Having the right screws is crucial for getting the job done right. When working with timber, it’s important that you choose the right screws to ensure the long term strength of the fixing.
Here at Fastbuild, we supply a wide range of trade building supplies across the UK, including a variety of fixings for all applications. In this article, we look at what to look for when it comes to timber screws.
What is a Wood Screw?
As the name suggests, wood screws are any type of screw designed to fix two wooden materials or surfaces together. These kinds of screws are very common, and there is a vast range available for every need.
Screws for wood or timber are commonly made from stainless steel or brass, or steel with a corrosion-resistant coating. These designs help to protect the screw from rust which could also impact the integrity of the wood.
Wood screws can come with coarse threads or fine threads, and which you should use depends on the application.
As with screws for metal, wood screws are available with various heads depending on your needs. The most common is the countersunk head, as this can sit flat in the wood to provide a clean finish.
What Screws Should You Use for Timber?
Many factors will impact what wood screw you need for your project. Some things to consider include:
- What type of wood you’re fixing - this could affect whether you need a fine or coarse-thread screw.
- The thickness of the wood - this will determine the length of screw required.
- How much load-bearing support your fixing needs.
As mentioned, there are many woodscrews available for every need. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve covered some of the most popular types of woodscrews below.
Countersunk Wood Screws
Arguably the most common type of woodscrew is the countersunk screw. These screws are designed for general use across a huge range of wood-to-wood fixings, with a coarse thread and countersunk head providing a clean, secure finish.
Our countersunk wood screws are available in lengths from 20mm to 150mm, and diameters from 3.5-6mm, which allows them to be used across a huge range of tasks.
Exterior Decking Screws
If working on exterior decking, you need a specific screw that can withstand the elements. Our exterior deck wood screws are made with corrosion-resistant carbon steel built to last throughout the seasons.
The thread doesn’t go all the way up for deck screws. These screws also come with a countersunk head and coloured finish to ensure the appearance of the decking isn’t affected.
Chipboard Screws
Due to the nature of chipboard, the screw required is a little different. Chipboard screws will usually have a tighter coarse thread that can grip into the surface.
Our stainless steel countersunk chipboard screws are available in lengths from 16mm to 200mm, and diameters from 3mm to 6mm.
While there are many wood screws out there, the majority of them have similar features. So long as you do a little bit of browsing, you often can’t go too wrong.
Here at Fastbuild, we stock a huge range of screws for timber at great trade prices. Why not take a look today and find what you need for your next job?