Screws Or Nails For Deck Framing

While nails have always been a necessity for at least part of the construction of a deck there was a time when screws were just too laborious to consider before the invention of power drivers nails could be pounded in quickly with a hammer while screws required pilot holes and hard to use manual drivers.

Screws or nails for deck framing. Screws are less likely to pop out or surface than nails when wood expands or contracts. Framing lumber is typically fir or similar softwood and screws often do not require pilot holes. Attach framing hardware with the fasteners supplied by the manufacturer 16d nails or 3 inch deck screws. A square head nail.

Pull back on the chisel until the deck board is tight to your spacer and drive the nails. Chisel technique with nails used for decking spacers. Wood chisel into the joist and tight to the edge of the deck board with the bevel facing you. Much like framing nails they do come in different sizes as well.

These will range from 2 1 2 to 3 inches in length. For deck framing structural wood screws such as simpson sds 1 5 screws work with joist and stringer hangers as well as post beam brackets. With their coarse threads screws hold better than nails and have more withdrawal force resistance than nails. While most often people opt for one of the first two especially for using only screws i recommend using both screws and nails each in different parts of the deck.

The screws will cost you more money when building a deck. This article explains critical safe construction details for decks and porches including avoiding deck or porch collapse and unsafe deck stairs and railings. Nails or screws for deck building. Nails building a deck if you are planning to build yourself a wood deck you have three options use only screws only nails or a mix of both.

If you decide to use the screws be sure they re approved for use with the new treated lumber that s now in the marketplace. You should consider using a 10 decking screw to hold together the framing. Check with your building inspector some codes prohibit attaching framing. But the small extra cost is worth it when a serious injury or death might occur if you decide to forgo their use.

Types of construction screws nails bolts to use when building a deck railing or exterior stair. Be sure to examine the type of head on the decking screws before you make your purchase. Railing posts require diameter galvanized or stainless steel through bolts while railings will need 3 5 coated deck screws for balusters and rails. Use 10d or 16d common spiral or ringshank nails or decking screws in 2x stock 8d or 10d box or ringshank nails or shorter deck screws in thinner stock.