What Kind of Screws Do You Need for Wood Fence?
If you’re building a wood fence (or buying materials for someone else to build it for you), you’re probably researching the best materials to build a durable fence.
One of the more common questions people ask when they are looking for wood fence materials is what kind of screws for wood fence? That’s actually a really great question because there are so many screws to choose from! Here’s what you need to know.
You Will Need Wood Screws
The first thing you need to know about what kind of screws to buy for your wood fence project is that you need to buy wood screws.
If you’re not very handy and DIY is not your thing, then you probably don’t have a collection of screws somewhere in your garage.
In that case, head over to the nearest hardware store and ask them for their wood screws.
Wood screws usually have a pointed tip, which makes it easier to screw them into the wood. They also have a tapered head that allows you to install them flush to the surface of the wood. They could have a partially threaded shank or a fully threaded shank. The main difference with the latter is that there is more thread to bite into the wood.
Choose the Right Fence Screw Size and Length
The next thing you’re going to need to know when you’re trying to figure out what kind of screws for a wood fence is the size and length of screw you want.
Usually, screws that are used to attach wood fence stringers to posts will be thicker than those used to attach pickets to stringers. You also want to make sure that your wood fence screws are not too long, or they will stick out the other side of your fence when you tighten them.
Usually, you can go about halfway into the second piece of wood you’re screwing together. So if you’re screwing a 1” fence board to a 2” stringer, you could add the thickness of the board to half the thickness of the stringer, or a total of 2”. This will allow more than enough wood to cover the screw completely on the other side of the stringer, so you won’t be left with the ends of the screws sticking out.
The diameter of the wood screw you need for your fence will vary based on the design, but in most cases, a 6 or 8 screw should get the job done. Go a little bigger if you’re screwing very heavy components together, and use more than one screw to be sure.
Your Wood Fence Screw Material
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The final thing you need to know when figuring out what screws you need for your wood fence is what kind of screws you need. There are a huge variety of wood screws out there, and not all of them are suitable for every type of fence. Brass or stainless steel screws might work for ordinary spruce or cedar, but if you want to screw a treated wood fence together, you will probably need coated screws. Often, these types of screw are called "deck screws" in your local hardware store. Again, the best way to ensure you’re getting the right thing is to talk to the hardware store staff and tell them what your fence will be made out of. They’ll be able to recommend the right wood screw for your wood fence project. |
Good Fence Companies Pay Attention to Detail
The last thing you need to know about screws for wood fences is that good fence companies will pay attention to little details like that.
So when you’re looking for fence quotes or talking to fence installers about your wood fence project, be sure to ask questions about little things like hardware. Sometimes, it’s the little things that make all the difference.
