Best Wood Screws & Fasteners for DIYers
The right screw holds joints tight without splitting wood or snapping off. Modern structural and multi-purpose screws (GRK, Spax) self-countersink and drive without pre-drilling. Match coating and length to the job.
What to look for
- ·For outdoor and treated lumber, use coated, stainless, or rated-for-treated screws so they do not corrode and stain.
- ·Structural and multi-purpose screws (GRK, Spax, Simpson) self-countersink, resist splitting, and use star (Torx) drives that do not strip.
- ·Match length to roughly 2 to 2.5 times the thickness of the top piece, and use the right gauge for the load.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRK R4 Multi-Purpose Screws | Editor's pick | $25 to $45 per box | The premium all-around screw |
| Spax Multi-Material Screws | Editor's pick | $25 to $45 per box | Fast driving without splitting |
| Simpson Strong-Tie Structural Screws | Editor's pick | $25 to $50 per box | Structural and load-bearing |
| Power Pro Premium Exterior Screws | Best value | $15 to $30 per box | Value exterior screws |
| FastenMaster Screws | Best value | $18 to $35 per box | Dependable construction value |
| Hillman Power Pro Screws | Best value | $12 to $28 per box | Practical everyday value |
| Everbilt Wood Screws (Home Depot) | Budget pick | $8 to $20 per box | Budget general fastening |
| Grip-Rite Screws | Budget pick | $10 to $25 per box | Budget construction |
| Store-Brand Wood Screws | Budget pick | $5 to $15 per box | Lowest-cost light jobs |
Editor's pick
GRK R4 Multi-Purpose Screws
$25 to $45 per box
Premium structural screws with a self-countersinking head that drives clean even in hardwood, plus a ClimaTek coating for outdoor use. The versatile pick for nearly any build.
Best for: The premium all-around screw
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Spax Multi-Material Screws
$25 to $45 per box
Heat-treated screws with a splitting-resistant point and serrated threads that drive with less torque. Strong, fast-driving, and versatile across materials.
Best for: Fast driving without splitting
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon.
Simpson Strong-Tie Structural Screws
$25 to $50 per box
Engineered, code-rated structural screws from the connector experts for ledgers, framing, and load-bearing connections. The pick where strength is critical.
Best for: Structural and load-bearing
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon.
Best value
Power Pro Premium Exterior Screws
$15 to $30 per box
Coated exterior screws with a star drive and anti-corrosion coating at a value price. A strong value for decks, fences, and outdoor builds.
Best for: Value exterior screws
Typically available at Home Depot.
FastenMaster Screws
$18 to $35 per box
Quality construction screws for decking, framing, and structural use with strong coatings. A dependable mid-value pick for serious builds.
Best for: Dependable construction value
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Hillman Power Pro Screws
$12 to $28 per box
Widely stocked coated screws in many sizes for general indoor and outdoor projects. A practical value for keeping common sizes on hand.
Best for: Practical everyday value
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Budget pick
Everbilt Wood Screws (Home Depot)
$8 to $20 per box
Home Depot's house-brand screws in many sizes for general indoor projects at a low price. Basic but serviceable for everyday fastening.
Best for: Budget general fastening
Typically available at Home Depot.
Grip-Rite Screws
$10 to $25 per box
Affordable screws for general construction and repairs, widely stocked. A reasonable budget option for non-critical fastening jobs.
Best for: Budget construction
Typically available at Home Depot.
Store-Brand Wood Screws
$5 to $15 per box
The cheapest screws for light, indoor, non-structural fastening. Phillips drive and basic coating, but the lowest cost for everyday small jobs.
Best for: Lowest-cost light jobs
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart.
Frequently asked
What screws should I use for woodworking?+
For general builds, multi-purpose construction screws like GRK or Spax with a star drive self-countersink and resist splitting. For fine woodworking, traditional wood screws or pocket screws are common. For outdoor or treated wood, use coated, stainless, or rated-for-treated screws.
Do I need to pre-drill for screws?+
Quality self-countersinking screws usually drive into softwood without pre-drilling. Pre-drill near board ends, in hardwoods, and with dense or brittle material to prevent splitting. A pilot hole also gives a cleaner, more accurate result in fine work.
What screw length and gauge do I need?+
A common rule is the screw should penetrate the bottom piece by about two-thirds, so length is roughly 2 to 2.5 times the thickness of the top board. Heavier loads call for a larger gauge (thicker shank); #8 and #10 cover most home projects.
Star, square, or Phillips drive?+
Star (Torx) and square (Robertson) drives grip far better than Phillips and rarely cam out or strip, which is why modern construction screws use them. Phillips is still common in cheap screws but strips more easily under torque.
What screws are safe for treated lumber?+
Modern treatments corrode ordinary steel, so use hot-dipped galvanized, stainless, or screws specifically coated and rated for treated lumber (like ClimaTek). Near saltwater, use stainless. Using the wrong screws leads to rust streaks and failed connections.