How Long Should Deck Screws Be to Ensure a Quality Job?
All our engineering fasteners come in a variety of lengths. That leads to an obvious question: how long should deck screws be to ensure a quality job? Screw length depends on the thickness of the material you are working with and the exact application. But that answer isn't good enough. Let us get into more detail.
Guidelines for Deck Screw Length
Most building codes are silent on how long of a screw should be used for attaching decking boards, but guidance can be found from the minimum requirements for nails, which is 2.5”. This length is based upon testing and can be found in the American Wood Council’s Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic. The 2.5” inches is a minimum.
Here at SPAX, we contest that the ideal size and length of fastener for deck board installation is #10 x 3". Bear in mind that these are just recommendations based on what we know about our fasteners and common building standards. Before you start any deck project, check local building codes to make sure your material choices are in compliance.
Other Things to Consider
General guidelines for deck screw length may change based on a deck's design. When attaching decking boards to a ledger board or framing member, it is best to choose a screw that is long enough to go through the deck board and into the material underneath by at least one inch. Any less than one inch and you are in jeopardy of deck boards coming loose over time.
Hardware, like joist hangers, might also require different fasteners. However, the same one-inch rule applies. Screws should be long enough to penetrate the material underneath the hardware by a minimum of one inch on each side of the connection.
If you are ever unsure of the best length for your fasteners, it is always better to go slightly too long than too short. Longer screws reduce the chances of connections pulling out. Manufacturer recommendations can go a long way toward helping you figure out the optimal length for each application.
Why It Matters
DIY homeowners might not necessarily understand why deck screw length matters. As a construction professional, you get it. You understand that choosing the right length is critical to a job well done. You know that deck screw length matters for a variety of reasons:
Structural Integrity – At the very least, the proper length ensures structural integrity. You need tight and secure connections to provide a strong and stable deck that will stay put. Using screws that are not long enough reduces integrity right from the start.
Durability – Deck connections must be able to withstand considerable wear and tear over many years. Likewise, your fasteners must be long enough to ensure that joints withstand normal stresses.
Weather Resistance – Because longer screws penetrate deeper into underlying materials, they provide greater resistance against the weather, particularly moisture. Tight connections keep water out and subsequently reduce the risk of wood rot.
Screw length can even affect a deck's aesthetics. Screws that penetrate deeply maintain a stronger hold and ensure that deck boards remain consistently flat and level. When the screws are countersunk, you get a cleaner and more professional look.
Your choice of deck screws matters. Regardless of the chosen length, SPAX has all the deck screws you need to do the job right.
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