What Type of Nails to Use on a Patio Deck

Permanently exposed to the exterior elements, patio and deck fasteners must remain strong while resisting corrosion. Outdoor nails vary according to size, shape and protective coating. Familiar with the different types and applications of deck fasteners, the carpenter can choose the right deck nail for his project. Does this Spark an idea?

Stainless Steel Deck Nails

The supreme resistance to corrosion offered by stainless steel deck nails comes at a hefty price; stainless steel deck nails are by far the most expensive deck fastener available. Many builders and homeowners justify the extra expense of stainless steel by factoring in the material's longevity. Additionally, stainless steel deck nails do not corrode and, therefore, do not create streaks of discoloration, called "bleeding," across a deck board's surface. Stainless steel deck nails are available in loosely packed boxes or plastic-bound strips compatible with nail guns.

Hot-Dipped Galvanized Deck Nails

To resist corrosion, galvanized deck nails are coated with a thin layer of zinc. As their name suggests, hot-dipped galvanized deck nails are literally dipped into a vat of molten zinc. Because they are literally dipped, hot-dipped galvanized deck nails often have a rough surface or large extrusions. Beneath the coating of corrosion resistant zinc, hot-dipped deck nails are regular steel. As such, the underlying steel of a hot-dipped fastener may eventually become exposed to moisture and corrosion. Hot-dipped deck nails are typically available in loosely packed boxes.

Electro-galvanized Deck Nails

Like the hot-dipped deck nail, zinc coats the surface of the electro-galvanized deck nails. However, the method of zinc application used to create electro-galvanized deck nails results in a smoother surface. The process used to create an electro-galvanized nail is essentially electroplating; electricity and various liquid solutions cause the zinc to chemically bond with the steel nail. The smooth, electro-galvanized nail slides more easily into deck planks than the rough, hot-dipped deck nail. Electro-galvanized nails are available in loosely packed boxes or nail gun strips.

Ring Shank and Spiral Shank Nails

The deck nail consists of two parts: the head and the shank. The shank, of course, is the cylindrical part of the nail that tapers to a sharp point. Most nails have completely smooth shanks. Ring shank and spiral shank deck nails have specially shaped shanks that provide extra gripping power. Circular depressions encircle the shank of the ring shank nail, and a spiraled groove cuts through the shank of the spiral shank nail. The design of both types of deck nails provides each fastener with extra gripping power, reducing pop-outs, squeaky and loose planks.