Wood Fastener Compatibility Guide
The wrong screw can stain the wood, corrode inside it, void a warranty or fail a structural connection. Match the wood, treatment and exposure before choosing a metal or coating.
| Material / condition | Why it matters | Use | Avoid | Installation note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated lumber | ACQ / MCA copper preservatives | Hot-dip galvanized (ASTM A153), polymer-coated rated for PT, 304/316 stainless | Electro-galvanized, plain steel | Use stainless near salt water, pools, ground contact or when mixing with stainless hardware. |
| Cedar & Redwood | Tannins react with iron and zinc | 304 or 316 stainless; cedar-rated ceramic-coated exterior screws | Plain steel, electro-galvanized | Stainless prevents permanent black streaks around every fastener. |
| Ipe, Cumaru & dense tropical hardwoods | High density, oils and extractives | 305/316 stainless trim-head screws or manufacturer-approved stainless hidden clips | Coated carbon steel, aluminum fasteners | Pre-drill and countersink every hole; use carbide tooling. |
| Oak, Chestnut & tannin-rich hardwoods | Tannic acid causes blue-black iron staining | Stainless, silicon bronze, or concealed fasteners | Plain steel where moisture can reach it | Keep steel wool and iron filings away before water-based finishing. |
| Composite & PVC decking | Thermal movement and surface mushrooming | Manufacturer-approved hidden clips or color-matched composite screws | Drywall screws, generic bugle-head deck screws | Follow brand-specific edge distance and gap tables to preserve warranty. |
| Interior furniture & cabinets | Appearance, splitting, holding power | Zinc-plated wood screws, brass, pocket screws, confirmat screws for sheet goods | Drywall screws for structural joints | Pilot-drill hardwood; wax brass screws and drive a steel screw first. |
| Marine & coastal exterior | Salt accelerates galvanic corrosion | 316 stainless or silicon bronze | 304 near surf, galvanized mixed with stainless | Never mix dissimilar metals where wet; use matching washers and connectors. |
| Structural framing connectors | Code-listed connection capacity | Connector manufacturer’s specified nails or structural screws only | Deck screws, drywall screws, roofing nails | Diameter, length and head geometry are part of the tested connection. |
Exterior rule
Fastener life should equal or exceed the lumber’s service life. A 40-year deck should not depend on a 5-year coating.
Galvanic rule
When wet, dissimilar metals trade electrons and the less noble metal corrodes. Match screws, washers, hangers and flashing.
Structural rule
Only use the nail or structural screw listed by the connector manufacturer. Substitution changes tested capacity.