Best Decking Nails in 2022

Last update: January 21, 2023

Can you fix decking with nails?

Decking can be fixed with nails, but it is not recommended. Nails can come loose over time and cause the decking to become unstable. It is also difficult to remove nails from decking without damaging it.

Can you replace screws with nails?

No, you cannot replace screws with nails.

How do I keep my deck nails down?

If your deck nails are working their way up and out of the wood, there are a few things you can do to keep them down. First, try hammering them back in and then adding a drop of glue to the hole. You can also try using a larger nail or screw to secure the old one in place. If the deck boards are warped or cupped, you may need to replace them. Be sure to use the proper size and type of fastener for your decking material.

How far apart should screws be on deck boards?

Deck screws should be installed at least 1-1/2 inches from the end of a board, and no more than 3 inches apart. For best results, use two screws per joist.


DeckWise (Brown) Ipe Clip EXTREME4 Hidden Deck Fasteners, 5/32" Gap, Stainless Steel Black #8x2" Trim-Head Screws for 100 Sq.Ft. of AD and KD Hardwood, Thermal or Composite Decks (175 ct. kit) Review:


Seven people jumped on me before I could pick up the first screw after I opened the box of screws when I only recently received them. To think I had an entire box!



CAMO Pro-X1 Guide Review:


I decided to test this out to see if it truly works well before committing to it when I repair the rest of the decking since I had to rip up a tiny bedroom deck to have the shingles below it fixed. OH, IT DOES, The holes were so little that they could hardly be seen, looked like a divet, and after a few rains, nearly vanished even when we had to face screw the board up against the side. In the majority of cases, the screws used would even function without the CAMO DECK TOOL, but utilizing the tool naturally places them on the edges where you really cannot see them at all. Even my deck guy, who first opposed using this "method," was impressed. Given that he wanted to utilize nails, that wasn't a simple task.One word of caution: this model is the 1/16 of a variety of models "Model for pressure-treated decking inch spacing. The spacing is nearly nonexistent and seems almost solid, but the lumber will eventually contract a little, and the spacing should be closer to 1/8 "inch, once it has had time to dry.



FastenMaster Cortex For Trex Decking - Transcend Vintage Lantern Review:


This product amazed me more than I had anticipated. I anticipated that after the project was finished, the screw holes would still be somewhat noticeable. However, it's difficult for me to locate the screws.Each plug's grain was partly matched to the hole's. Even though it required more time, the outcome was well worth it. I also tapped the plugs into place with a 4 lb. short handle sledgehammer. The hammer's width prevented it from oversinking the plugs.I prepared each hole as directed and put the supplied screws in place. It firmly secures the boards in place.



NewTechWood PCHFS50 50-Square Feet Composite Decking Hidden Fastener, Black Review:


We resurfaced our old deck this summer using composite decking from a big box retailer. The clips that we provided were included in the computer-generated BOM from the big box retailer. Only 1 in 15 of the clips were stripped, and they were only given out in batches of 300, therefore these clips functioned effectively.The supplied clips ran out, and the provider had none left over. I searched Amazon and discovered these videos. These were given out in 50-piece quantities. The basic design of the New Tech Woodclips was the same as that of the other clips. But there were three key variations:1. To drive the screw through the clip and into the joist, two drivers were provided. There was only one screw for each clip.2. None of the 35 clips I used to complete the deck stripped since the screws had a star-shaped drive.3. Two vee-shaped ridges that grasp the boards are not visible on the clip's photograph.With these clips, I was really happy.



Plank Rite 00300 Deck Spacing & Fastening Tool Review:


These spacers for decking do a terrific job. The nice aspect about it is that you can space either PT or composite decking simply using the right end of the tool. Although I don't personally use the screw spacers, I would advise using two pairs of them to ensure adequate spacing along the whole length of the deck board.



DeckWise (Black) Ipe Clip EXTREME4 Hidden Deck Fasteners, 5/32" Gap, Stainless Steel Black #8x2" Trim-Head Screws for 100 Sq.Ft. of AD and KD Hardwood, Thermal or Composite Decks (175 ct. kit) Review:


Seven people jumped on me before I could pick up the first screw after I opened the box of screws when I only recently received them. To think I had an entire box!



Fastenmaster Cortex for Decks Hidden Fasteners - Trex Transcend Tiki Torch 100 Lin.ft Review:


The instructions are rather simple. If you follow these, the system will function fairly effectively. Nicely done appearance. The screws occasionally, though, fail to countersink (likely due to the material below the decking, not because of the screw itself). Once that happens, getting them out again is exceedingly challenging. I don't know what to do about a handful that are simply resting flat with the surface. When this occurs, the screw shreds the decking, leaving nothing for the screw to grip onto to back out of.


How long should nails be for decking?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preference. Some people prefer shorter nails for decking, while others like them to be longer. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide how long their nails should be.

How many nails should be on a deck board?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the size and thickness of the deck board, as well as the type of nails being used. Generally speaking, however, it is advisable to use at least 8 nails per deck board when attaching it to the joists. This will ensure a strong and secure connection that will be able to withstand the weight and movement of traffic on the deck.

How many screws do I need for 5 4 deck boards?

You will need 80 screws for 5/4 deck boards.

Is it better to screw or nail decking?

It depends on the material you are using for your decking. If you are using a hardwood, it is better to screw the decking down. This will prevent the nails from popping out over time. If you are using a softwood, such as cedar, it is better to nail the decking down. The screws will not hold as well in the softer wood and are more likely to strip out.

Is there supposed to be a gap between deck boards?

Most decking is made of wood, and wood expands when it gets wet. As a result, there should be a gap between the deck boards to allow for expansion. The size of the gap will depend on the type of wood you are using. For example, Ipe decking should have a 1/4" gap, while Cedar decking should have a 3/8" gap.

Should a gap be left between decking boards?

If you're installing your own decking, you'll need to decide how close together to space the decking boards. A gap between the boards is important to allow for expansion and contraction of the wood as the temperature and humidity change. A gap of about 1/4 inch is usually adequate, but check the manufacturer's recommendations for your particular decking. You can use a spacer between the boards when you're installing them to help you maintain the correct gap.