Stainless Steel Decking Screws

When you are picturing your new patio or deck in your mind you see it with beautiful hardwood timber (dark or light timber) treated with a stain or polyurethane. Then you look at the dull galvanized decking screws, that is not how you wanted it to be, is it? No, then you picture it with Stainless Steel Square drive decking screws! Much better! Ok, then which ones to use? There is several types available today, from a trim head to a larger head (for wide boards)

So which ones to pick? Well if you are using a standard size board (approx. 65mm wide x 19mm thick) then I suggest a 10 gauge x 50mm number 2 square drive decking screw. If you prefer the smaller look then try a 10 gauge x 50mm trim head decking screw. The trim head speaks for itself, it has a much smaller head size giving a even neater look to your deck. But do make sure that the decking timber you are using is completely dried or even kiln dried. Because if it is not dried completely as it does dry and weather it will shrink and lift pulling the head of your decking screw through the timber. Not a good look or a good thing to happen. As repairing this is time consuming and expensive as some of the decking timber might have to be replaced.

If your using a wide timber, approximately 100mm or even 140mm wide then I would suggest a 14 gauge Bugle Head Batten screw, stainless steel of course. These have a larger head and eliminate the possibility of the head being pulled through. Again make sure your timber has been dried correctly. Also remember when choosing your decking screws, choose the correct grade of stainless steel for each job. If close to salt water (the beach, salt water pool) always use grade 316 (marine grade) this will eliminate any chance of rust. Grade 304 can be used for internal purposes or places that are not directly in the elements.