When you are building an deck, you must select the correct screw to ensure the deck is structurally sound. Selecting the wrong screws can cause the deck boards to wobble because the screws doesnt reach the supporting joists. If a screw is too short, the screw will not penetrate the joist deep enough, and a short screw will result in an unstable deck.
To prevent an unstable deck, a screw must penetrate the supporting joist by at least one inch. You must calculate the length of the screw by measuring the thickness of the deck board and then adding the necessary length to reach the joists. For example, if the deck board is thick, you will need more longer screw, but if the deck board is thin, you will need a shorter screw.
How to Choose the Right Screws for Your Deck
The material of the wood determine the type of metal you should use for your screws. If you are using cedar or tropical hardwoods, you should use stainless steel screws because stainless steel screws resists corrosion and prevent rust streaks on the wood. Many people use different metal, but stainless steel is a better choice for premium wood species because stainless steel protects the appearance of the wood.
However, if you are using pressure-treated lumber, you should use hot-dip galvanized screws instead of standard steel screws. Pressure-treated lumber contains chemicals that can corrode standard steel screws, so you need hot-dip galvanized screws because the coating on hot-dip galvanized screws protects the metal from chemicals in the pressure-treated lumber. If you use the wrong metal, the chemicals in the pressure-treated lumber will cause the screws to oxidize and create dark stains on the wood.
The way you drive the screws into the wood also affect the longevity of the deck. You should not drive the screw head too deep into the wood because a screw head that is too deep creates a hole that collects rainwater. If a screw head collects rainwater, the water can cause the wood to rot.
You should drive the screw so that the screw head sits flush with the surface of the wood, and a flush screw head help to prevent water from entering the wood. Additionally, the drive type of the screw is an important factor in your projects. Many people use Phillips head screws, but Phillips head screws often slip out of the screw head, which is a process called camming out.
If camming out strips a screw head, the screw becomes difficult to use. You should use Torx or star drive screws because Torx or star drive screws allow the drill bit to stay locked in the screw head, and Torx or star drive screws makes it easier to apply pressure without slipping. Preparation is a necessary part of building a deck.
You should pre-drill hole if you are working with hardwoods because pre-drilling holes prevents the wood from splitting. You should also use a staggered pattern when placing screws to prevent the wood from splitting. If you use the correct screws, the correct metal, and the correct driving technique, the deck will remain level and stable.
Taking the time to select the correct screws and use the correct metal ensures that the deck remains functional and looks professional for a long time.
