Which Screws Should You Use for Decking? A Guide to Exterior Wood Screws That Last
On June 7, 2025
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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.
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:
- Timco decking screws
- C2 Deck-Fix exterior screws
- Collated wood screws
- Trade packs and tubs
- Next-day delivery available on all orders placed before 3pm
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.
C2 Deck-Fix
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TIMCO C2 Deck-Fix Decking Screws - 4.5mm × 50mm – Tub of 250 £6.66 ex VAT(£7.99 inc VAT)
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TIMCO C2 Deck-Fix Decking Screws - 4.5mm x 65mm – Tub of 1000 £24.24 ex VAT(£29.09 inc VAT)
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TIMCO C2 Deck-Fix Decking Screws - 4.5mm × 50mm – Box of 250 £6.41 ex VAT(£7.69 inc VAT)
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TIMCO C2 Deck-Fix Decking Screws - 4.5mm x 65mm – Tub of 250 £7.99 ex VAT(£9.59 inc VAT)
Timco Decking Screw
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TIMCO Decking Screws - PZ - Double Countersunk - Exterior - Green - 4.5 x 50 £34.41 ex VAT(£41.29 inc VAT)
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TIMCO Decking Screws - PZ - Double Countersunk - Exterior - Green - 4.5 x 50 £3.74 ex VAT(£4.49 inc VAT)
C2 Collated Decking Screws
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TIMCO C2 Collated Deck-Fix - SQ - Countersunk with Ribs - Twin-Cut - Green - 4.5 x 65mm £17.66 ex VAT(£21.19 inc VAT)
Stainless Steel Decking Screw
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TIMCO Decking Screws - PZ - Double Countersunk - Stainless Steel - 4.5 x 50 £18.66 ex VAT(£22.39 inc VAT)
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TIMCO Decking Screws - PZ - Double Countersunk - Stainless Steel - 4.5 x 65 £22.41 ex VAT(£26.89 inc VAT)
Timber Screws – Wafer
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TIMCO Wafer Head Timber Screws – Exterior Green - 6.7 x 95 £1.58 ex VAT(£1.89 inc VAT)
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TIMCO Wafer Head Timber Screws – Exterior Green - 6.7 x 95 £6.82 ex VAT(£8.18 inc VAT)


