Screws, Nails And Accessories

Screws, nails and accessories for timber projects

Using the right fixings is as important as choosing the right timber. Poor fixings can stain, corrode, split boards or fail early. This category covers the screws, nails and accessories we recommend for cladding, decking, fences and garden buildings.

Stainless steel grades

• A2 stainless steel: good corrosion resistance and suitable for most inland outdoor uses.
• A4 stainless steel: contains molybdenum for better resistance to salt and chemicals. Choose A4 near the coast or around pools.

Plain or poorly coated steel can rust and leave black streaks, especially on woods such as cedar and oak that contain tannins. For outdoor work, stainless is a safe choice.

What you may need

• Decking screws for decking boards and joists.
• Cladding nails and screws for timber cladding.
• Screws for fences and screens.
• Pins and staples for tongue and groove interior boards.
• Clips, spacers and end-grain preserver.

Choosing size

As a rule of thumb, the fixing should go into the support timber by at least twice the thickness of the board it holds. For example, a 28 mm deck board needs a screw long enough to bite well into the joist. Thinner gauge screws are easier to drive but check the product details for suitability.

How many to buy

Count the fixings per board and per joist crossing. Decking boards typically need two screws at each joist, and wider boards may need more. Multiply by the number of crossings and add 10% for losses and bent screws.

Fixing tips

• Pre-drill near ends and edges to avoid splits, especially in dense hardwoods and thermally modified timber.
• Use the correct drive bit and avoid over-tightening.
• In saunas, hide fixings from hot surfaces. Exposed metal can burn skin.
• Mixing metals can cause staining, so keep fixings consistent.

Questions?

If you are unsure which fixing suits your timber, call 0161 504 0011 or send details through our quote form. Prices include VAT and UK delivery, and many items ship next day.