Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Nails for PTW
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : Nails for PTW
rjordan392
10-24-05, 02:52 AM
Hello,
A neighbor of mine just had a deck installed and the contractor used a power nailer and construction adhesive to secure the deck surface. Is this an approved method for pressure treated wood?
A neighbor of mine just had a deck installed and the contractor used a power nailer and construction adhesive to secure the deck surface. Is this an approved method for pressure treated wood?
marksr
10-24-05, 06:27 AM
As long as the nails are galvanized it is acceptable, galvanized screws would have been better.
rjordan392
10-24-05, 12:21 PM
Marksr,
Yes screws would have been better. When I had my deck installed, the contractor used galvanized nails and within two years they all popped.
Then after 13 years, I replaced all the deck boards and used screws coated just for the purpose and they are all holding. I used ptw again and wished that I sprung for the new composite as the new boards are showing cracks. I gave the ptw time to dry out before I put a solid stain on and I think all it does is slow down the cracking process.
Yes screws would have been better. When I had my deck installed, the contractor used galvanized nails and within two years they all popped.
Then after 13 years, I replaced all the deck boards and used screws coated just for the purpose and they are all holding. I used ptw again and wished that I sprung for the new composite as the new boards are showing cracks. I gave the ptw time to dry out before I put a solid stain on and I think all it does is slow down the cracking process.
mitch17
10-24-05, 12:46 PM
You're right, all that sealing wood does is slow down the aging process, it doesn't stop it.
Bruce H
10-25-05, 04:45 AM
A few years ago I built a deck on the back of my house. In order to help justify the cost of my newest toys (pneaumatic nailers and a compressor) to the wife, I nailed the decking down with galvanized ring shank nails. They don't rust, but every year I have to pound down a few nail pops. Wish I had used screws.
BTW, I have always used wood decking and probably always will, even if it means replacing it every 10 or 15 years. I just prefer the look of natural wood with all its imperfections as opposed to the uniform perfection of a factory made product. Just my personal opinion.
Bruce
BTW, I have always used wood decking and probably always will, even if it means replacing it every 10 or 15 years. I just prefer the look of natural wood with all its imperfections as opposed to the uniform perfection of a factory made product. Just my personal opinion.
Bruce
rjordan392
10-25-05, 10:52 AM
Bruce,
I agree that wood looks so much better, but that is only when one can keep it new looking with some maintenance. But I find that it becomes more harder to maintain as the wood gets older. My experience is with pressure treated wood only.
I agree that wood looks so much better, but that is only when one can keep it new looking with some maintenance. But I find that it becomes more harder to maintain as the wood gets older. My experience is with pressure treated wood only.
JCT
11-05-05, 09:37 AM
Back to the issue at hand...
These nails should be "Hot Dipped Galvanized" (minimum---or S.S.) as per the new PT wood guidelines. Many contractors "shot-down" decks in the past using "Electro-Plated Galvanized" nails--- These are no longer acceptable.
These nails should be "Hot Dipped Galvanized" (minimum---or S.S.) as per the new PT wood guidelines. Many contractors "shot-down" decks in the past using "Electro-Plated Galvanized" nails--- These are no longer acceptable.
deckguy
11-07-05, 08:39 AM
There are also some other alternatives to using either stainless steel or HDG (hot-dip galvanized) screws on pressure treated lumber. Screw Products' bronze stars, as well as thier colored composite decking screws, for example. Both are completely pressure treated lumber compatible, and are a whole lot more affordable then buying stainless steel. Screw Products' website link thing. (http://screw-products.com) Hope that helps.
-deckguy ;)
-deckguy ;)