We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Though they may not be much to look at, screws hold a place of honor in the ...

Nails actually outperform screws in shear strength, which matters more than most homeowners realize when a deck flexes under load. A standard deck screw holds measurably more withdrawal force than a ...

Dear Pat: The last time I built my deck, I used nails, and now they look bad and many are loose. I am planning to redo the deck and some other outdoor projects. Should I use screws this time? — Ned B.