5 mistakes to avoid when using landscape screws?
Landscape screws are built to handle the elements, offering unrelenting durability and performance, even in the toughest of conditions.
But what happens when you don’t install them correctly? A few mishaps can mean the difference between a long-lasting installation and an unsafe one. However, used properly, landscape screws offer the best longevity for garden structures.
Today, we’ll run you through 5 common mistakes to avoid when installing landscape screws, so you don’t run into any issues down the line.
What are landscape screws used for?
As you can tell by the name, landscape screws are designed for landscaping work and are popular for garden DIY projects and professional jobs.
These are thick-gauge, corrosion-resistant screws that are ideal for working with heavy or treated timber. Some of these uses include:
- Railway sleepers
- Retaining walls
- Raised beds
- Decking frames
- Fence posts
- Timber framing
5 mistakes to avoid
Making mistakes is only natural, but when it comes to load-bearing projects, you want to avoid as many small errors as possible.
Not only will this ensure the best safety, especially in public areas, but it’ll save you a lot of time and money you’d otherwise have to spend on repairs.
1. Using the wrong screw (type or coating)
It’s an easy mistake to think that every type of landscape screw will work in any situation, but it’s a little more complicated than that.
Exterior timber needs corrosion-resistant fixings (stainless steel or coated screws). If you use untreated nails outdoors, the screw will inevitably rust, which will weaken the joint (something we don’t want).
Depending on what you’re installing, you’ll need to make sure the head, drive type, and plating match the needs for your project. A raised bed won’t experience as much weight as a decking area, so you’ll need something stronger and more capable for the latter.
2. Over- or under-driving screws
This mistake is easy to make with any type of screw if you don’t focus and calculate the depth beforehand.
Overtightening (or using too much torque) will sink the screw too deep or even split the wood, while undertightening will leave the head sticking out, causing an unsightly and dangerous finish.
Protruding heads are especially a problem when building walking surfaces, where a screw that isn’t driven properly into the material could cause injury or snagging on garden furniture. To avoid this, don’t use high speed or torque when drilling; instead, go slow and gently.
Stop when the screw head is flush with the surface (or just slightly below for countersunk screws). A magnetic driver or self-countersinking screw head can help seat the screw neatly.
3. Using screws that are too short or too long
As an addition to the previous point, using a screw that’s too long or too short can cause an insufficient grip into the wood.
A screw that’s too short won’t bite fully into the back piece and will cause a weak joint, while a screw that’s too long will poke out the other side. If this happens, it could easily snag on other objects or people, causing a serious safety issue.
We suggest measuring the total thickness of the timber surface, then choosing a screw that goes through the front board and at least halfway into the second board, without coming out the back.
4. Skipping pilot holes
Pilot holes are the most important step when installing landscape screws, but it’s easy to forget about them if you’re in a rush.
Since landscape screws are thick and long, installing them straight into the wood without a pilot hole will cause the wood to split. This is especially an issue when installing screws at the ends of boards or in hardwood.
By marking and drilling pilot holes beforehand, your screw will drive in cleanly, without the risk of the surface splitting. Just make sure to use a bit smaller than the screw shank for a secure fit.
5. Forgetting expansion gaps
When building any outdoor structure, expansion gaps are always necessary.
Since wood and composites expand and contract due to temperature changes and sun exposure, you need to avoid installing the boards too close together. Doing so won’t give them any room to move, causing them to buckle and lift.
If you drive screws flush with the wall, rainwater won’t be able to escape, causing a number of issues. That’s why we advise adding galvanised or plastic washers to landscaping screws. You should also aim for a ~10 mm gap between the timber and wall.
Ready to build? Shop landscape screws from Efixings
When constructing a decking frame, building a raised bed, or building any type of outdoor timber structure, you want a screw you can rely on.
We stock a range of highly durable landscape screws at efixings, with 1,000 hrs neutral salt spray green coating. Our screws offer a long-lasting finish, with resistance against corrosion and rust, especially near coastal areas.
With deep threads and an anti-corrosion finish, you really can’t go wrong! Purchase our screws today so your outdoor project will stay solid for years; no wobbles or rust in sight.