Deck Screws from McFeelys

Pressure-Treated (ACQ)
1023-FP5, 1027-FP5	ProMax® Stainless Steel Auger Point (Self-Drill)
1024-FA5, 1030-FA5	Type 305 Stainless Auger Point (Self-Drill)
0823-FPT, 0827-FPT	ProMax® NoCoRode Plus Dekkers™ (Self-Drill)
0824-FCT, 0830-FCT	NoCoRode Plus Standard Point
Trex®, TimberTech®, Fiberon®, Boardwalk®, Composite Lumber
Composite Deck Screws,	SST Deck Screw Color Match
1025-S54, 1025-S34	S.S. DeckFast Composite-Lumber Screw
LCS, TMR & TLS	Epoxy-Coated Composite-Lumber Screw
0925-LMD, 0925-SGP	Composite-Lumber Screw
Western Red Cedar, Redwood, Teak, Ipe, Pau Lope™
1023-FP5, 1027-FP5	ProMax® Stainless Steel Auger Point (Self-Drill)
1024-FA5, 1030-FA5	Type 305 Stainless Auger Point (Self-Drill)
1024-SFB	Type 305 Stainless Headcote Auger Point Painted Head
Seaside Applications
1024-SD6, 1030-SD6	Type 316 Stainless for Seaside Docks
1024-FA5, 1030-FA5	Type 305 Stainless for Inland Decks

WHICH DECK SCREW SHOULD I USE?

Selecting the best fastener for any decking job requires answering just three easy questions: What decking material will be used? Will the deck be exposed to a corrosive environment? Finally, how thick is the decking material?

The choice of fastener material is dictated by both the decking material and the environment. Galvanized screws work well with pressure-treated decking, while Redwood or Western Red Cedar decks are usually built with stainless steel screws to prevent staining around the screw heads. The new man-made decking materials, such as Trex® polymer wood, can be fastened with either galvanized-steel, ceramic-coated or stainless steel screws. Tropical wood decking, such as Ipe, Pau Lope™ or Teak, is generally fastened with stainless steel screws for virtually a lifetime of maintenance-free service. The corrosive atmosphere of a seaside location dictates a minimum of type 305 stainless steel fasteners, regardless of the decking material used. Docks, because of their more severe service requirements, should be built with type 316 stainless steel screws.

Screw material also dictates the screw gauge required. Our hardened-steel NoCoRode Plus screws are strong enough that #8s are adequate for most applications, while the softer stainless steel normally requires a #10 screw. If you are in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions or if the structure may experience unusual loads, consult a Licensed Professional Engineer for design assistance.

Fastener length is easiest to determine, since it is governed by the thickness of the decking itself. Standard 2x4s or 2x6s require a 3 in. L fastener, while 5/4x4s or 5/4x6s only require a 2-1/2 in. L fastener. With rare exceptions, it’s that simple.

The following table lists fasteners commonly used for decking applications:

ProMax® Optimized Thread Length™: What It Means and Why You’ll Like It!

Deck screws are a good example of Optimized Thread Length™. The screws normally used to install 2x4s or 2x6s for decking are 3 in. L and have 1 in. of unthreaded shank. Since 2x4 and 2x6 deck material is 1-1/2 in. thick, the threads bridge the joint, as shown, resulting in either an uneven and unsightly surface or screws that are over-driven trying to “pull the board down.”ProMax screws are different. Thread length is optimized to eliminate crossthreading. Plus, the 1/8 in. L system allows use of the longest possible screw.

ProMax® is a registered trademark of McFeely’s® Square Drive Screws