Decks & Docks
What Are Deck & Dock Fasteners?
Deck & dock fasteners include corrosion-resistant screws, connectors, and accessories designed to build wood or composite decks and waterfront docks that endure weather, splash, and high loads. Typical hardware includes deck screws, joist hangers and nails, post bases and caps, angled framing anchors, joist tape, and hurricane ties for uplift and lateral restraint.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Environment
- 316 Stainless Steel: Best for coastal and marine exposure, docks, and salt-spray zones. Superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance.
- 305/304 Stainless Steel: Excellent general outdoor use on decks and railings; compatible with most hardwoods and composites.
- Hot-Dip Galvanized: Thick zinc coating suitable for structural connectors (post bases, hangers) and treated lumber when stainless isn’t required.
- ACQ-Rated Coated Screws: Polymer-coated steel screws compatible with pressure-treated lumber; economical for inland decks.
Deck Screw Features We Stock
- Type 17 cutting point for fast starts and reduced splitting in PT lumber and hardwoods.
- Trim head & bugle head options for a flush, low-profile finish.
- Square/Star drive to minimize cam-out and speed installation.
- Lengths from 1-5/8″ to 4″ for common deck boards, picture framing, and structural fastening.
Structural Connectors for Decks & Docks
- Joist hangers & nails: Secure ledger-to-joist and beam-to-joist connections. Use hanger nails of the specified diameter/length.
- Post bases, caps & anchors: Elevate posts off concrete, resist uplift, and transfer loads into footings.
- Angled deck framing anchors: Tie corners and cripple studs; adds racking resistance to frames.
- Hurricane ties & straps: Provide uplift/diagonal restraint at rafters, trusses, and deck framing in high-wind regions.
- Joist tape: Butyl/bitumen tape that seals fastener penetrations and helps extend joist life.
Sizing Tips
- Deck boards (5/4″ or 1″ nominal): Use 2-1/2″ to 3″ screws so ~1-1/4″ of thread grabs the joist.
- Thicker hardwood/composite: 3″ to 3-1/2″ screws are commonly used; pre-drill dense hardwoods.
- Ledger & structural connections: Follow connector manufacturer fastener schedule (nail/screw size and count).
Jobsite Best Practices
- Match fastener coating to the environment and to the connector’s base metal to avoid galvanic corrosion.
- For pressure-treated lumber, use stainless, hot-dip galvanized, or specifically ACQ-rated coated screws.
- Pre-drill dense species and end-grain to reduce splitting, especially with trim head screws.
- Apply joist tape on tops of joists/ledger before decking to help protect against moisture intrusion.
- Always follow local building codes and the connector manufacturer’s load tables and fastener schedules.
Why Buy Deck & Dock Hardware Here?
- Deep in-stock selection: Stainless (305/316), hot-dip galvanized, and ACQ-rated coated options.
- Bulk pricing: Save on contractor quantities and project packs.
- Fast fulfillment: Most orders ship same or next business day.
- Quality brands & USA-made options: Structural connectors and fasteners you can trust.
- Expert support: Help matching screws, connectors, and nails for your plan set.
Important Safety Notes
- Use only the specified nails/screws for joist hangers, post bases, and straps; substitutions can reduce capacity.
- Framing connectors are for deck framing; do not use as a substitute for vehicle, hoisting, or overhead lifting points.
- Confirm all details with local code officials for wind, snow, and exposure requirements before installation.
Decks & Docks — Frequently Asked Questions
Use ACQ-rated coated, hot-dip galvanized, or stainless steel screws. In coastal or marine environments, 316 stainless is preferred.
Stainless offers the best corrosion resistance and stain prevention. High-quality polymer-coated screws are a cost-effective choice for inland decks.
For 1″–5/4″ boards into joists, 2-1/2″ to 3″ is standard. Aim for ~1-1/4″ of thread engagement into the joist.
In high-wind regions they’re commonly required to control uplift and lateral movement. Follow local code and your engineer’s details.
316 stainless steel is the top choice for saltwater and splash zones. 304/305 stainless works well for general exterior use; hot-dip galvanized is suitable for many structural connectors.
Avoid dissimilar-metal contact where possible. Match fastener material to the connector’s base metal or use manufacturer-approved combinations to minimize galvanic corrosion.
Yes, pre-drill dense species and end-grain to reduce splitting and ensure clean finishes, especially when using trim head screws.
Use the hanger manufacturer’s specified nail diameter and length (often hanger nails, not generic commons) to achieve listed loads.