Best Decking Nails of 2026
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Decking nails are an essential component of any decking project. These specialized nails are designed for use with pressure-treated lumber and are made from durable materials such as stainless steel or galvanized steel to resist rust and corrosion. They come in a variety of sizes and lengths to accommodate different thicknesses of decking boards. Decking nails are also designed with a special head that is either flat or slightly rounded to prevent the nail from popping out or splitting the wood. When properly installed, decking nails provide a secure and long-lasting connection between the decking boards and the underlying structure.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Decking Nails
Muzata M029 Hidden Deck Fasteners 120PCS
The Muzata Hidden Deck Fasteners help you create a clean, nail-free deck surface by fastening boards from the sides, keeping nails or screws out of sight. Made from tough, UV-resistant polymer, these fasteners resist corrosion and work well with various decking materials like composite boards and hardwood. Installation is straightforward: place the fasteners at the center of joists without fully tightening, then add your deck boards and secure everything. Depending on your joist spacing, the 120-piece set covers between 50 and 60 square feet, making it a practical choice for many deck sizes.
Muzata M029 500PCS Hidden Deck Fasteners Set
The Muzata Hidden Deck Fasteners provide you with a large set of 500 clips and 750 screws, enough to cover 200-250 square feet of decking. This means you can complete a sizable deck project without worrying about running out of supplies. Made from high-density anti-UV polymer, these fasteners resist corrosion and are durable, ensuring your deck stays secure for years. They work with many decking materials, like composite boards and treated wood, giving you flexibility. The hidden design keeps screws out of sight, creating a clean, smooth deck surface that looks great and feels safe underfoot.
Hillman Fas-n-Tite Galvanized Spiral Deck Nails 3.5"
The Hillman Fas-n-Tite Deck Nails are designed for building strong decks, patios, and general construction projects. Their spiral shank design helps you get a better grip in the wood, which means your structures stay secure for longer. This feature also helps reduce the chances of the wood splitting, making your work neater and more durable. Plus, these nails come in a handy package that weighs just over 5 pounds, making them easy to handle and store on your job site. Whether you’re framing or finishing, these nails are a reliable choice for your outdoor and indoor projects.
Hocamel 1000 Pack Hidden Composite Deck Fasteners
The Hocamel Hidden Deck Fasteners offer a complete set of 1000 clips and screws, including two manganese steel bits to fit different screwdrivers, making your deck installation smoother. Made from durable ABS and stainless steel, these fasteners blend seamlessly with composite deck boards, giving your deck a clean, nail-free look. Installation is simple and quick, saving you time and hassle so you can enjoy your deck sooner. Additionally, these fasteners provide the perfect spacing between boards, ensuring both security and a neat appearance. Their strong build is designed to last in outdoor conditions and fit various composite decking types, giving you a reliable and versatile fastening solution.
CAMO Marksman Pro-X1 Kit for Hidden Edge Fastening
The CAMO Marksman Pro-X1 Kit is an all-in-one deck tool kit that includes the Marksman PRO-X1 Tool, 1750 2-3/8" Edge Screws (covers approx 500 sqft) and 2 replacement driver bits. The kit is ideal for hidden edge fastening of any 5-1/4 in. (133mm) to 5-3/4 in. (146mm) deck board, and creates an automatic 1/16 in. (1.58mm) spacing. It is designed for treated lumber but also works for composite and PVC deck boards. The CAMO Edge Deck Screws are designed to reduce splitting and cracking, while augering material and providing a strong, fastener-free look.
Lasiever 300Pcs Nylon Hidden Deck Fasteners
The Lasiever Hidden Deck Fasteners come in a set of 300 pieces along with stainless steel screws and two drive bits, giving you everything needed for a smooth installation. These fasteners are specially made for grooved composite decking boards spaced 16 inches apart, covering up to 144 square feet, which helps you complete your deck efficiently. Made from high-density nylon, they are strong and weather-resistant, making them perfect for outdoor use and ensuring your deck stays secure over time. Plus, their slim design fits most grooved composite and hardwood boards, so you can achieve a neat, clean surface without visible screws.
Simpson Strong Tie S8PTD1 8D Stainless Decking Nails
The Simpson Strong Decking Nails are designed with a 9/32-inch wide head that helps keep the nails secure and prevents them from sinking too deep into the wood. Their sturdy .120-inch thick shank provides strong holding power, making them perfect for building durable decks and docks. The nails feature a unique checker pattern on the heads, which helps them blend naturally with the wood grain, giving your project a cleaner, more professional look. These nails are made of 304 stainless steel, offering excellent resistance to corrosion, so you can trust them to last through harsh outdoor conditions.
Deckit 600PCS Hidden Deck Fasteners with Joist Tape
The Deckit Hidden Deck Fasteners offer a complete set that includes 600 nylon clips with screws, starter clips, joist tape, a drill bit, and a stand-up tool, making it easy for you to install grooved composite or wood decks without hassle. Made from durable high-density polymer and rust-resistant screws, these fasteners are built to last and reduce maintenance costs, perfect for outdoor use. They create a smooth, clean deck surface with no exposed screws, making it safe for walking barefoot or for kids to play. The included waterproof joist tape helps seal gaps, protecting your deck from rain damage and extending its life. Installation is straightforward, so you don’t need professional skills to get the job done.
LifCratms Hidden Fasteners Clips
The LifCratms Fasteners Clips offer a practical solution for securing your deck with ease. You receive 50 durable nylon clips, each paired with a strong metal screw, ensuring a tidy and polished deck appearance. Made from high-quality nylon plastic, these clips resist corrosion and are built to last, whether for indoor or outdoor use. Installation is straightforward; simply align and insert the clips, making your deck assembly hassle-free. These clips are versatile, compatible with wood and various composite decking, enhancing stability and creating a seamless look for your outdoor space.
HKZTUY Hidden Deck Fastener Kit for Composite Decking
The HKZTUY Deck Fastener Kit is perfect for anyone looking to install composite decking without hassle. This all-in-one set comes with 50 clips, 50 stainless steel screws, and a star bit, so you won’t have to stop mid-project to find missing parts. Its weatherproof stainless steel design keeps your deck looking great by resisting rust and fading, even after rain or snow. The clips are specially made to help you line up edge-grooved boards perfectly, keeping your deck perimeter neat and gap-free. Plus, this kit is designed for easy installation, making it a great choice whether you’re a DIYer or a pro.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What nails do you use for decking?
Hot dipped galvanized nails are commonly used for deck building. These nails are specifically designed to resist rust and corrosion, making them ideal for outdoor applications like decking.
2. Are nails or screws better for deck blocking?
When it comes to deck blocking, both nails and screws have their advantages. 10d nails are commonly used for fastening deck blocking due to their strength. However, screws have a greater pulling and holding ability. Professional builders often use special screws to pull twisted joists against the blocks and prevent squeaks.
3. Will deck nails rust?
While it is not common for deck nails to rust, it can happen in certain situations. Rusting may occur if non-galvanized nails were used during the deck building process. To avoid rusting, it is recommended to use galvanized nails specifically designed for outdoor use.
4. What nails to use for deck balusters?
To secure deck balusters, it is recommended to use 4d galvanized finishing nails. Pre-drilling the holes for these nails helps prevent splits and ensures a secure attachment of the baluster bottoms.
5. Is it OK to nail deck boards?
For deck board installation, it is generally recommended to use a combination of nails and screws. While nails are acceptable for certain parts of the deck build, screws are often preferred for laying down the decking. Following project specifications and building regulations will provide guidance on when to use nails or screws.
6. What outdoor nails won't rust?
Stainless steel 304 and stainless steel 316 are two types of fasteners that are highly rust-resistant and suitable for outdoor use. Stainless steel 304 fasteners, made from nickel and chromium, provide excellent rust resistance. These nails and screws are particularly ideal for drier climates.
7. What nails to use for 5/4 deck boards?
For 5/4 deck boards, it is recommended to fasten them with 2 1/2-inch coated screws or 12d ringshank or spiral nails. These fasteners will securely hold the boards in place and ensure a sturdy deck surface.
8. What size nails for deck beams?
When fastening deck beams, a 2x10 beam should use a minimum of four 3-inch nails. These nails should be fastened in a vertical pattern from both sides of the beam, spaced every 16 inches on center. Using extra nails is always a good precaution to ensure sufficient holding strength and prevent the beam from separating.
During our decking nail research, we found 16 decking nail products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,392 customer reviews through our big data system to write the decking nails list. We found that most customers choose decking nails with an average price of $41.82.
The decking nails are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of decking nails, including Muzata, Hillman, Hocamel, Camo, Lasiever. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 394 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Howard Chester is an architect from New York who holds a master's degree in architectural design, his passions for interior design and home improvement contribute to his extensive knowledge of all things furniture and home goods. Howard Chester Specializes in various architectural and interior design projects. He often publishes articles related to decoration on key websites and interior design magazines.