val974•1d ago

I found out the hard way why you shouldn't use drywall screws for decking

Helped a buddy build a small deck last summer, used drywall screws because I had a bucket of them. They snapped clean off after six months of weather. Grab some coated deck screws next time, they're worth the few extra bucks. Has anyone else learned this the hard way?

3 comments

3 Comments

drews551d ago

Wait, you used regular drywall screws outdoors?

keith1641d ago

Blew my mind when I saw it, @drews55. Did the same thing a few years back on a planter box. Looked fine for about two weeks then the screws just turned into rusty dust.

abbyhall1d ago

Right there with you. I used regular screws on a little garden gate and they were completely gone within a month. Just these little orange stains where the holes used to be. Learned the hard way that outdoor stuff really needs coated screws or stainless.