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“Construction screws” for a deck?

johnnyd | Posted in Construction Techniques on June 15, 2005 03:42am

I have enough left-over six lobe head (the kind I preferr) “construction screws” to finish an exterior deck that will have either cedar or CCA deck boards and CCA joists.  These are the gold colored screws (got ’em at Menards).  It’s a 24 x 6 partially sheltered deck with surface about 8″ above grade.

Will these construction screws corrode to nothing in a few years, making a box of real deck screws worth it?  What type of screws do you pros use for decks?

When taking apart old decks, what screw material seems to hold up best?

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  1. User avater
    diddidit | Jun 15, 2005 04:31pm | #1

    I've got some of those gold-colored screws from Menards. I haven't tried them outside, but I don't believe they're intended for any kind of serious exterior use, particularly with CCA wood. CCA needs extra-heavy galvanized, ceramic coated, or stainless steel fasteners.

    did

    I like ice cream
  2. Notchman | Jun 15, 2005 05:17pm | #2

    Those "gold" screws (cadmium plated, I think), are little more than drywall screws....they'll take limited outdoor exposure, but I'd never use them on a deck.

    They're brittle like DW screws and will sometimes snap off while being driven.

    Are you sure your PT is CCA?

    1. User avater
      johnnyd | Jun 15, 2005 05:28pm | #3

      Yeah, the joists are CCA, left over from a project a few years ago...so I'm assuming regular old galvanized hangers will be OK.

      But the deck boards will be the new stuff (SCA?)  OR cedar.

      This is all leading me to dig down into the boxes of left over screws a little deeper...or just buy rated screws.

      1. User avater
        diddidit | Jun 15, 2005 05:44pm | #4

        Oopsie, my mistake, CCA is the old stuff. ACQ is the new, super-corrosive stuff.I don't think those screws are cadmium plated - I think it's just a yellow zinc plating to give it some basic rust resistance from ambient moisture and an occasional spashing.didI like ice cream

  3. Starborn_Industries | Mar 07, 2011 10:23am | #5

    Deck Fasteners

    Diddidit,

    Gold screws are designed for interior applications only.  When dealing with CCA or ACQ in an outdoor environment, it is important that the screw is designed for outdoor use.  Otherwise, a year down the road, every one of those screws is going to start snapping.  Ideally, you would want to use at least an 8 x 2-1/2 stainless steel screw for all decking applications.  If you are looking to save some money, you could use a 9 x 2-1/2 or 10 x 2-1/2 epoxy coated screw.

    Starborn Industries (the company which I work for in the interest of full disclosure) has three options for you here.  The first is a Deckfast stainless steel screw.  The second option is a Headcote stainless steel screw which is stainless steel with a colored head to match whatever type of decking you decide to apply.  They are available in 19 colors to match pretty much any of the deckings on the market today, including cedar and CCA you mentioned.  If you have a tighter budget that does not allow for the expense of stainless steel, we offer an epoxy coated screw in both green and gray that holds up very well in ACQ.  With that said, stainless steel is always the best option.

    If you have any questions on these products, feel free to visit our website (starbornindustries.com) or contact me directly.

    Thank You,

    Ryan Unick

    Starborn Industries

    [email protected]

    P: 800-596-7747

    http://www.starbornindustries.com

    http://www.facebook.com/starbornindustries

    1. User avater
      xxPaulCPxx | Mar 07, 2011 11:46am | #6

      Ryan, thank you.

      You reply sets a very high standard that I think ALL commercial posters should abide on this forum.  

      You answer an actual question.

      You follow the rules of the english language in spelling, grammer, and punctuation.

      You honestly state the business you represent.

      BRAVO!  From now on I'll point other companies to you post here so they can see how to do it right!

      1. Starborn_Industries | Feb 14, 2012 09:22am | #9

        Thank You

        Thank you guys for the positive feedback.  If you ever have any questions about fastening a deck, feel free to contact me (even if it is not regarding our products).

        Best Regards,

        Ryan Unick

        Deck Products Specialist

        Starborn Industries

        P:800-596-7747

        [email protected]

        1. calvin | Feb 14, 2012 09:44am | #10

          ryan

          And if a guy wanted to find a supplier of your products near the 43537 zip code?

          the bits you offer look intriguing. I'd like to find them and try one out.

    2. calvin | Mar 07, 2011 07:17pm | #7

      Thanks

      Ryan, like paul states, not many folks come here with information first .  We're used to the spammers and even those with a little finesse.  You and very few others have come here to answer questions and offer information and that is commendable.

      thanks again.

      And if a guy wanted to find a supplier of your products near the 43537 zip code?

      the bits you offer look intriguing.  I'd like to find them and try one out.

    3. DanH | Mar 07, 2011 08:44pm | #8

      I would point out that 1) you're responding to a 6-year-old post, and 2) the original "gold" screws (can't think of the band offhand) were indeed intended for exterior use, with the old formula treated lumber and redwood/cedar.  The gold color, of course, was copied by many imitators, plus the new treatment formulas rendered the "gold" plating technique less than adequate, so those screws are no longer available/used.

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