Whether you’re installing a brand new fence or repairing an old one, choosing the right screws is essential.
Using the wrong screws can lead to a number of problems, including warped boards and loose fencing.
Cedar is one of the best wood for outdoor fencing for homeowners because it’s durable and weather-resistant, but using the wrong screws can compromise its strength and beauty.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the best screws for cedar fences and provide some tips on how to choose the right ones.
Let’s get started!
Our Top Picks
Best Screws for Cedar Fence
- Eagle Claw Stainless Steel Deck Screws #10 X 2 – Best screws for fencing
- Grip-Rite Prime Guard MAXS62690 Screw Number 8 – Deck screws for fence
- T.K.Excellent Phillips Flat Head Wood Screws Kit – Best screws for wood fence
- FastenMaster FMGD158-75 Wood Screw – Best nails for fence panels
- #4 x 3/8″ Stainless Flat Head Phillips Screw – Best screws for fence pickets
- Velocity Exterior Wood Screw #8 x 1 1/2″ – Best screws for fence boards
- 100 Qty #8 x 1-5/8″ Inch Tan Fence & Deck Screws – Best nails for cedar fence
Best Screws for Cedar Fence Reviews
1. Best screws for fencing – Eagle Claw Stainless Steel Deck Screws #10 X 2 1/2 Inch T25
- TYPE 304 (18-8) GRADE 2-1/2 INCH STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION SCREWS for Decking, Fencing and general-purpose woodwork.
- RECOMMENDED for use in all COASTAL, WET and OUTDOOR applications, including decks, balustrades, fences, jetties, walkways and general construction work.
- HIGH CORROSION RESISTANCE means no more ugly rust stains on your beautiful outdoor timber structures.
If you are looking for screws you can use even in wet and coastal applications, look no further. These could be the ones you need. You can use them on jetties, walkways, fences, decks, etc.
In short, they are suitable for all your construction jobs. In addition, these screws resist corrosion, and you will never see unsightly rust stains on your gorgeous expensive fence like you may have seen in the past.
They are compatible with softwoods, cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine. This means you can use them on the above woods without interfering with the structural integrity of the wood.
Before investing in a fastener material, it pays to have a solid understanding of fencing nails, size screws, and wood species you are working with.
Buying these screws is a great decision because you can use them on different types of wood, including screws for pressure treated wood. In addition, these stainless screws have the Star Drive (TORX) Head that restricts cam-out, conserving the screw and extending the driver’s life.
The star drive is fantastic, and you will not find a single letdown in the box. These screws go in smoothly and securely. You will not ask for more.
For best results, use an impact driver, and you won’t struggle with strips or slips, and none of the screws will go to waste.
What We Liked Most
- Easy to use
- They go in easily
- Durable and corrosion-resistant
What Could Be Improved
- Pricey but worth it
2. Deck screws for fence – Grip-Rite Prime Guard MAXS62690 Screw Number 8
- Type 17 Point Deck Screw
- 8 by 1-5/8-inch T20 Star Drive
- 305 Stainless Steel 5 pound tub
These could be perfect if you need great screws that can stand up to the weather and hold your cedar fences tight as a bug. Because they’re stainless, they are soft.
Be careful not to hit them with a metal object, and do not keep on removing and reinstalling them. These are stainless steel screws, so they are rust and corrosion resistant and will not strip, no matter what, and are suitable for outdoor use.
Because they have an incredibly sharp edge, There is no need for pre-drilling holes in the wood unless you are working on the hardwood. This means less labor on your part.
These screws perform well in cedar, redwood, pressure-treated woods, plastic, and MDF. The screws have a star-shaped head.
You will appreciate the star drive-in since it has better contact while fitting or removing the screw, resulting in minor damage to your screw head.
These long stainless screws have an outstanding appearance and offer you a lasting grip for decades. In addition, they are reasonably priced, so you can afford them without leaving massive dents in your wallet.
The screws are what you need to complete the backer rails.
What We Liked Most
- No need for pre-drilling on softwoods; hence less labor
- Star shape for simple insertion and removal
- Screws drive excellently and have a solid grip
What Could Be Improved
- You got to make a pilot hole in hardwood
3. Best screws for wood fence – T.K.Excellent Phillips Flat Head Wood Screws Kit
- Use for most woodworking jobs and materials of woods,need pre-drilled hole for hard wood to avoid split.
- Sturdy and corrosion resistant,Phillips design minimize bit slippage.
- Don't easily slip, provides good holding power in different woods and man-made materials.
If you need a fantastic selection of flathead countersunk screws for different potential uses around your home and on the project, these screws could fit the bill.
Maybe you painted one of your rooms and removed the door to make it easier. Unfortunately, two of the four screws no longer hold the hinge in place after reinstalling the door.
You know you need a variation of flathead countersunk screws but have no clue what size screw you need for your door hinge bracket.
You need this assortment of screws to cater to every need for your home improvement and wood fence project. If you could get the right screw size, everything else might fall into place.
Please note that these are soft screws. To avoid stripping the heads, you need to drill holes on your wooden fence before screwing them in.
If you are a DIYer lover and always need a mix of screw sizes for various odd jobs, investing in these screws is the best step in the right direction.
It comes in various sizes to help with odd jobs around your living space. The heads are relatively sturdy, and the stress from the drill does not cause them to fade too much, so they can still be removed if necessary.
What We Liked Most
- It comes in different screw sizes for various applications
- Affordable
- Provides a snug grip
What Could Be Improved
- The head might strip if you fail to drill holes before insertion
4. Best nails for fence panels – FastenMaster FMGD158-75 GuardDog Exterior Wood Screw
- Manufactured in china
- Easy to use
- Highly durable
GuardDog is a versatile exterior wood fastener that works well in pressure-treated wood such as ACQ, Cedar, and Redwood. FastenMaster guarantees that this product will be rust-free for its life.
This screw also features a versatile head shape that allows it to be used with a Philips drive, #2 square, or PoziSquare drive bit. The screw also boasts sharp threads for quicker installation and has a brown wood color wash.
These screws are solid and will last for ages, and do not strip under any circumstances. These will look wonderful on your fence no matter what wood you have.
You can frame your whole deck, and not even two screws will strip out. There’s no need for pre-drilling holes. Be sure to use impact drive.
The screws sink smoothly and bite into the wood effortlessly. You do not have to blister your palm spinning and spinning before the screws hold and start into your wood.
If you need some sturdy screws that can withstand the elements, these are a perfect choice. You’ll love their fantastic design. The screws are thicker than standard drywall screws and hold the wood excellently.
What We Liked Most
- Ease of use
- It grips the wood really well
- Holds up to the elements
- No need to make pilot holes
What Could Be Improved
- Meant for exterior use
5. Best screws for fence pickets – #4 x 3/8″ Stainless Flat Head Phillips Wood Screw
- 【Dimensions】Diameter: #4 | Length: 1-1/4" | Thread Type: Coarse (standard) | Head: Flat | Drive: Phillips #1 | Quantity: 100 pcs | Material: 18-8 (304) Stainless Steel.
- 【High Quality Stainless】These Flat Head Screws are made of 18-8 (304) Stainless Steel and have is one of the highest forms of corrosion resistant metals, making it last longer than other hardware on the market today.
- 【Screws That You Can Depend On】Our Flat Head Wood Screws are very strong and are great for both indoor and outdoor use. This stainless is superior to regular steel and provides excellent rust resistance.
Do you loath lust? We too! If you use bolt dropper screws, rust and corrosion will be a thing of the past.
These screws are manufactured with marine-grade stainless steel making them ideal for the saltwater dock, mountain home decks, or other coastal areas. The fasteners are strong, and you can also use them indoors.
You may have had your struggle with stripping screw heads. That will not be the case with these. They fit deep and tight in the head to minimize stripping.
These flat head wood screws are made of high-quality stainless steel. There is no exterior finish, no coatings, just the best 18-8 stainless steel.
You won’t have to be anxious about the “stainless steel plating” chipping because it doesn’t exist! Get these screws and use them with caution. Make your pilot hole in with the nearest size drill bit to the screw.
The less friction the screw encounters along the process, the less likely it will strip the head out. If you’re using a cordless drill, run it to 1/8 to 1/4 inch before going manual with your screwdriver to seat the screw.
It’s wisdom to take a few minutes and install the screw in this manner than end up “rounding out the head” unnecessary force and waste a lot of time trying to get the screw out afterward.
What We Liked Most
- Corrosion-resistant
- Suitable for indoor and out use
- Strong bite into the wood, even on MDF
What Could Be Improved
- You round out the head if you use too much force
6. Best screws for fence boards – Velocity Exterior Wood Screw #8 x 1 1/2″
- DURABLE WOOD EXTERIOR SCREWS: The Velocity Wood Screws Contractor Pack includes 475 exterior screws in size #8x1 1/2 with corrosion-resistant coating, a sharp tip for instant rip, and low-energy screw threads for the fastest driving on the market.
- PATENTED HEXSTIX DRIVE SYSTEM: These Wood Screws come with a patented Hexstix drive system that fits perfectly into the recess, providing Stick-Tight technology for stable, anti-wobble engagement. This recess is compatible with commonly used star drives, including 6 lobe and torx drives.
- ADVANCED DESIGN: These Velocity screws are designed with shank slots placed up the shaft to reduce splitting while ensuring fast starting and insertion speeds. They also feature screw threads rolled right to the tip on every screw for instant starts.
These coated screws are heavy-duty, with enormous strength and pull-out values, and have a razor-sharp tip for rapid biting and starting. In addition, all screws are salt-sprayed for 1200 hours to ensure they last a lifetime.
These screws are well suited for use in cedar fencing and other projects around the house. You can use all of them, and not one will break.
Use them with the Dewalt impact tool with the provided bits, and everything will go smoothly. These are the screws you go for if you have projects that require the screws to stay on the bit.
Superb wood screws! You can use all of them on your projects, and not a single one of them will break twist, or strip at the head.
The countersink is Without replacing pieces. The countersink is flawless every time. Everything will work as planned, and the finish will be super smooth and sturdy.
You may have to pull a couple of them from the materials, and you may hammer. It might bend just a little but will not snap, which is a big plus.
What We Liked Most
- It gives a smooth, sturdy finish
- It won’t break even after hammering
- Perfect countersink
What Could Be Improved
- Pricey but worth it
7. Best nails for cedar fence – 100 Qty #8 x 1-5/8″ Inch Tan Fence & Deck Screws
- Premium Corrosion Resistant Ultra-Guard Tan Coating
Builders attach materials with nails or screws. These are some of the best screws for DIYers and professional woodworkers.
They are pure stainless steel, meaning they do not rust, and you’ll never see ugly rust stains on your deck if you use them. In addition, they come with a star bit, so you do not have to dig for yours.
If you need to repair numerous areas where the boards have fallen away, these are your screws. They’ll hold the boards more secure than ordinary nails you may have used. Be sure to you have the correct bit ( T-20).
You do not have to pre-drill holes even if you are working on a hardwood project, and you will not worry about splitting. These fasteners have an excellent grip.
The design is impressive and is #8, just as marketed. Use them even in the wood that has undergone a pressure treatment process, and you will have no concerns will cracking materials.
What We Liked Most
- Pure stainless steel
- Hold the materials tightly
- Works as advertised
- No pilot holes are needed even in hardwood, yet no splitting
What Could Be Improved
- Small package- depends on your project
Best Cedar Fence Screws Comparison Table
How to choose the best screws for wood fence
When buying wood screws, it is advisable to consider a few factors to help you make an informed fastener decision. Therefore, keep an eye out for the following thing so that you can pick the best fastener ideal for your unique project.
Here is the buying guide.
Material
To choose the best materials for your project, know whether you need to use screws outdoor or indoors. Opt for affordable zinc plated steel or select a fabric or coating most appealing to you for indoor applications.
If you use the wood screws outdoors, go for silicon or bronze coated screws. Better still, buy stainless steel. Remember that screws used outdoors need superb protection from corrosion brought about by temperature and moisture changes.
Silicon bronze and stainless steel are well suited for exterior use. However, avoid zinc plated steel on cedar fences because the zinc coating in these fasteners may adversely react with the acids contained in the cedar and develop corrosion streaks.
Coating
The coating on deck screws, bolts, and fasteners materials determines how well they do their job. Therefore, you need to understand your project before investing in wood screws.
If your project is outdoor, you need sturdy screws that stand up to the elements while maintaining aesthetic appeal. You need rust and corrosion-resistant screws.
There are also screws appropriate for indoor and outdoor applications. A good rule of thumb is to use stainless steel screws or silicon bronze screws for exterior projects. You can polymer-coated screws for interior projects.
Head
Types of screw heads
Phillips- The Phillips ruled when a screwdriver was the primary tool for inserting screws. But nowadays, most people use cordless drills or drivers to fit screws. Some people even go for fantastic dedicated Lithium-Ion pocket drivers to stop bit slippage and metal stripping.
Quadrex- The Quadrex is a screw that combines square (Robertson) and Phillips’s heads. It has a large surface area and can handle a lot of torque, making it an excellent choice for driving-intensive tasks such as building a fence or a deck.
Torx/ Stardrive- Torx or star drive heads give loads of power transfer between the driver and the screw and are an excellent alternative when many screws are necessary because they wear out the bits the least.
They are also known as “security fasteners” since they are used in schools, correctional, electronic production correction facilities, public buildings, etc., where the capability to remove hardware is prohibited.
Length
Fastener length is another crucial consideration when buying the best screws for a cedar fence. The best fastener should enter half the thickness of bottom materials: for example, 3/4′′ into a 2 x 4.
Gauge/ the thickness or thinness of the screw
Consider a screw’s diameter, also referred to as gauge. Screws are available in gauges ranging from 2 to 16. Most of the time, a #8 screw will do the trick.
When working with thick or heavy materials, use #12-14. when working with thinner woodworking, go for #6.
Brand
It’s always a great idea to buy wood screws and deck screws from popular brands. Apart from producing high-quality products, they have excellent customer care. In case of a dispute, they handle it like pros because they have a name to protect.
Types of Wood Screws
Three categories of wood screws
Flathead screw
The flathead screw is a DIYer’s best buddy because they can use it to join cabinets, bookshelves, stair treads, tables, benches, etc.
Typically, a cone-shaped hole is formed using a countersink tool to retain the screw head; once in position and fastened. You then cover the screw with wood putty, sand it down, and coat it with a wood finish to match the surrounding wood.
Roundhead screw
Roundhead screws are less commonly used than flathead screws. Whereas flathead screws are used to secure bookshelves and cabinets, roundhead screws are used on machinery and with sheet material that is too fragile to use with regular countersunk screw heads.
Oval head screw
Oval head screws are a cross between a countersunk and a conical head. The screw is somewhat countersunk, but the top of the head will protrude beyond the surface. You use it as a classical decorative feature.
Are you looking to remove screws with no head? Read our article to find out.
FAQs
Can you use stainless steel screws on cedar?
Yes. You can use stainless nail screws, aluminum, and hot-dipped galvanized screws because they are corrosion-resistant, so you will not see corrosion streaks on your expensive cedar.
Can you use deck screws on cedar?
Yes. You can use deck screws on cedar fences so long as they are ideal for exterior use. Screws for outdoor use should be stainless or polymer-coated to help them resist corrosion due to exposure to the elements.
Are coated screws OK for cedar?
Opt for a polymer-coated fastener, stainless steel, and double hot-dipped galvanized screws for cedar fencing. Please avoid screws with zinc coating because the acids in cedar may adversely react with zinc and cause corrosion strips.
What size screws for fence panels?
Whether you pick screws or nails, length is critical to the success of your cedar fence lifespan. To join backer rails or preassembled panels to posts, use 18d-20d nails or 3/12 inch- 4 inch long screws. To affix individual pickets ( pre-assembled panels) to backer rails, go for 8d-10d nails or 1-1/2 inches.
Recommend Reading: How to join two pieces of wood lengthwise with screws
What size screws for a wood fence?
The wood screw should enter half the thickness of the base material, for example, three-quarter inches into a two by four. Screw gauge ranges from two-six. Opt for a #8 always.
What size screw for fence pickets
To attach backer rails to posts, use a three-and-a-half or four-inch long screw. To attach individual pickets to your backer rails, use #8d – 10 d nails, or 1-1/2 inches ring shank nails, or 1-1/4 inch to 1-3/4 long inch screws.
How many screws per fence picket
The size of the fence determines the number of screws needed per picket. For example, when mounting One by six-foot fencing boards to a two-by-four-foot body, use a minimum of Six screws per panel.
Read: Top rated screws for cabinets
Best screws for cedar wood summary
Stainless steel screws, polymer-coated fasteners, and hot-dipped galvanized fasteners are the best screws for cedar fences because they are perfect for outdoor use.
These wood screws are fortified against corrosion brought about by continuous exposure to elements such as rainwater, snow, and heat.
We have highlighted a couple of the best fasteners for cedar fencing to help you narrow down your choices and rise above confusion.
Our best screws for cedar wood is Eagle Claw Stainless Steel Deck Screws #10 X 2 1/2 Inch T25. These screws are stainless, bite into the wood easily, are simple to use, and are durable.