There are many tools used during deck construction; such tools includecircular saws, tape measures,power drills, and a lot more. These tools come with significance in their capacity, and none is more important than the other as they complement each other. Screws are key for joining the deck boards, and it is crucial to get it right with the screw work, especially if you are working with pressure-treated wood that contains some chemicals. Thebest deck screws for pressure treated woodare created to give maximum performance in instances where you are constructing your deck with treated woods.
The choice of a deck screw largely determines how great your finished product appears. Some screws are aggressive and could split your boards when you drive them into the woods, which can prove costly in the long run. Therefore, you must know one or two things about the screw you shall select for your project. In this article, I’ve reviewed some of the screws that will get your job done perfectly if you are working withpressure treated wood.
Additionally, I’ve provided a comprehensive buyer’s guide with some essential aspects to look in a deck screw, especially if you are working with pressure treated wood.
Read on to find more about the products.
List of The Best Deck Screws for Pressure Treated Wood
Table of Contents
1. Power Pro 48611 Premium Outdoor Wood and Deck Screws
The Power Pro 48611 Premium Outdoor Wood and Deck Screw is suitable for your decking and outdoor wood projects. It is robust and durable as it is made of quality steel and has a corrosion-resistant coating.
The screw has a no-split twist shank design that enlarges the hole slightly to reduce drive friction and wood splitting. This design gives 75% less wood splitting than other techniques used in average wood screws.
A no-strip star drive technology used to make the screw gives you 6 points of contact that maximize the drive torque and eliminate splitting. Countersinking blades, on the other hand, enable it to cut perfectly finished holes by transporting wood fibers out and sealing the surface.
Additionally, the screw has a bore-fast serrated thread design that allows the screw-point to drive easy and fast without pre-drilling.
The Summary of Top Features
- It is of quality steel for strength.
- The corrosion-resistant coating makes the screw durable.
- It has a no-split shank design that reduces drive friction and wood splitting.
- The six contact points on the drive prevent strips.
- The thread of the screw is bored fast serrated, allowing you to drill with ease without pre-drilling.
Pros
- It is reliable and durable.
- You enjoy reduced drive friction and wood splitting.
- It has six contact points.
- You can drill with ease without the need for pre-drilling.
- It has a fast and better engagement than other standard screws.
Cons
- Some users complain that the package comes with lesser screws.
2. Deck Plus 48422 Tan Deck Screws
The Deck Plus 48422 Tan Deck Screw is excellent for various applications and arguably one of the best deck screws for pressure treated wood. It has a coarse threaded design that protects against rust and corrosion and thus enhances durability. On top of that, it is of a steel material that makes it strong.
The screw has a star drive design that prevents cam outs and countersinking nibs on the head that fit the surface very well. Additionally, the non-slip start drive head makes drilling easy and quick.
The Summary of Top Features
- The screw is strong and durable; thus, it is usable for various projects.
- It comprises a corrosion-resistant material, so it has a longer useful life.
- This screw has a quality steel material that makes it very strong.
- The non-slip start drive head makes drilling easy.
- There are countersinking nibs on the head of the screw that nicely fit on your surface.
- The screw’s stardrive design prevents cam outs.
Pros
- The screw is corrosion resistant.
- It is strong and durable.
- The screw gives no cam outs.
- This product offers convenience for a variety of applications.
- It facilitates fast and effortless drilling,
Cons
- The square drives wear off quickly.
3. FastenMaster FMTLOK08-250 TimberLOK Heavy-Duty Wood Screw
The FastenMaster FMTLOK08-250 TimberLOK Heavy-Duty Wood Screw stands out because it is easy to use and durable. The ease of use is because the screw effortlessly drives through the wood, helping you save energy and labor time. On the other hand, durability results from the guaranteed corrosion resistance for the life of the project.
With these screws, you can penetrate the densest woods without pre-drilling as they have sharp points and aggressive threads. They also provide strong shear values that surpass the ⅜ inch galvanized lag screws.
The head of the screw is tapered, which makes it countersink seamlessly with the pressure-treated wood. The countersinking head design is ideal for your wood for wood projects, be it landscaping or retaining walls. Besides that, inspection is easy since the screw is head stamped.
The Summary of Top Features
- This screw is head-stamped for easy code inspection.
- The head is uniquely tapered and countersinks very well into the surface of the wood.
- It drives through the pressure treated wood easily and saves labor time.
- It has sharp and aggressive threads that penetrate dense woods without pre-drilling.
Pros
- The screw is durable.
- It is easy to use.
- The head countersinks well into the surface.
- It is of corrosion-resistant material.
- It allows for easy code inspection.
- You don’t need to pre-drill for good results.
- It can penetrate dense woods.
Cons
- It is not convenient for longer splices.
4. Hillman Fasteners 48419 Deck Screws
The Hillman Fasteners 48419 Deck Screw has a star drive design that makes it do a great job. The system helps it transfer torque and prevent cam outs, something that you want for your project. This screw will do a great job on the different projects you are undertaking.
The screw is both strong and durable, majorly because of the steel and corrosive resistant material that makes it. You can use it for outdoor projects without the fear of adverse weather conditions damaging your work.
The head of the screw is uniquely designed to leave a clean and even finish. It has these countersinking nibs that rightly fit on the wood surface.
The Summary of Top Features
- The star drive design of the screw makes it suitable for different projects.
- The countersinking nibs on the head of the screw make it fit perfectly on the material.
- The star drive helps transfer torque and avoid cam outs.
- The coating material makes the screw superior to rust and corrosion.
- It is of steel and corrosive resistant material that makes it both strong and durable.
Pros
- It is excellent for many jobs.
- It fits nicely on the surface.
- The screw is durable and robust.
- Its star drive design helps prevent cam outs.
- It leaves clean and even finishes.
Cons
- It is hard to remove the screw from the board once driven into it.
5. FastenMaster FMGD212-350 GuardDog Exterior Wood Screw
The FastenMaster FMGD212-350 GuardDog Exterior Wood Screw is a multi-purpose unit tested and guaranteed to work best in treated wood such as pressure-treated A.C.Q., cedar, and redwood. Its impressive features make it one of the best deck screws for pressure treated wood. Besides that, It is the best fastener for your wood decking projects because of its durability and ease of use.
The sharp threads and piercing point of the screw make it effortlessly engage and penetrate the wood for fast installation. The thread design also increases the screw’s holding power, thus will last longer on the material.
Additionally, the screw has a versatile pozisquare drive that eliminates the cam, so the screw remains perfect.
The Summary of Top Features
- The screw has sharp threads that easily engage and penetrate the lumber.
- It has a sharp piercing point for fast and effortless installation.
- It possesses a versatile pozisquare drive that eliminates cam outs.
- The aggressive thread design increases the screws’ holding power.
- It is durable and therefore fit for your wood decking jobs.
Pros
- The screw is A.C.Q. approved.
- It is easy to use.
- It is strong and durable.
- It has increased holding power.
- It has a sharp piercing point.
- It engages and penetrates wood easily and quickly.
Cons
- It is designed for pozisquare bits and may not work well with other regular bits
6. 100 Qty #9 x 2-1/2″ Inch Tan Fence and Deck Screws
The 100 Qty #9 x 2-1/2″ Inch Tan Fence & Deck Screw guarantees you a long-lasting hold because of its sharp cutting thread. It is a strong one too because of its stainless steel material.
The superior corrosion resistant ultra-guard coating makes the screw durable and stays in good shape. You will also enjoy better head concealment brought about by its bugle shaped head with nibs.
With this screw, your work is quite effortless and easy. Its star drive design is convenient for quick installation.
The Summary of Top Features
- The screw has a premium ultra-guard tan coating that prevents corrosion.
- The star drive design allows for effortless installation.
- It has a sharp cutting thread that gives long-lasting hold.
- It has a bugle shaped head with nibs for better head concealment.
- The stainless steel material makes the screw strong.
Pros
- The screw is longer lasting.
- It allows for quick, easy installation.
- It is corrosion-resistant.
- The bugle head of the screw is well concealed.
Cons
- Users complain that the package does not come with the right quantity of screws.
7. Hillman 48610 Power Pro Premium Exterior Wood Screw
The Hillman 48610 Power Pro Premium Exterior Wood Screw has a bronze ceramic coat that makes it strong and durable. The ceramic jacket also allows you to use the screw for outdoor wood projects.
The unit guarantees you a 20% faster engagement into the wood and 75% less wood splitting than other wood screws. The no split twist shank and six contact points bring about the reduced wood splitting during the coarse thread, the faster engagement.
The Summary of Top Features
- The coarse thread design allows you to drive the screw quickly without pre-drilling.
- Its no split twist shank helps prevent wood splitting.
- The countersinking blades give a finished hole.
- Its six contact points of the screw maximize drive torque and eliminate splitting.
- It has a bronze ceramic coat that makes it durable.
Pros
- The screw drives smoothly and does not break.
- It guarantees a 20% faster engagement.
- This product gives 75% less wood splitting compared to standard screws.
- It is durable.
- The screw maximized drive torque.
- The blades of the screw give a well-finished hole.
Cons
- The screws are slightly expensive.
8. FastenMaster FMGD312-1350 3-1/2-Inch GuardDog Exterior Wood Screw
The FastenMaster FMGD312-1350 3-1/2-Inch GuardDog Exterior Wood Screw allows you to conveniently do any wood decking jobs because of its durability and strength. The unique design of the thread also increases its holding power, thus making it a great tool.
The unit has a sharp piercing point that enables you to drive it into the wood quickly. Besides that, it has a pozisquare drive that eliminates cam-out. You will also enjoy quick penetrations into the luber because of the screw’s sharp threads.
The Summary of Top Features
- The screw has a pozisquare drive that helps you eliminate cam-out.
- Its robust thread design enhances the screw’s holding power.
- The unit has a sharp piercing point that allows you to drive it into the wood.
- It is healthy and thus convenient for any wood decking job.
Pros
- It allows for effortless installation.
- The screw has impressive holding power.
- The screw gives a reduced cam-out.
- It quickly engages and penetrates the luber.
Cons
- It is used with specific bits.
9. U-Turn, Flat Head Reamer with Wings
The U-Turn, Flat Head Reamer with Wings reams through the wood before reaching the metal and thus provides you reduced jacking action. The careful reaming of the wings also ensures that you smoothly install the screw making it one of the best deck screws for pressure treated wood.
The coating system comprises three layers: a hex-chromium or trivalent chromate passivation, a metallic zinc layer, and a high-grade anti-corrosion chemical conversion film. The layers make it exceptionally corrosion resistant and convenient for outdoor use or high corrosive applications.
The Summary of Top Features
- The screw has a deep chip cavity that enables it to thread virtually into metal.
- It has wings that ensure that it reams through the wood before getting to the metal, thus preventing jacking action and facilitating smooth installation.
- It has a Tek 4 Drill Point, which gives a drilling capacity of 110″ – 250″ through metal.
- The unit is W.A.R. coated, and this makes it corrosion resistant.
Pros
- This product is usable in high corrosive applications.
- It provides exceptional corrosion resistance and exceeds a 1,000 hr salt spray test.
- The screw is excellent in attaching lumber to metal.
- It has a deep chip cavity.
Cons
- They are not as long as some users would want.
10. Hillman 967772 EXT SCREW
The Hillman 967772 EXT Screw is a perfect one for your decking and exterior woodworking projects because of its sturdy material that makes it resistant to rust and corrosion. On top of that, it has countersinking blades that fit perfectly on the surface to give you a perfect finish.
The unit features a bore fast thread that enables you to install it easily without pre-drilling. The no split twist shank reduces drive friction and prevents wood splitting.
The Summary of Top Features
- The screw is of rust and corrosive material that makes it fit for exterior woodworking projects.
- The bore fast thread allows you to install the screw without pre-drilling.
- It has a no split twist shank that reduces drive friction and prevents wood splitting.
- The countersinking blades fit rightly on the material giving a smooth finish.
Pros
- It is perfect for decking and other exterior woodworking projects.
- The screw offers 75% less wood splitting and a 20% faster installation.
- The blades give an excellent finish.
- It has significant holding power.
- It is not affected by corrosion agents and rust.
Cons
- Some users find the screw too short for their projects.
11. Eagle Claw Stainless Steel Deck Screws
The Eagle Claw Stainless Steel Deck Screw gives excellent results for all coastal, wet, and outdoor applications. You can use it in general constructions, fences, decks, handrails, jetties, and walkways. The screw has high corrosion resistance, which means no more ugly rust stains on your outdoor timber structures.
The star drive head makes the screw easy to drive into wood. It also prevents cam-out and, therefore, preserves the screw and prolongs its life.
The Summary of Top Features
- The star drive head prevents cam-out, thus preserving the screw and prolonging the driver’s life.
- The screw is high corrosion resistant and prevents rusting and stains on your timber projects,
- The multi-purpose nature of the screw makes it suitable for fencing, decking, and all outdoor and wet area applications.
- The screw point enables comfortable driving.
Pros
- It is sturdy.
- These screws do not rust or get corroded.
- It works well for different woods, including redwood and cedar.
- The product is convenient for outdoor jobs.
Cons
- The manufacturer recommends pre-drilling, especially for dense timber and hardwoods.
12. Hillman 47362 Galvanized Dual Torq Deck Screw #8 x 1-1/4″
The Hillman 47362 Galvanized Dual Torq Deck Screw #8 x 1-1/4″ is specially engineered for harsh weather conditions as it is mechanically galvanized to provide excellent corrosion resistance. The feature makes it perfect for decks, fences, and furniture.
The dual torq drive uses both Philips and square drive bits for ease of use. The square at the center of the screw’s head gives you more driving options.
The Summary of Top Features
- It is a specialized fastener designed to resist corrosion in adverse outdoor environmental conditions.
- The screw has a square at the center to give you more driving options.
- The drive is engineered to use both Philips and square drive bits for ease of use.
Pros
- It gives you more driving options.
- It’s convenient in adverse outdoor environmental conditions.
- The screw is ideal for jobs beyond deck building.
- It exceeds the 250-hour salt spray test.
Cons
- The finish may cause staining in cedar or redwood.
Best Deck Screws for Pressure Treated Wood Buyer’s Guide
Deck screws are great for your pressure-treated lumber, and that’s because they are corrosion resistant and convenient for multiple applications. Most of them are designed with a coarse thread that offers you an increased holding capacity.
An expert or professional woodworker will find selecting the appropriate deck screw relatively easy. However, the story is different for a beginner because they may not be familiar with what to check.
Read on to get additional reasons why you need to get deck screws for pressure-treated wood and what key factors you should consider before purchase.
Reasons Why You Should Buy Deck Screws for Pressure Treated Wood
- They resist corrosion and rusting and are thus perfect for outdoor applications.
- These products have an increased holding capacity and make your deck compact and firm.
- The screws are easy to drive into the wood because of the sharp screw point.
- They are of a no split shank design that prevents the wood from splitting.
- The steel material of the screws makes them strong and durable.
- Most of them can be used with ease without the need for pre-drilling.
- The screws have a drive that eliminates cam-out.
Factors to Consider When Buying Deck Screws for Pressure Treated Wood
- Head type
We have different head styles for screws, and they include the flat head, round head, trim head, and cap head, among others. As much as you are free to use any, the flathead works best for decking because it can be concealed to enhance your deck’s beauty.
- Drive type
The screw head contains the drive, which facilitates the screw installation. The most popular drives are the Philip drive, square drive, and Torx drive. Your pick should be the one that enables you to drive the screw with much ease.
- Screw material
The different materials that make screws are stainless steel and steel, and they usually determine if the screw is strong or fragile. You can use screws from either material, but stainless steel is the best for decking.
- Screw coating
The coating is critical when it comes to screws and especially if you are using the screws in pressure-treated lumber. A stainless steel finish and a ceramic coating are suitable, but other superior quality coatings will do a good job. Galvanized coating, however, is not good because it may get damaged by the pressure-treated wood.
- Corrosion-resistant feature
The corrosion-resistant feature enables you to use the screw for outdoor applications without minding adverse and wet environmental conditions. Most of the time, if a screw does not have this property, it is quite useless when it comes to pressure-treated wood.
- Screw thread and tip
Most threads have coarse or serrated threads that ensure a long-lasting hold on the wood and allow you to work without pre-drilling. The screw’s tip is also vital because it will enable you to drive the screw into the wood effortlessly.
- The material of the surface
The surface where the screw will be driven into is equally essential. If you are working with a hard surface, then you need a strong and more formidable screw. A fragile screw may break and end up damaging your wood.
The thickness of the surface also determines the screw you will use because if it is very thick, you need longer screws.
- Your budget
The available financial resources for purchasing the screws are a significant consideration too. You need to research the screw prices to settle on the ones you can comfortably afford.
Conclusion
Whether you are using pressure-treated wood or the non treated ones, you still need the right screws for your decking projects. They will enable you to build a sturdy deck. A closer look at the screws’ features, you will see that they even enhance your deck’s beauty.
All the screws in this review have impressive qualities and features. However, from my experience using deck screws for pressure treated wood, I’d go with thePower Pro 48611 Premium Outdoor Wood and Deck Screwas the best deck screw for pressure treated wood. This product comes in a convenient size and thus appropriate for almost all woodworking projects than needs screwing. What’s more about this product is that it comes with a serrated thread that guarantees you a long-lasting holding, and you can install it without pre-drilling.
I hope that you found this post helpful in your quest to find the right screw for your pressure treated deck. If you have a question, opinion, or suggestion, kindly share it with me in the comment section below. In the meantime, happy shopping!
Tyron Otieno
Tyron is an avid woodworker and writer. He founded this website to help other woodworkers, whether hobbyists or professionals by sharing his knowledge and experiencie after a decade of woodworking.
