Best Decking Nails of 2025

Howard Chester Avatar
Howard Chester
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025

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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

Hillman 461347 3" Deck Nail Cover #TOP 1
Hillman 461347 3" Deck Nail
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Hard-to-Find Fastener Deck Nails 12D Cover #TOP 2
Hard-to-Find Fastener Deck Nails 12D
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Dunzy 304 Stainless Steel Deck Clips Cover #TOP 3
Dunzy 304 Stainless Steel Deck Clips
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Decking Nails

#TOP 1

Hillman 461347 3" Deck Nail

461347
Hillman 461347 3" Deck Nail Cover
HILLMAN FASTENERS 461347 3" 10D Spiral Deck Nail

The Hillman Deck Nail is a reliable choice for your decking projects. With a length of 3 inches and a 10D spiral design, these nails provide excellent holding power, ensuring your deck is sturdy and secure. The kit is designed for easy and straightforward use, making it perfect for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. Plus, knowing that it's manufactured in China assures you of its quality and durability. Whether you're building a new deck or repairing an existing one, this product is a convenient addition to your toolkit.

What We Like
Strong holding power
Easy to use
Durable construction
Ideal for various decking projects
#TOP 2

Hard-to-Find Fastener Deck Nails 12D

014973101114
Hard-to-Find Fastener Deck Nails 12D Cover
Hard-to-Find Fastener 014973101114 Deck Nails, 12D-3-1/4, Piece-115

The Hard-to-Find Fastener Deck Nails are designed for your decking projects, featuring a sturdy 12-gauge thickness that ensures durability. With a length of 3-1/4 inches, these nails provide the ideal size for securely fastening deck boards. Made from hot dip galvanized material, they offer excellent corrosion resistance, making them perfect for outdoor use. This means you can rely on them to withstand the elements, ensuring your deck remains safe and sound for years to come.

What We Like
Durable 12-gauge thickness
3-1/4 inch length
Corrosion-resistant material
Ideal for outdoor use
#TOP 3

Dunzy 304 Stainless Steel Deck Clips

Dunzy
Dunzy 304 Stainless Steel Deck Clips Cover
304 Stainless Steel Start Clips Black Deck Clips Universal Decking Clips with Decking Screws for Composite Deck Boards, Hidden Fasteners (80 Pack)

The Dunzy Deck Clips are crafted from high-quality 304 stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion, making them ideal for outdoor use. These clips are designed for composite decking with grooves, providing a seamless and attractive installation by hiding the fasteners. Installation is straightforward; simply place the clips on floor joists and secure them with screws, which are included in the package. With 80 clips available, you have more than enough for various projects, making it easy to complete your decking without the hassle of additional purchases.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel material
Attractive hidden installation
Easy installation process
Includes screws for convenience
Generous quantity in package
#TOP 4

Muzata M029 Hidden Deck Fasteners

MZZ1921
Fastener Clips
200PCS
Muzata M029 Hidden Deck Fasteners Cover
Muzata 200PCS Deck Fasteners Hidden Deck Fastener Clips Composite Decking Fasteners T Clips with Metal Deck Screws for 100 SQ. FT. of Deck Boards, M029

The Muzata Hidden Deck Fasteners are designed to give your deck a clean and polished look. Their concealed design allows you to attach deck boards without visible nails or screws, enhancing the overall beauty of your outdoor space. You’ll appreciate the uniform spacing these fasteners provide, ensuring consistent gaps that promote air circulation and drainage. Made from high-density, anti-UV polymer, these fasteners are durable and resistant to corrosion, compatible with various decking materials. With options for different joist spaces, you can easily find the right fit for your project.

What We Like
Invisible installation
Consistent spacing
Durable materials
Wide compatibility
#TOP 5

600PCS Nylon Deck Fasteners by GENERIC

GENERIC
TGHM-001
Black
One Size
600PCS Nylon Deck Fasteners by GENERIC Cover
600PCS Hidden Fasteners Deck Fastener Clip Universal Nylon Clips Decking Fasteners Preloaded T Clips for Installing Composite Deck Boards

The GENERIC Deck Fasteners offer a complete installation solution with 600 pre-loaded hidden fasteners and deck screws, along with two square drive bits. Made from durable high-density polymer, these fasteners are perfect for both indoor and outdoor decking projects. The design includes a 6mm raised buckle, ensuring optimal spacing for your composite deck boards. For easy installation, simply place the first row of fasteners in the center of each joist without tightening them fully until the second row is in place. This thoughtful design enhances your efficiency and simplifies the decking process.

What We Like
High-density polymer material
Includes deck screws and bits
Optimal spacing for installation
Efficient for various decking types
#TOP 6

Wqinjk 250-Pack Hidden Deck Fasteners

Wqinjk
Square-001
black
Wqinjk 250-Pack Hidden Deck Fasteners Cover
250-PACK Hidden Deck Fasteners Hidden Fastener Deck Clips Universal Nylon Clips Decking Fasteners Preloaded for Installing Composite Deck Boards

The Wqinjk Hidden Deck Fasteners are designed to make your decking projects more efficient and visually appealing. Made from durable nylon material, these clips provide a sturdy hold for most decking boards. The preloaded T clips come with deck screws already inserted, saving you time during installation while offering a 0.24-inch floor clearance. Their easy installation feature allows you to work seamlessly with grooved composite decks or wood frames. With 250 fasteners and stainless steel screws included, this set ensures you have everything you need for a clean, fastener-free deck appearance.

What We Like
Durable nylon material
Preloaded for efficiency
Easy installation
Includes screws and driver bit
#TOP 7

LifCratms Hidden Fasteners Clips

LifCratms
Black
50pcs
LifCratms Hidden Fasteners Clips Cover
LifCratms 50Pcs Hidden Fasteners Clips for Deck Fastening, Black Nylon Plastic T Clips with Metal Screws for Composite Decking Boards Universal Deck Fastener Clips System

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.

What We Like
Durable nylon material
Easy installation process
Corrosion-resistant
Compatible with various decks
#TOP 8

CAMO Marksman Pro-X1 Kit for Hidden Edge Fastening

Camo
0345002-B1
CAMO Marksman Pro-X1 Kit for Hidden Edge Fastening Cover
CAMO Marksman Pro-X1 Kit, Deck Tool, 1750 Edge Screws & Bits, Edge Fastening Installation, 1/16" Spacing, Fits 5-1/4-5-3/4" Wood Decking (0345002)…

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.

What We Like
All-in-one kit
Creates a strong, fastener-free look
Reduces splitting and cracking of deck boards
#TOP 9

Bucherry Hidden Fasteners Nylon Clips for Deck Fastening (200 Packs)

Bucherry
Bucherry-Fasteners Plastic Clips-11
Bucherry Hidden Fasteners Nylon Clips for Deck Fastening (200 Packs) Cover
Hidden Fasteners Nylon Clips for Deck Fastening, Composite Decking Fasteners with Metal Deck Screws for Deck Boards, Nylon Plastic T Clips for Decking (200 Packs)

Bucherry Decking Fasteners come in a package of 200 pieces of hidden fasteners and 200 pieces of deck screws. The plastic decking clips are strong and sturdy, made of high density nylonethelene material, and adaptable for most decking panels hidden fastening. The hidden fasteners can be applied on the frame of the deck, making it more stable and still look clean and compact, which provides users with a nice using experience. These decking fasteners are easy and convenient to install on wood deck frames and a variety of grooved composite decks. The plastic T clip measures approximately 35 x 20 mm/1.38 x 0.79 inch, with a middle raised buckle part of 6 x 6 mm/0.24 x 0.24 inch, while the composite deck screws are about 30 mm/1.18 inch.

What We Like
Strong and sturdy
Easy to install
Adaptable for most decking panels
#TOP 10

HEYLEAYAR 500Pcs Hidden Fastener Clips Kit

HEYLEAYAR
TOL_FAS_DECK03
Black
5.5mm_500 Pack
HEYLEAYAR 500Pcs Hidden Fastener Clips Kit Cover
HEYLEAYAR 500Pcs Hidden Fastener Clips,Composite Decking Clips & Hidden Deck Fasteners with Universal 304 Stainless Steel Start Clips Kit for Composite Decking Board for 300 SQ.FT.

The HEYLEAYAR Fastener Clips kit is a comprehensive solution for your decking needs. It includes 500 durable nylon clips, 24 stainless steel start clips, and 530 screws, ensuring you have everything necessary for a smooth installation. Made from high-quality materials, these clips are designed to resist corrosion and provide long-lasting strength, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. The hidden fasteners simplify the installation process on composite decks with grooves, allowing you to achieve a clean, professional look with ease. With a clearance of 0.22 inches, these clips are compatible with most decking brands.

What We Like
Complete fastening kit
Durable materials
Easy installation process
Corrosion-resistant
Buying Guide Image

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.

Editor's Notes

During our decking nail research, we found 24 decking nail products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,873 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 $32.09.

The decking nails are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of decking nails, including Hillman, Hard-to-Find Fastener, Dunzy, Muzata, GENERIC. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,201 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Howard Chester Avatar

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.