29 May Choosing the Right Fasteners and Hardware for Outdoor Projects

The weather is warmer, and the sun is out, so you know what that means. Quad Cities residents are spending time outdoors. And what better time than now to work on your outdoor projects?  Be it a raised garden bed, pergola, gazebo, deck, or any other outdoor structure, choosing the right fasteners and hardware for the job makes a difference.

DIY masters everywhere obsess over choosing the right lumber, investing in finishing materials, and then assume any old screw will do. But this mistake can end up costing you money and a do-over on your outdoor projects. The right fasteners and hardware hold your structure together through intense heat, winter’s deep freeze, rain and storms, and UV exposure. The wrong fasteners can cause dangerous structural problems, rust streaks, and even the collapse of your outdoor projects.

The Difference in Hardware for Outdoor Projects

Choosing the right materials is important for every component of your outdoor structure. Failing to use the correct wood, finishing materials, fasteners, and hardware can compromise the integrity of your outdoor projects, shorten the lifespan of your structure, and jeopardize safety. 

Obviously, your outdoor projects require weather-resistant materials. Standard zinc-plated hardware is fine for indoor projects, but outside, exposed to the elements, zinc-plated fasteners and hardware will rust and degrade. Here are the hardware and fastener materials that will withstand the weather and keep your structure safe.

• Stainless Steel: This is the gold standard for outdoor projects. For the Quad Cities area, you could choose Grade 304 or Grade 316 (marine grade), which offers an extra degree of protection in our very humid summers. 

• Hot-Dip Galvanized Coating: This type of hardware is recommended for use with pressure-treated wood. It provides heavy-duty structural connections because it’s thickly coated in zinc. 

• Coated Exterior Screws: These are multi-purpose outdoor screws that are coated in a baked-on polymer. This type of hardware resists weather degradation and doesn’t require pre-drilling.

Match Fasteners to Your Project

Different applications require different fasteners and hardware. For example, structural connections like joist hangers, beam connectors, and post bases require you to use fasteners that are rated for these specific applications. In other words, your fasteners for these components of your outdoor projects must be code-compliant. Mixing non-rated materials, undersized hardware, or fasteners not recommended for the job undermines the engineering and safety of the finished project. 

Always verify that the connectors you use for pressure-treated wood are, in fact, rated for pressure-treated wood. It really all boils down to the fact that different applications require different hardware:

• Heavy Framing: For heavy framing like that used in pergolas, gazebos, and playsets, lag screws and machine bolts provide a superior hold and allow you to tighten them as the lumber seasons. 

• Decking Boards: Use trim head or bugle head screws on top decking composite or treated boards. Most manufacturers of composite decking recommend their own brand of hidden fastener systems that enhance the screw-free surface and offer amazing support. 

• Structural Connections: As we mentioned above, you must be code-compliant for safety. When it comes to hardware for things like joist hangers, beam connectors, and post anchors, find out what your county requires. The best way to ensure you’re meeting these requirements is to consult with one of our project managers at Seiffert Building Supplies. 

Don’t Miss These Details

Use washers under the head of lag screws and bolts to prevent your hardware from sinking into the wood. Some experts advise against pre-drilling since exterior screws have self-drilling tips. We do recommend you pre-drill hardwoods and board edges to prevent the wood from splitting. Joist tape, which is a type of flashing commonly applied to top framing, protects our joists from water damage. It’s a small investment that can extend the life of your outdoor projects.

Let Us Help With Your Outdoor Projects

Choosing the right fasteners and hardware for your outdoor projects doesn’t require a huge investment. They are a small part of your project’s budget and can make a difference in the integrity of your structure. For more on how to make sure you’re choosing the right hardware and fasteners for your outdoor projects, please contact Seiffert Building Supplies. We have in-house project managers who can help you plan your outdoor projects from start to finish. 

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