As professional deck builders, our top advice when people ask us how to build a strong deck is to use stainless steel fasteners. Still, a lot of folks hesitate because of myths they’ve heard. They ask, “Do stainless screws strip easily?”, “Are stainless deck screws as strong as coated screws?”, and “What are those brown halos on the screw heads?”
The truth is that most horror stories come from using the wrong grade, mixing metals, skipping pilot holes in dense boards, or over-driving with a worn bit, and not from stainless itself.
We’ll answer those questions. head-on and share pro tips we use every day and help you build a deck with the cleanest look and the most reliable hold.
Why Are Stainless Steel Deck Screws Worth Their Price?
Many builders default to coated screws because they’re cheaper upfront; we did, too, at some point. But, we’ve learned after a few years that if we want to build a deck that’s stronger and lasts longer, stainless steel deck screws are our best deck screw option.
It’s not just a preference; it’s what inspectors and manufacturers recommend. The American Wood Council and Simpson Strong-Tie both advise using 316 stainless in any deck exposed to saltwater or within 3 miles of a shoreline.
Why? Because stainless steel won’t rust, unlike coated screws, which lose their protection over time. 316 stainless is corrosion-resistant from the inside out and forms a protective layer that repairs itself when scratched. That’s why it’s the go-to for coastal decks, pools, and wet environments.
As decking contractors, we were able to avoid complaints from our clients by using stainless steel screws. Here are our top tips on using stainless steel fasteners the right way:
1. Understand The Difference Between 304 And 316 Stainless Steel Deck Screws
304/305 and 316 SS deck screws provide a different level of protection for different humidity levels. Here's how to know whether 304 or 316 is the best choice based on your climate, location, and the wood you're using.
304/305 (aka “18-8”)
304 or 305 grade stainless steel deck screws are for most residential decks across the United States and Canada. 304/305 is more reliable than coated screws and cheaper than the 316-grade SS deck screws. The 304 is ideal for standard wood decks, including treated lumber and composite materials.
With 18% chromium and 8–10.5% nickel, 304 forms a protective oxide film that resists rust and corrosion. This combo makes it the ideal choice for inland areas.
Choose the 304/305 grade if you’re in the Midwest, Northeast, and parts of Southern Canada (away from the coastal areas).
If you’re building near water or salt exposure, 304 can still suffer from corrosion over time. Our advice is not to use these in areas with high humidity or coastal climates.
316 (the stainless steel marine deck screws)
If you're building near the coast or in areas with high levels of saltwater like Florida, 316 is the right choice. The addition of molybdenum (Mo) to 316 significantly enhances its resistance to chloride pitting. The added molybdenum makes it the best option for environments where your deck will regularly be exposed to salty air or water. So, if you're building for coastal homes, beachfront properties, and poolsides, choose 316.
2. Prevent Stainless Steel Screws from Stripping by Driving Them Properly and Pre-Drilling
Stainless steel screws don’t easily strip. Some people, even pros, just don’t use the proper driving techniques. When installing stainless steel deck screws on hardwood or dense materials, installing them properly saves you a lot of screws.
Here’s how to prevent stainless steel screws from stripping:
Step 1: Choose the Right Bit Size
Using the correct driver bit is your first defense against stripping.
Quality fastener manufacturers, like Eagle Claw and Simpson Strong-Tie, clearly mention in their packaging the required drive. They often include a free driver bit. Always replace worn bits, because the driver is the only contact point between you and the screw.
The best deck screws are Torx (star) screws. These star-shaped screws hold the bit securely and reduce the risk of stripping your stainless steel deck fasteners.
Step 2: Align Your Tool Properly
Aligning your tool properly prevents cam-out and protects both the screw and the deck board.
Keep your screwdriver or drill perfectly over the screw and use your arm and shoulder for steady pressure. Misalignment can strip screws or, worse, gouge the decking board.
Step 3: Apply the Right Pressure and Torque
Steady pressure is important in not stripping SS deck fasteners. Too little, and the driver slips. Too much, and your stainless steel screw can strip, especially in hardwoods.
A drill with a torque setting helps you keep a consistent fit, securing the board without overtightening. When you're working on large spans of decking, use a collated-screw system.
We recommend Simpson Strong-Tie’s Quik Drive System. It allows rapid, reliable fastening across large deck surfaces, combining safety, accuracy, and ease of use. This tool is perfect for softwoods, hardwoods, and treated lumber alike.
Step 4: Pre-drill (Always)
You always need to pre-drill when using stainless steel deck screws. Always pre-drill a clearance hole in the deck board and a pilot hole in the joist for dense hardwoods like Ipe or Cumaru.
This reduces resistance, prevents stripping, and keeps the screw straight. You can use the Smart-Bit from Starborn Industries. The countersink matches flat-head stainless screws, and its fluted bit ensures clean holes quickly.
Combined with stainless steel, Torx screws allow for smooth installation, even in tough hardwoods. Pair them with Smart-Bit® pre-drilling or a Quik Drive system for maximum efficiency and precision. These tools help contractors and DIY enthusiasts build a clean, professional deck in no time.
3. Always Pair Stainless Steel Structural Wood Screws with Stainless Hangers
We've seen decks failing due to mixing metals. You might think you’re saving money by using stainless steel screws with galvanized or carbon steel hangers. However, this can lead to galvanic corrosion, which eats away at the weaker metal, weakens structural connections, and can leave rust stains on your deck boards. To avoid this, always pair stainless screws with stainless-rated hangers and connectors.
Use this guide to pair each stainless fastener with the hanger it’s designed to work with:
Strong-Drive® DWP Stainless Steel Wood Screws
Use these screws with stainless steel joist hangers, including LUS28-SS and the LSU series, for ledger-to-joist and joist-to-beam connections. These screws provide excellent corrosion resistance for structural framing in coastal and high-humidity areas.
Strong-Drive® SDS Heavy Duty Hex Connector Screws
The SDS Connector screws are perfect for stainless post bases and beam connections, such as ABU/ABU/SS and BBU/BBU/SS, where both strength and corrosion resistance are critical.
Strong-Drive® SDWH Timber-Hex Stainless Steel Screws
Best for stainless steel hurricane ties and brackets, providing strong and secure connections for decking and railing applications.
Every structural screw and hanger mentioned above is from Simpson. Over the years, they have consistently provided our decking projects with stability with their hangers. Their stainless steel structural screws and hangers are engineered to work together, tested for durability, and meet the strictest corrosion-resistance standards.
4. Clean the Deck without Damaging Your Stainless Steel Deck Fasteners
You might notice faint brown “tea stains” around stainless screw heads after salty, humid weather, especially near the coast. That discoloration is salt and moisture sitting on the surface, and it can happen to both 304 and 316. The difference is that 316 resists it better. It's all thanks to the added molybdenum that fights chloride attacks.
That’s why we recommend 316 stainless on coastal and poolside decks. Just remember: if salt film isn’t rinsed away or hardware sits in sheltered spots, even 316 can discolor.
Here's how to clean your deck without causing tea staining on your stainless steel fasteners:
- Avoid chlorine bleach and harsh acids around stainless. Chlorides and strong acids can break down the passive layer on stainless steel and accelerate pitting or brown staining.
- Scrub with soft nylon bristles or a microfiber pad. Steel wool and wire brushes shed carbon-steel particles that embed in stainless steel and rust, which show up as orange or tea-colored stains.
- Work on one board at a time and rinse that board completely. Letting the cleaner dry in place leaves salts and grime around screw heads, which hold moisture on the stainless steel and encourage staining.
- After coastal wind or storms, rinse with fresh water. This removes salt film before it can sit on fasteners and start the tea-stain cycle.
- Keep gaps and drains clear. Trapped debris holds wet, salty water around the screws and creates crevice conditions where stainless steel can stain or pit.
5. Only Use The Best Stainless Steel Deck Screws on The Market
It’s tempting to grab a no-brand box of “stainless steel deck screws” at a big-box store and call it a day. Don’t. You’ll often see shiny “stainless-look” screws that are actually coated carbon steel, not stainless. Once that coating is nicked or wears down, corrosion follows.
As decking specialists with decades of experience, our best deck screw options are Eagle Claw Fasteners and Simpson Strong-Tie. They use true stainless steel (clearly labeled on the box) and drive cleanly with Torx heads. These screws are proven on thousands of decks across the U.S. and Canada by pros and DIYers alike.
Where to Buy Quality Stainless Steel Deck Screws
The right grade for your location, proper driving and predrilling to prevent stripping, matching stainless screws with stainless hangers, using board-safe cleaners, and buying true stainless are the essentials for a long-lasting deck.
But it all starts with buying the best stainless steel deck screws from a company run by decking specialists.
Since 2008, ATC Construction Fasteners has focused on stainless for decks and outdoor builds. Our in-house line, Eagle Claw Fasteners, and our partner brand, Simpson Strong-Tie, give you one coherent system. No “stainless-look” impostors, no guesswork, just the exact specs we recommend.
If you want a deck that looks clean on day one and still does years later, build with the same stainless system we use every week: Eagle Claw Fasteners + Simpson Strong-Tie from ATC.
FAQs
What are the best stainless steel screws for cedar decks?
The best stainless steel screws for cedar decks are from Eagle Claw Fasteners and Simpson Strong-Tie. Simpson's and Eagle Claw stainless steel deck screws have Torx heads, which are the best screw-head type for deck screws. Torx heads provide strong bit engagement and reduce cam-out.
When building a cedar deck, and especially when working with dense hardwoods, it's important to use SS deck screws. They resist cedar’s tannin staining far better than coated or galvanized fasteners. Just make sure you pre-drill near board ends on cedar and pre-drill hardwoods to prevent splits and to avoid stripping screw heads.
Are stainless steel screws OK for treated lumber?
Yes, stainless is not just OK; it’s recommended (and often the safest code-aligned choice). Copper-based preservatives in pressure-treated wood are tough on ordinary steel, so model guidance calls for stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized fasteners/connectors in treated lumber.
Stainless resists the accelerated corrosion that treated wood can cause, while coated/zinc-plated screws can fail prematurely.
