I've been browsing forums and noticed a lot of people complaining about nails used for deck boards, saying they tend to pop up over time and cause all sorts of issues. I have an older deck that's entirely nailed, and I rarely see popping nails—maybe 5 to 10% of them stick up a tiny bit, but it's nothing dangerous and easily fixable. However, I'm curious about why nails seem to get such a bad rap. Is it because the quality of nails is subpar or are people just using poor techniques? From my experience removing a damaged board, the nails did bend a bit which I thought was beneficial compared to screws, which could snap. I'm also wondering if there's a difference in wood types or installation methods that leads to nails being less reliable. I opted for nails simply to match my existing deck, but I'm open to hearing about the pros and cons of both options. What do you all think?
3 Answers
Nails can work loose over time because they don't grip the wood as well when it expands or contracts with temperature and moisture changes. Screws, on the other hand, have threads that hold them securely, preventing loosening. Plus, screws are generally easier to remove and replace if needed. The price difference is minimal when you consider the long-term benefits.
There are positives to both nails and screws. Nails are good for flexibility and can withstand shear forces, which is essential for structural framing. They're cheaper and easier to install, but they don’t hold as effectively over time. Screws, however, provide superior holding strength and are less likely to pop up but can be a pain to remove if they get stuck. Best practice is to use nails for framing and screws for attaching the deck boards, but choose wisely for what fits your project needs.
Even if you’re only dealing with a small percentage of popped nails, that's still a risk, especially if someone steps on one. The cost of nails versus screws is pretty slight in the grand scheme of things—why take chances with your safety? Using screws might save you a lot of hassle in the long run since they hold better and prevent squeaking.