Types of Outdoor Nails and Screws

Last updated January 15, 2025
Moisture can cause nails and screws to rust when they’re used outside. Choosing the right fasteners for your outdoor projects ensures long-term stability. Outdoor fasteners like polymer-coated screws or hot-dipped nails will resist corrosion. They are ideal for materials that retain moisture, like decking, fencing, siding and roofing. Read on for features and installation tips for the main types of outdoor nails and screws.
Table of Contents
Aluminum Fasteners
Stainless Steel Fasteners
Roofing Nails
Deck Screws
Ceramic Screws
Hot Galvanized Fasteners
Aluminum Fasteners

Aluminum screws and nails are resistant to rust and last a long time. They’re often used for installing aluminum siding, fascia and trim.
Aluminum nails are also preferred for securing signs and trail markers to living trees. They aren't toxic to trees, as some metals are. They do not damage saws if the tree needs to be cut down.
Driving aluminum nails can be difficult. It may be helpful to drill a pilot hole before driving.
Stainless Steel Fasteners

Stainless steel nails and screws have long-term protection against corrosion. There are two common types of stainless steel fasteners for outdoor use: stainless steel 304 and stainless steel 316.
- Stainless steel 304 fasteners are made from a combination of nickel and chromium. 304 fasteners are highly rust-resistant. These nails and screws are a great option for drier climates.
- Stainless steel 316 is the recommended fastener choice for humid climates. Known as "marine grade fasteners," they're made from nickel, chromium and a metal called molybdenum. Stainless steel 316 fasteners resist corroding and pitting from chlorides, which is why they're recommended for coastal areas.
- Stainless steel fasteners are recommended for some materials, like cedar, due to their corrosion resistance. Corrosion degrades the strength of the fastener and causes unsightly stains on the surface.
Roofing Nails

Roofing nails and screws are galvanized with a thin zinc layer that improves corrosion resistance.
Nails can be driven with a hammer or they're also available for powered nailers. THey are used for many roofing applications, including shingles.
Screws are often self-drilling and will have a washer that is equipped with a gasket. These screws are used for metal and plastic roofing panels.
Roofing nails are fabricated from a variety of materials. Galvanized steel is commonly considered the best option. Other nail materials include aluminum, stainless steel and copper. Copper nails are a high-cost option, but because they last longer than galvanized steel, they are used on slate roofs, which typically last for over 100 years.
Roofing nails come in all sizes and three main types:
- Ring shank nails have rings along the shank for extra grip and staying power.
- Smooth shank nails are basic and budget friendly.
- Square cap and plastic cap nails are designed for fastening underlayment.
Deck Screws

Deck screws are a type of wood screw used for outdoor projects because they’re made from corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or are coated with epoxy. They’re used for wood-to-wood fastening and are comprised of a sharp point, a coarse thread and a partly unthreaded shank near the head. The specialized construction of deck screws allows wood pieces to be joined tightly together. They’re budget-friendly and come in a variety of head shapes, lengths and diameters.
Ceramic Screws

A thin epoxy or ceramic coating gives outdoor ceramic screws a greater resistance to rust than uncoated fasteners. They’re budget friendly and a good option for outdoor projects that require a little more corrosion resistance. Ceramic screws come in a variety of designs for general exterior use.
Tip: Ceramic screws can be used with a jig to drill angled pocket holes and form strong joints.
Hot Galvanized Fasteners

Hot galvanized roofing nails and other types of nails and fasteners are made of steel coated in a protective layer of zinc. They're also referred to as hot-dipped fasteners. This provides a high level of defense against corrosion for outdoor projects with a long service life.
Hot galvanized nails are more corrosion resistant than electrogalvanized nails since the coating is usually thicker.
Hot Galvanized Tie Fasteners

For a superior hold in decks or fencing, hot galvanized tie fasteners provide the highest level of strength and corrosion resistance. They are called for in building codes for use in things like joist hangers and hurricane ties. These fasteners are typically bathed in molten zinc. This process provides long-lasting rust prevention. Tie fasteners require an upfront investment, but have excellent durability. They come in varying levels of thickness and fit most applications.
Outdoor Fastener Features

All types of outdoor nails and screws come in different head and shank constructions that make them suitable for various applications. These features include:
- Larger nail heads for a bigger striking area
- Smaller nail heads for finishing nails
- Square and Phillips heads that are less likely to strip
- Spiral, threaded and ring shanks for extra holding power
Tip: If you need to attach wire fencing to fence posts, consider using galvanized staples to make the project quicker, easier and longer lasting.
Outdoor Fastener Tips

Keep these tips in mind for all your outdoor projects:
- Drill pilot holes before driving exterior nails or deck screws. This will prevent splitting, especially when driving close to the wood edge.
- Remember that siding expands and contracts. When installing it, leave a little space between the fastener head and the siding to allow for movement.
- Salt in sea air can speed up corrosion. Choose high-quality, corrosion-resistant fasteners if you live near the coast.
- Blunt nails are harder to drive, but they’re less likely to split wood. Blunt a nail by tapping the point with a hammer.
- Choose stronger fasteners like hex bolts or nuts and washers for railing posts to ensure stability.
Nails and screws made to weather the elements improve the quality and durability of outdoor projects. Choosing the right fastener involves the ideal lifespan, the climate and the materials you’re using. Ready to tackle that roof, deck or other outdoor project? The Home Depot delivers
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