Table of contents
Decking Screws – The Ultimate Guide for Joiners, DIYers, and Landscapers
Introduction
When it comes to building a strong and durable deck, the quality of your decking screws is just as important as the timber you use. Choosing the right fixings can make all the difference in ensuring a secure, long-lasting structure that withstands the elements.
At Next Day Fixings, we supply a complete range of high-quality decking screws designed for professionals, DIY enthusiasts, and landscapers alike. With our nationwide next-day delivery, you can get the fixings you need precisely when you need them. Order before 3 PM Monday to Friday, and we’ll dispatch your screws the same day for next-working-day delivery.
In this guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at decking screws, the different types available, and how to choose the right ones for your next project.
What Are Decking Screws?
Decking screws are specially designed fasteners used to secure decking boards to wooden frames or joists. Unlike standard wood screws, they have unique features that make them ideal for outdoor applications, including:
✔ Corrosion-resistant coatings to withstand moisture and weather exposure
✔ Thread designs that grip timber firmly without splitting the wood
✔ Countersinking heads for a smooth and flush finish.
Using the right decking screws helps ensure that your deck remains stable, safe, and visually appealing for years to come.
Why Choosing the Right Decking Screws Matters
Selecting the correct decking screws is crucial for both structural integrity and longevity. Here’s why:
🔹 Prevents Timber Splitting – Poor-quality screws or incorrect sizes can cause wood to crack, weakening your deck’s stability.
🔹 Enhances Durability – Decking screws with corrosion-resistant coatings are essential for outdoor projects, preventing rust and deterioration.
🔹 Reduces Maintenance Costs – Investing in high-quality screws means fewer repairs and replacements in the future.
🔹 Provides a Professional Finish – Properly designed screws with countersunk heads ensure a neat and tidy deck surface.
At Next Day Fixings, we supply a wide range of decking screws to suit different decking materials, ensuring that every project—whether a small DIY build or a large commercial decking installation —is completed to the highest standard.
Types of Decking Screws Available at Next Day Fixings
C2 Deck-Fix – The Premium Decking Screw
The C2 Deck-Fix is one of the most advanced decking screws on the market, designed for high-performance applications. Whether you’re working on a large commercial decking project or a small garden installation, these screws ensure a strong, secure, and long-lasting fit.
What sets C2 Deck-Fix apart is its twin-cut tip and innovative helix shank, which allow for rapid penetration into timber while preventing timber from splitting. This makes installation smoother and reduces the risk of damage to expensive decking materials.
Key Features:
✔ Strengthened head to prevent shearing, even when used with impact drivers
✔ Ribs under the head ensure perfect countersinking for a flush finish
✔ Helix shank effectively removes debris, allowing for improved clamping
✔ Patented corrosion-resistant coating, offering 1,000 hours of salt spray resistance
📌 Available in Sizes: 4.5 x 50mm – 4.5 x 85mm
📦 Packaging Options: Available in boxes and larger tubs
These screws are ideal for outdoor timber decking, especially in high-traffic areas where strength and durability are crucial.
C2 Collated Deck-Fix – Designed for Speed
If you need to install decking quickly and efficiently, C2 Collated Deck-Fix is the perfect solution. Designed specifically for use with screw guns, these collated screws allow for rapid installation, cutting down on labour time while ensuring high-strength fastening.
The collated strips are compatible with all leading power tool brands, making them a favourite among joiners and landscapers working on large projects. The screws feature extreme grip thread technology, ensuring a secure fixing that won’t loosen over time.
Key Features:
✔ Pre-collated strips designed for screw gun compatibility
✔ Extreme grip thread provides maximum holding power
✔ Square drive head prevents cam-out and ensures a firm grip
✔ Twin-cut technology helps reduce timber splitting
📌 Available in: 4.5 x 65mm (boxes of 500)
If you’re looking to speed up your decking installation while maintaining top-tier quality, C2 Collated Deck-Fix is the ultimate choice.
C2 Deck-Fix Cylinder Head Screws – For a Concealed Finish
For those who want their decking to have a seamless and professional finish, the C2 Deck-Fix Cylinder Head Screws are the best option. The reduced cylindrical head allows the screw to sit flush with the surface, reducing visibility while maintaining superior strength.
These screws are particularly useful for composite decking, where aesthetics are key, and hardwood decking, where a low-profile fixing is required.
Key Features:
✔ Cylindrical head for a discreet and professional look
✔ Upper thread clamps decking boards securely to joists
✔ Twin-cut tip for easy penetration and reduced timber splitting
✔ Stainless steel option available for maximum corrosion resistance
📌 Available in: 4.5 x 60mm
📦 Available in two versions:
- Exterior version (for timber & composite decking)
- Stainless steel version (for high-corrosion environments)
These screws are perfect for high-end decking projects, where both durability and aesthetics are key.
Economic Decking Screws – Affordable but Reliable
For those working on budget-friendly projects, our Economic Decking Screws offer high performance at a lower price. These screws are perfect for softwood decking and provide excellent grip and durability for general-purpose outdoor applications.
Key Features:
✔ Countersinking ribs for a smooth, flush finish
✔ Helix shank for quick installation and improved grip
✔ Coated for corrosion resistance, tested for 500 hours in salt spray
📌 Available in Sizes: 4.5 x 50mm – 4.5 x 80mm
These screws provide an excellent balance of cost and performance, making them an ideal choice for DIYers and landscapers working on small to medium-sized decking projects.
Stainless Steel Decking Screws – Maximum Durability for Harsh Environments
For the ultimate long-term protection against rust and corrosion, Stainless Steel Decking Screws are the best choice. Unlike standard plated screws, these are made from A2 Stainless Steel, making them highly resistant to moisture, salt, and extreme weather conditions.
If you are working with hardwood decking, Green Oak, or building in coastal environments, stainless steel screws are a must. Using regular coated screws in these conditions can lead to premature rusting, weakening the structure and requiring costly replacements.
Key Features:
✔ A2 Stainless Steel material for unmatched corrosion resistance
✔ Double countersunk head to minimize snapping under pressure
✔ Helix shank for fast penetration and excellent clamping force
✔ Single slash point to reduce torque and minimize timber splitting
✔ Ideal for Green Oak decking, marine environments, and high-moisture areas
📌 Available in Sizes: 4.5 x 50mm and 4.5 x 65mm
📦 Packaging: Available in boxes only
💡 Why Choose Stainless Steel Screws?
Stainless steel screws are ideal for:
- Coastal or humid environments where corrosion is a concern
- Hardwood decking that requires extra strength and durability
- Decking platforms near pools, ponds, or water features
For high-end projects that need to stand the test of time, stainless steel screws are the go-to option.
How to Install Decking Screws Properly
Proper installation of decking screws is key to ensuring a sturdy and long-lasting deck. Here’s how to get it right:
1. Choose the Right Tools
To install decking screws efficiently, you’ll need:
✔ Cordless drill or impact driver (screw guns for collated screws)
✔ Correct screwdriver bit (usually PZ2 or square drive)
✔ Measuring tape and pencil to mark screw positions
2. Pre-Drill Holes for Hardwood Decking
Hardwood is denser than softwood, meaning it is prone to splitting. Pre-drilling small pilot holes before inserting screws reduces the risk of splitting and ensures a smooth installation.
3. Space Screws Evenly
For a strong and balanced structure:
📌 Use two screws per joist per decking board
📌 Keep screws 10-15mm from the board’s edge to prevent splitting
📌 Maintain a 5-6mm expansion gap between boards to allow for wood movement
4. Use the Correct Depth & Pressure
Over-tightening screws can cause timber to crack and weaken the hold. Screws should be flush with the surface or slightly countersunk for a smooth finish.
5. Use Stainless Steel for High-Moisture Areas
If your deck is exposed to frequent rain, near water features, or made from Green Oak, always use stainless steel screws to prevent rusting and degradation over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Decking Screws
Even experienced professionals and DIYers can make mistakes when installing decking screws. Here are some of the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
1. Using the Wrong Screw Type
🚫 Mistake: Using standard wood screws instead of decking screws.
✅ Solution: Always use corrosion-resistant, high-strength decking screws designed for outdoor use.
2. Not Pre-Drilling in Hardwood
🚫 Mistake: Skipping pre-drilling when working with hardwood, leading to cracks and weakened timber.
✅ Solution: Pre-drill pilot holes to prevent splitting and make insertion easier.
3. Over-Tightening the Screws
🚫 Mistake: Driving screws too deep, which weakens the board’s structure.
✅ Solution: Tighten screws so they sit flush or just below the surface, without digging too deep.
4. Ignoring Corrosion Resistance
🚫 Mistake: Using non-stainless screws in wet or coastal environments, leading to rust and failure.
✅ Solution: Use stainless steel screws in high-moisture areas to prevent rusting and weakening.
5. Not Allowing for Wood Expansion
🚫 Mistake: Screwing boards too close together without allowing for natural wood movement.
✅ Solution: Leave 5-6mm expansion gaps between boards to prevent buckling or warping.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures that your deck remains structurally sound, visually appealing, and long-lasting.
Why Buy Decking Screws from Next Day Fixings?
At Next Day Fixings, we understand that high-quality fixings are essential for a durable and reliable decking project. Here’s why customers choose us:
✔ Complete range available – We stock a variety of decking screws, including premium, collated, and stainless steel options.
✔ Nationwide next-day delivery – Order before 3 PM Monday- Friday, and we’ll dispatch your order the same day.
✔ Competitive pricing – Get high-quality screws at the best prices, with bulk purchase options available.
✔ Trusted by professionals – Our screws are used by joiners, landscapers, and DIYers across the UK.
When you need reliable, high-performance decking screws, trust Next Day Fixings to deliver.
Customer Testimonials
💬 James, Joiner – "The C2 Deck-Fix screws are the best I’ve used—strong, reliable, and easy to install. Next Day Fixings delivered them super fast!"
💬 Mark, DIYer – "I built my garden decking using stainless steel screws from Next Day Fixings. No rust, no issues—highly recommended!"
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best screw for composite decking?
The C2 Deck-Fix Cylinder Head – Stainless Steel is ideal for composite decking, offering a concealed finish and excellent corrosion resistance.
Are stainless steel decking screws worth the investment?
Yes! If you are working in coastal, humid, or high-moisture areas, stainless steel screws prevent rusting and last much longer than standard screws.
How many screws do I need per decking board?
Typically, you need two screws per joist, per board. For example, if your deck boards are 3.6m long, spaced at 400mm centres, you’ll need around 50 screws per board.
Do I need to pre-drill decking screws?
For softwood, pre-drilling is not required. However, pre-drilling helps prevent splitting and ensures a smoother finish for hardwood decking.
Can I use decking screws for fencing or cladding?
Yes! Many decking screws can also be used for fencing, cladding, and general outdoor timber projects due to their corrosion-resistant coatings.
Conclusion
Using the right decking screws is key to building a strong, long-lasting, and professional-quality deck. At Next Day Fixings, we offer a complete range of high-performance screws, with nationwide next-day delivery.
Order today and experience superior decking solutions!