Best Screws for Cedar Fence for Solid Joints

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Are you planning to install a brand-new fence or repair your old one? Selection of the right screws or nails can be quite challenging. This article will take you through the 9 best screws for your cedar fence and provide tips on choosing the right screws to get the job done.

Using the wrong screws on your fence can result in premature warping of the fence boards or weakening your fence, which can be quite frustrating.

Let's get started!

1. Stainless Flat Head Phillips Wood Screw #4 x 3/8″

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Do you detest rust? We too! Rust and corrosion will no longer exist if you utilize the Stainless Flat Head Phillips Wood Screws from Bolt Dropper.

These screws are made of marine-grade stainless steel, making them perfect for use on saltwater docks, on the decks of mountain homes, or in coastal places. In addition, we found the fasteners powerful for indoor use.

If you may have encountered difficulties when removing screw heads, these screws prevent that from happening. In addition, the crews came in handy as they fitted tightly and deeply in the skull, reducing stripping. These stainless steel flathead wood screws are of the highest quality. We only used 18-8 stainless steel screws with no outside coatings or finishes.

We did not have to worry about corrosion when using these screws because they came fitted with a stainless steel plate. We recommend using the drill bit closest to the screw to create a pilot hole.

During the process, we found that the likelihood of the screws stripping out the head decreased as friction increased. When using a cordless drill, it served as best when we set it to 1/8 to 1/4 inch before manually driving the screw with a screwdriver to seat it. By taking a few minutes to install the screws in this manner, we found the screws saved us time when removing them later and undue force as compared to when we rounded out the heads.

Pros:

  • Corrosion-resistant.
  • Fit for both indoor and outdoor use.
  • Wood takes a strong bite even on MDF.

Cons:

  • Your head will round out If you use too much force.

2. Eagle Claw Stainless Steel Deck Screws #10 X 2 1/2 Inch T25

#10 X 2 1/2 Inch Stainless Steel Deck Screws T25 Star...
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The Stainless Steel Deck Screws from Eagle Claw is the top-reviewed product we recommend you choose because we found it ideal for working in damp and coastal settings. This stainless steel screw served us best when repairing our fences, decks, jetties, pathways, etc.

The screws worked excellently with our wood project. For example, unlike in the past, when you could worry about your cedar fence developing unattractive rust stains, the Eagle Claw Stainless Steel Deck Screws proved to be rust-resistant, as they ensured our fence remained beautiful over time.

The screws worked well with various products such as redwood, softwoods, and pressure-treated pine. As a result, using them on such wood did not compromise the wood's structural integrity. However, before you purchase a fastening material, we recommend you thoroughly grasp the type of wood fence you are working with, the size of the screws, and the fencing nails.

The Eagle Claw Stainless Steel Deck Screws have a Star Drive (TORX) Head that prevents cam-out, preserving the screw and increasing driver life. We found it best to use an impact driver for the best results, as it helped us avoid struggling with strips or slides, ensuring all screws were used.

Pros:

  • Durable and corrosion-resistant.
  • Easily penetrate.
  • Easy to use.

Cons:

  • Pricey but worth it.

3. Fixlink Wood Screws

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The FIXLINK Deck Screws are perhaps one of the best options that one can go for especially for a sound and long lasting wooden job. These #10 x 3-inch screws are used particularly for cedar fences and are packed in a 310-piece pack; epoxy-coated screws offer the endurance of the fence in extreme weather situations. The material used in the epoxy coating prevents rust and corrosion of these wood screws and they are perfect for fencing, decking, and any wooden application that maybe be exposed to the elements.

These screws have a self drilling point for easy penetration into the wood without any previous hole making, time-saving. With a coarse profile, they give an enhanced grip meaning that it does not easily split softer materials. The flat head has a low profile against the surface to create a sleek look that is associated with professional work. These screws are the highest quality steel that provides the fusion of strength as well as flexibility.

Pros:

  • Rust-resistant epoxy coating ensures durability.
  • Self-drilling tips save time and effort.
  • Ideal for cedar and other softwoods.
  • Clean, flush finish with a flat head design.

Cons:

  • May not be suitable for hardwoods.
  • Limited color options for aesthetic matching.

4. The Hillman Group Galvanized Deck Screw

Hillman Galvanized Phillips Drive Deck Screw #6 x...
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  • For use with ACQ, CA, and CCA treated wood (not recommended for...
  • Exceeds 250 hour salt spray test

This deck screw is excellent for any outside project and would be perfect for a fence constructed of pressure-treated wood fence.

This screw has outstanding corrosion and rust resistance thanks to its galvanized coating. These screws may be installed using a flat head or a Philips driving bit. We were, however, forced to pre-drill the wood when using the screws,

These galvanized nails might not be the ideal choice for your wood fence, depending on the type of wood it is made of. Despite their well-deserved reputation for high quality, if your fence is constructed of treated wood, we would advise moving through with your plans; but, if it's built of natural wood, it could be wise to use another material.

Pros:

  • Durable and corrosion-resistant
  • Easily penetrate
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Not very sturdy

5. Fence Staples, Insaga 304 Stainless Steel Fence Nails

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Among the staple types available for use, the Insaga 304 Stainless Steel Fence Staples are ideal for use on cedar fences because they are durable, easy to use, and resistant to rust. These staples are manufactured from premium quality of 304 stainless steel hence are very appropriate for operations in extreme weather since they will not corrode or rust easily and more appropriate for a secure staple. The non-serrated surface significantly reduces wood abrasion while allowing the cedar fences to enjoy a good appearance and form.

These are specifically cut fence staples and they come in 1 inch in length and ‘U’ shaped to give good hold. Perfect for woodworking, these capillary tubes insert into wood with the pointed ends, and the use of stainless steel makes them rust-, corrosion- and discoloration-resistant. This makes them ideal for use in homes farms and any project that requires fencing. They are available in sets of 500, which makes them competitively priced and dependable for different fencers’ requirements.

Pros:

  • Rust Resistance: The stainless steel construction prevents corrosion, perfect for outdoor use.
  • Strong Grip: The U-shaped design provides a secure hold for fence wires and mesh.
  • Easy Installation: Sharp points make hammering smooth and efficient.

Cons:

  • Cost: Slightly more expensive than galvanized staples.
  • Quantity Limitation: Large projects may require multiple packs.

Factors to Consider When Buying Your Best Screws for Cedar Fence

a) Material 

Consider using bronze or silicon-coated deck screws if you want to use the screws on outside projects.

Stainless steel and silicon bronze screws are excellent materials for outdoor usage. However, avoid using zinc-plated steel on cedar fences since we found the zinc coating on these fasteners to react negatively with the cedar's natural acids producing corrosion streaks.

b) Length

Another important factor to consider when choosing the best screws for a cedar fence is fastener length.

The ideal fastener should be inserted into the bottom materials at a depth of half their thickness, such as 3/4" into a 2x4.

c) Brand

Purchase deck screws and wood screws from well-known manufacturers.

They provide not only high-quality goods but also provide exceptional client service.

d) Coating

How well deck screws, bolts, and other fasteners perform depends on their coating. Therefore, before spending money on wood screws, you need to comprehend your project.

If your project is outdoors, you need strong screws that will withstand the weather while still looking good. You need screws that are rust and corrosion-resistant.

Frequently Asked Questions

a) Can a cedar fence be fastened with stainless steel screws?

Yes. To fasten your cedar fence, you can use stainless nail screws, aluminum, and hot-dipped galvanized screws. The stainless steel screws prevent rust streaks on your fence, keeping your property private and beautiful as they are corrosion-resistant.

b) Can a cedar fence be fastened with deck screws?

Yes. Deck screws can be used on cedar fences as long as they are suitable for outdoor use.

Your best deck stain for weathered wood exposed to elements will remain intact if you use stainless steel coated with a polymer to prevent corrosion.

c) Do coated screws work well with cedar?

Select polymer-coated fasteners, stainless steel, and double hot-dipped galvanized screws for cedar fences.

Avoid screws with zinc coatings since they may react poorly with cedar's acids and result in corrosion strips.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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