13
My old boss swore by drywall screws for decking, learned that one the hard way
About 5 years ago my first boss told me to use drywall screws for a cedar deck I was building near Seattle. I figured he knew what he was talking about since he had 20 years in the trade. Well after one rainy winter the heads started snapping off and the boards were popping up. Had to rip out the whole thing and redo it with actual deck screws, cost me an extra $300 in materials. Anyone else ever get bad advice from someone who should have known better?
3 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In3 Comments
sean_cooper581mo ago
Three winters. That's how long my deck lasted after I made the same mistake. The builder I bought the house from used drywall screws everywhere, said they were "fine for a weekend project." By year two the rust stains were running down the cedar and by year three I was pulling out screw heads with pliers. Cost me a full weekend and about 400 bucks to redo it right with coated deck screws. Some lessons you just have to pay for I guess.
3
Drywall screws for a cedar deck" is a disaster waiting to happen, sadly learned that myself too.
2
paul_taylor211mo ago
Heard a deck builder on a podcast say that's like using paper clips on a house frame.
8