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Which Screws Should You Use for Decking? A Guide to Exterior Wood Screws That Last

Which Screws Should You Use for Decking? A Guide to Exterior Wood Screws That Last

Which Screws Should You Use for Decking? A Guide to Exterior Wood Screws That Last

When it comes to building a deck that stands the test of time, choosing the right fixings is just as important as the timber you use.

Whether you're working on softwood, hardwood, or composite decking, using the wrong screws can lead to splits, rust, loose boards, or worse — call-backs. In this guide, we’ll break down the best screws to use for decking, including what to look for, why it matters, and which options we recommend for a reliable, long-lasting finish.

Which Screws Should You Use for Decking? A Guide to Exterior Wood Screws

Why Decking Screws Matter

Decks are constantly exposed to the elements – rain, sun, foot traffic, and temperature changes. That means your screws need to offer:

  • Corrosion resistance
  • Strong holding power
  • Smooth, clean finishes
  • Compatibility with treated timber or composite

Best Screws to Use for Decking

Here are the most common (and most effective) exterior wood screws used by professional installers:

Timco Decking Screws
These are purpose-designed with a green organic coating for long-term protection. With a sharp point and a ribbed countersunk head, Timco decking screws offer clean finishes and are easy to drive into timber.

Great for:

  • Softwood and pressure-treated timber
  • General decking installations
  • Trade users looking for high performance at a great price

C2 Deck-Fix Decking Screws
Timco’s C2 Strong-Fix range takes things up a notch with twin-cut points, reinforced double ribs, and advanced corrosion protection. These screws reduce timber splitting and offer serious holding power — especially ideal for tougher woods or heavier footfall areas.

Great for:

  • Hardwoods or heavy-duty decks
  • Customers needing a top-spec finish
  • Long-term durability

Stainless Steel Screws
If you’re working in a coastal area or using hardwood decking (like oak or balau), stainless steel is a must. They won’t rust or react with the tannins in the wood.

Great for:

  • High-exposure environments
  • Composite or hardwood decking
  • Premium installations

Wafer Head Screws (for brackets and clips)
While not used for fixing boards, wafer screws are ideal for securing metal clips or finishing trims – especially common with composite decking systems or step edges.

Great for:

  • Metal-to-timber fixings
  • Brackets, clips, and edging
  • Supporting accessories around your deck
  • Fast Fixing: Collated Wood Screws

Coach Screws (for framing and structure)
For structural fixings below the surface, coach screws provide serious holding power. They’re often used for timber joists, posts, sleepers, and landscaping work around the deck area.

Great for:

  • Framing and base construction
  • Sleeper walls and pergolas
  • Heavier-duty timber connections

Fast Fixing: Collated Wood Screws

Need to get through boards fast? Timco’s collated C2 wood screws are ideal for use with auto-feed screwdrivers, letting you fix boards quickly and consistently.

Great for:

  • Large decking jobs
  • Time-saving installs
  • Reducing fatigue over long shifts

Features to Look for in Exterior Screws for Wood

No matter which type of decking screw you choose, make sure it ticks these boxes:

  • Corrosion-resistant coating (or stainless steel)
  • Self-countersinking head for a clean flush finish
  • Sharp or twin-cut point to reduce splitting
  • Thread design that pulls boards tight
  • Length – usually 60–75mm for standard timber decking

Shop Exterior Wood Screws at Fast Fixings Online

At Fast Fixings Online, we stock a wide range of exterior screws for wood, including:

Whether you’re fixing a single garden deck or running multiple installs across the summer, we’ve got the fixings to help you get it done – fast.

Final Tip

Always match your screw type to the decking material, check if pre-drilling is needed, and use a quality driver bit to prevent cam-out. Do it right the first time, and your fixings will last just as long as the boards themselves.