Decking Screws: The Unsung Heroes of Your Summer Projects

When summer arrives in New Zealand, so do the outdoor projects. From family barbecues to backyard gatherings, your deck becomes the centre of attention. But behind every great deck is one essential product that often gets overlooked—decking screws.

Why Decking Screws Matter

Unlike ordinary nails or general-purpose screws, decking screws are specifically designed to handle the unique stresses of outdoor environments. They’re engineered with corrosion-resistant coatings, sharp cutting points for easy installation, and threads that grip securely into timber. This means less chance of your deck boards lifting, squeaking, or loosening over time. Simply put: decking screws keep your deck safe, secure, and long-lasting.

Where and How They’re Most Used

Decking screws are most commonly used to fasten deck boards to joists, providing a strong hold that resists the expansion and contraction caused by weather changes. They’re also used for pergolas, outdoor furniture, and garden structures, but their primary role is in ensuring your decking boards stay firmly in place.

In summer, when decks see heavy foot traffic, furniture movement, and the occasional spilt drink, the durability of decking screws really shines. The right screw means fewer maintenance headaches and more time enjoying the sun.

How Many Screws Do You Need?

One of the most common questions DIYers and builders ask is: How many screws will I need for my deck?

Here’s a simple calculation you can use:

Universal Formula:

Number of Boards x (Board Length/Joist Spacing) x 2 screws

• Number of Boards = Deck width ÷ board width

• Board Length = How long each decking board is

• Joist Spacing = Typically 450mm–600mm

• 2 screws per joist
  
  

Example 1: Small Deck (3m × 3m)

Deck size: 9m²
Board width: 90mm
Board length: 3m

• Deck width (3m) ÷ board width (0.09m) = ~33 boards

• Each board is 3m long. With joists spaced at 450mm, the board crosses about 7 joists.

• 2 screws per joist = 14 screws per board.

• 33 boards × 14 screws = 462 screws total.
  
  

Example 2: Larger Deck (6m × 4m)

Deck size: 24m²
Board width: 90mm
Board length: 4m

• Deck width (6m) ÷ board width (0.09m) = ~67 boards

• Each board is 4m long. With joists spaced at 450mm, the board crosses about 9 joists.

• 2 screws per joist = 18 screws per board.

• 67 boards × 18 screws = 1,206 screws total.

These numbers can vary depending on board width, joist spacing, and whether you’re using shorter offcuts or full-length boards. Always allow for some extra screws so you don’t run short mid-project.

The Bottom Line

Decking screws may be small, but their role is massive. They provide the strength, durability, and weather resistance your deck needs to last through countless summers. Before you start your next project, make sure you’ve got the right decking screws—and enough of them—to get the job done right.

Ready to start your decking project? Contact us today and we’ll help you get everything you need.