, on the other hand, may not be as forgiving, but their threaded shafts hold better in wood and draw boards together much more tightly and they have greater tensile strength.
What are deck screws used for?
Deck screws can be used on decking to fasten boards, build framing and install rails. They can withstand harsh weather conditions and handle a larger weight than normal wood screws which makes them perfect for any wooden structures that need to be more robust.
Are deck screws the same as wood screws?
Deck screws are stronger than wood screws and are often made from copper or stainless steel. Their corrosion-resistant properties make them ideal for outdoor use. On the other hand, wood screws are mostly made from steel and have a flat head as well as an unthreaded shank that make strong joints.
What screws are best for pressure-treated wood?
Galvanized, ceramic coated, or stainless steel screws are the best corrosion-resistant fasteners for pressure-treated cedar or redwood.
How long should nails be for decking?
The length of the nail depends on the thickness of the material being fastened. A good practice is to use nails at least double the length of the thickness of the wood – 1½” thick lumber, use 3” (10d) to 3½” (16d) log nails. Common nails have a wider diameter than box nails and may split 5/4” deck boards.
What kind of nails do you use for pressure treated wood?
For most applications, however, best nails for pressure treated lumber are either hot dipped galvanized nails and bolts. For screws we recommend using ones that have a protective coating that is designed for use with pressure treated lumber. one example would be Outlaw fasteners.
What type of nails should be used for outdoor use?
Nails intended for outdoor use are often galvanized or “hot-dipped” with a coating of zinc to improve their weather-resistance. Stainless steel is also used for outdoor applications, though stainless steel nails are considerably more expensive than zinc-plated nails.
How much space should be between screws?
Screws in wall edges should be spaced about eight inches apart. You may need to use more screws.
What is the best gap between decking boards?
Proper Gap between Decking Boards
When installing decking boards, make sure to leave 1/4 to 1/8 inch gaps in between them. This gap will make sure that the deck can breathe, have sufficient drainage, and make it easier to clean.
Should you space pressure treated deck boards?
Regular pressure treated wood tends to be somewhat wet when it’s new. … In this case, some space between the boards is a good idea because the wood can actually expand slightly over time. The folks at YellaWood, recommend using an eight penny nail between rows to create adequate consistent spacing.