Timber Screws

About Timber Screws

Timber screws are essential heavy-duty fasteners specifically engineered for joining wood components in construction, carpentry, and joinery projects. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of professional timber screws from trusted brands including Spax, Timco, and Forgefix, featuring various head types such as hex head, Torx, and washer head designs. These high-performance screws are designed with specialist threads and points that bite firmly into timber without splitting, making them ideal for structural applications and exterior projects.

Available in both standard carbon steel with protective coatings and corrosion-resistant stainless steel variants, timber screws at MyToolShed offer superior holding power compared to traditional wood screws. Options include heavy-duty index screws, façade screws for external cladding, and slash point designs for quick penetration. Whether you're working on decking, fencing, timber framing, or cladding installations, our timber screw selection provides reliable fastening solutions for demanding applications.

Applications

Timber screws are widely used across multiple trades and projects:

• Carpenters and joiners – structural timber framing, roof construction, and heavy-duty woodworking
• Decking installers – securing deck boards to joists and building outdoor structures
• Fencing contractors – assembling fence panels, posts, and gates
• Cladding specialists – fixing timber and composite cladding to external walls
• General builders – timber frame construction, stud walls, and structural repairs
• Landscapers – building garden structures, pergolas, and timber retaining walls
• DIY enthusiasts – home improvement projects requiring robust wood-to-wood fixings

Choosing The Right Timber Screws

Consider these key factors when selecting timber screws for your project:

• Head type – hex heads offer excellent torque transfer and are ideal for impact drivers, whilst Torx heads reduce cam-out and provide positive engagement
• Length and diameter – choose screws where the thread penetrates at least two-thirds into the receiving timber for optimal holding power
• Material and coating – use stainless steel (A2 grade) for exterior applications and coastal environments; zinc-plated or Wirox coatings suit internal and protected locations
• Thread design – full thread screws provide maximum pull-together force, whilst partial thread designs suit specific structural applications
• Point style – slash points reduce splitting and eliminate the need for pilot holes in most softwoods
• Application – façade screws feature smaller heads for discreet fixing, whilst washer head screws distribute load across wider areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to drill pilot holes when using timber screws?

Modern timber screws with slash or index points typically don't require pilot holes in softwood, saving time on site. However, drilling pilot holes is recommended when working near timber edges, in hardwoods, or with larger diameter screws to prevent splitting.

What's the difference between timber screws and standard wood screws?

Timber screws are engineered for heavy-duty structural applications with thicker shanks, deeper threads, and stronger materials than standard wood screws. They provide significantly higher pull-out resistance and are designed for demanding construction work rather than light assembly tasks.

Can I use timber screws in treated timber?

Yes, but specify stainless steel timber screws when fixing pressure-treated timber, as the chemical preservatives can corrode standard zinc-plated fasteners. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks Spax A2 stainless steel options specifically suited for treated timber and external applications.