Why Fasteners Matter More Than You Think

We’ve seen firsthand what happens when a builder cuts corners on fasteners. In one case where we served as an expert witness, we removed 30 screws securing decking that was only two years old — 12 of them broke because of rot, all because non-rated fasteners had been used on pressure-treated lumber.

Modern pressure-treated wood uses a different chemical formulation (ACQ) than older treatments, and it’s more corrosive to standard steel fasteners. Using fasteners not rated for ACQ-treated lumber leads to accelerated corrosion, weakened connections, and — as in that case — a lawsuit against the installer.

Spend the money and invest in quality, rated fasteners. Even if it means charging a client more up front, it’s the difference between a deck that holds up and one that ends up in litigation.