Cedar Deck Boards: The Importance Of Choosing The Right Fasteners

Building a deck is hard work. You have to take into account Ontario’s weather, find ways to prevent warping and cracking, and, in general, deliver a flawless finish that your clients can flaunt. 

 

While choosing the right board is necessary to avoid the most common failures, it is not enough. One critical component of cedar deck installation that rarely gets the spotlight is selecting the right fasteners. 

 

Your choice of screws, nails, and hardware will not simply affect the appearance of a finished deck but will also influence its longevity, structural integrity, corrosion resistance, and even its warranty. 

 

But don’t worry. Fonthill Lumber Inc., Ontario’s most trusted supplier of quality cedar deck boards and compatible fasteners, is here to educate you about the importance of fastener selection and the role they play in building decks that last. 

 

Why Fasteners Matter When Using Cedar Deck Boards

 

Reducing fasteners to just a connecting material is underplaying their role. Cedar deck boards are highly reactive in nature. Their natural tannins and oils can corrode fasteners made of uncoated metal. So if you use an incompatible fastener, particularly in Ontario’s moist weather, the combination of the wood’s natural chemicals and the moisture in the air can accelerate corrosion. 

That means you are highly likely to end up with:

 

• Rusty screws
• Stained boards 
• Structural weakness or damage over time 
• Need for premature board replacement 
• Expensive product callbacks 

 

So if you want your deck to be as good as new and retain its surface performance in the long run, you need to get the right fasteners to hold it together. 

 

 

Which Type Of Fastener Works Best With Cedar Deck Boards?

 

You have to be careful when selecting fasteners for cedar wood decking. Cedar is typically softer and can be quick to split when compared with boards made of other materials, such as pressure-treated lumber. The key is to balance strength with gentleness so installation can be a smooth and potentially damage-free process. 

 

Here are the best fastener choices for cedar:

 

• Stainless steel screws: These are the ideal choice for cedar decking as they are completely resistant to its tannins. They do not stain either and provide excellent long-term hold so you can trust their performance. 
• Coated-deck screws: If you cannot get your hands on stainless steel screws, coated-deck screws are the second-best option out there. Typically covered in polymer, these screws are resistant to chemical reactions and corrosion. Especially when compared to their galvanized counterparts. 

 

We strongly recommend avoiding the following types of screws as they can rust and cause the wood to split: 

 

• Bare steel screws 
• Aluminum 
• Cheap galvanized screws 

 

That said, using the right screws (and steering clear of the wrong ones) is just the beginning. You also need to install them correctly. This is what we recommend: 

 

• Pre-drill holes for screws right near the ends of the board to prevent the wood from splitting 
• Use trim-head screws to get a clean finish that looks good post-installation
• Use a hidden fastener system to achieve the perfect aesthetic if your project’s design allows for it

 

If you want a complete set of both premium wood decking material and compatible contract-grade fasteners, Fonthill Lumber Inc. can help you. 

 

 

The Right Way To Space & Install Fasteners On Cedar Deck Boards

 

Did you know that the right screw, if not properly installed, can lead to disastrous results? You can prevent this from happening by using the following tips:

 

• Depending on the humidity levels and moisture exposure of your site, keep a gap of 1/8”–1/4” between boards
• Maintain a distance of 1” between the fastener and the edge of the board
• Use two screws per board per joist to ensure proper fastening 
• Make sure the boards are perfectly dry before fastening screws

 

By following the techniques listed above, you can prevent a ton of issues such as cupping, splitting, and movement. 

 

 

Conclusion

 

Cedar deck boards, when installed with the help of the correct fasteners, can last a lifetime. However, finding both high-quality fasteners and boards can be a challenge in the Niagara region. 

 

Not anymore. Fonthill Lumber Inc. provides the highest quality cedar decking and ACQ-approved fasteners to builders and contractors across Ontario. Contact us to get superior materials that guarantee superior results. 

 

 

FAQs

 

Can the same screws be used for cedar and pressure-treated lumber decks?

 

Technically, no. While both require the use of corrosion-resistant fasteners, the type and properties of the screws used vary based on the individual requirements of cedar and pressure-treated lumber.

 

Do fasteners affect the overall lifespan of a deck?

 

Yes. If you use the wrong screws, you can cut the lifespan of a deck considerably, as lumber takes longer to weather than the screws used. 

 

Can fastener corrosion void deck warranties?

 

Yes. Using compatible fasteners is a part of the warranty clause specified by many manufacturers.