Deck screws are threaded fasteners that are designed specifically for decks. They feature a tip, a shank and a head. Within the head is a recess for a particular type of bit, such as a Philips head bit. Regardless, deck screws are threaded fasteners that are used for building decks.
Galvanized screws work well with pressure-treated decking, while Redwood or Western Red Cedar decks are usually built with stainless steel screws to prevent staining around the screw heads.
Deck screws have a wider thread than wood screws, making them better at holding together two pieces of wood. Wood screws are made from softer steel than deck screws, making them more likely to strip when being driven into hardwoods.
