Description
DECKING / FLOORING NAILS
A deck nail is a corrosion resistant nail used to secure decking boards to a sub structure. This affordable and low-tech fastener has been a standby in the deck construction world long before deck screws came onto the scene.
Hot dipped galvanized nails are the most commonly used nail for deck construction. They offer decent corrosion resistance and are economically priced. Stainless steel nails offer greater rust resistance and less discolouration in sea spray zones, but at a considerably greater cost.
For pressure treated wood decking, the nails should be either hot dipped galvanized or stainless steel. For hardwood decking, stainless steel nails are a better choice than galvanized nails because they are much less likely to react with the wood and cause discolouration around the nail head.
As a rule of thumb, the nail should protrude into the joist to which the decking is attached, at least 1-1/2 times the thickness of the decking timber.