The Advantages of Stainless Steel Screws vs. Other Wood Screws in 2025

We all know that, compared to every other wood screw out there, stainless steel screws are the best at resisting corrosion. However, as time went by, as decks collapsed, as sheds shifted after storms, and as docks and boardwalks lost hardware, it became clear that corrosion resistance isn’t the only thing that makes stainless steel screws better than other wood screws.

If you’re running a timber construction business, there’s more to think about today. The tougher codes, higher material costs, stronger storms, and smaller crews all affect your work!

We've been building timber structures for over 20 years. Now, we're using our experience to teach contractors to help them build a timber construction business that handles today’s (and upcoming years’) challenges and lasts.

What Makes Stainless Steel So Much More Special Than Other Wood Screws?

What makes stainless steel screws so special is the level of corrosion resistance they offer compared to other coated or plated wood screws. If the finish chips while you drive a coated screw, rust can start on the steel underneath. Scratch a stainless steel screw while driving it into the wood; what’s inside is the same as the outside, so the protection against rust stays intact.

In 2025 and the years to come, contractors have a lot more to consider. And using stainless steel wood screws might be the best way to prepare for the future.

Hotter Days Speed Up Rust

The world's temperatures are hitting new highs. This increases the starting point for corrosion. Studies from NOAA and NASA show that 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded. When temperatures go up, your wood screws stay wet longer (because of humidity). And as temperatures go up, rust formation speeds up.

Under these conditions, coated carbon-steel screws are more prone to pitting, staining boards, and seizing, especially along coastal areas.

The chromium-oxide coating that develops on SS wood screws when exposed to the elements self-repairs and remains stable at high temperatures. No matter how hot it gets every year, your wood structure stays strong and safe with stainless steel screws.

Wetter Years Keep Fasteners Wet Longer

Heavy rain days are becoming more common in the U.S., and the Northeast has really experienced a significant increase in extreme rain since 1958. With all this rain, wood and screws are getting wet more often and taking longer to dry.

Rust tends to develop faster when metal is wet, and in wood, that little gap around a screw can trap moisture. That makes coated carbon steel riskier. If the coating gets chipped during installation or if the threads cut through it, expect rust in a few years.

Coastal Splash and Salt Exposure

Along many U.S. coasts, high-tide flooding is happening more often. When the waves hit your dock, salty spray spreads onto your wood and fasteners, and puddles keep them wet longer.

Salt carries chlorides that attack coatings and any exposed steel. That's why you should never use coated screws in coastal areas. They can corrode quickly.

Tropical Cyclones Increase The Risks Of Corrosion And Loosening

Warmer oceans are tied to stronger tropical cyclones. There are studies that show that as the climate warms, we're expecting more really intense storms with stronger peak winds, and those heavy downpours that come with them are on the rise too. For wood structures, that means tougher winds, more rain blowing in, and longer wet periods around exterior connections.

Stormy weather can drive salty water into joints and fastener holes. The vibrations and debris can chip away at coatings or cause tiny shifts that break the seal around coated carbon-steel screws.

Code Alignment and Green Building in One Choice

When working on timber projects that use wood treated with preservatives, the International Residential Code (IRC R317) states that you must use fasteners that resist corrosion.

Stainless steel screws are your best choice. SS wood screws make an easy specification for decks, outdoor stairs, fences, and wood-to-wood connections where fasteners might be exposed to high moisture, salt, or chemicals from treated lumber over time.

In the U.S., green building codes and policies promote long-lasting structures and reduce waste. Some examples are CALGreen in California, states that use the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), and city codes like NYC Local Law 97. These building codes support materials that are durable and can be reused.

Stainless steel allows you to be code-compliant because it is typically made with a lot of recycled scrap, lasts for decades in service, and is widely recovered and recycled at the end of life.

Save Money in the Long Run (Even When Prices Rise)

Construction material prices have gone up a lot in recent years. Between 2020 and 2022, prices for materials jumped by about 50%. Even though prices have dropped a little since then, they’re still higher than before the pandemic.

This price increase has been made worse by the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, which have now been raised from 25% to 50% as of June 4, 2025. As contractors, or any business owner for that matter, unexpected changes in price can affect how you run your business.

You might buy a coated screw today for about $0.10 per screw, but when it’s time to replace rusted screws in a few years, you could be paying double or triple the price due to rising costs and tariffs. Stainless steel screws, on the other hand, might cost more upfront, but they last a long time without needing replacements.

As long as you build the right way, your structure can last a lifetime with stainless steel screws. So, even with higher initial costs, stainless steel screws save you money in the long run by reducing the need to buy replacements and handling the rising costs of materials.

Stainless Steel Screws Help Contractors Offer Stronger Warranties

The timber construction business can be crowded, and if you want to stand out from the competition, you need to offer more value to your clients. One way to do this is by offering comprehensive warranties that give your customers peace of mind.

By using stainless steel screws, you can confidently offer lifetime warranties on projects. You'll be able to confidently say on your website that the decks, docks, or fences you're making are truly durable. SS wood screws ensure your clients won't need to worry about rust or corrosion damaging their $20,000 deck.

By having fewer callbacks for repairs and replacements on rusted screws, you can keep a good reputation and work more efficiently. If you're managing a small team, having the most efficient workforce is key to making your business survive.

With the ongoing shortage of construction workers, contractors that provide durable solutions will thrive. Using stainless steel will allow you to handle the needs of today's projects, all while being more efficient with time and costs.

Why Eagle Claw Fasteners Is Better Than Other Deck Screw Makers

To thrive in your industry, it’s all about standing out by providing top-notch quality and reliability. That's why contractors are making Eagle Claw Fasteners their partner in growing their businesses. Eagle Claw has sold tens of millions of screws, making it the top choice for pros who want the best on the job.

We've been in the decking and timber construction business for decades now. We've got a good idea of what screws every timber construction professional needs. Eagle Claw Fasteners are designed by contractors, specifically for contractors.

In any industry, business owners find a way to save their business time, money, and stress down the road. For contractors, that's partnering with Eagle Claw Fasteners. We provide the same corrosion resistance, strength, and durability that the big brands offer, but without the high price.

Get BIGGER savings by buying Eagle Claw stainless steel wood fasteners! Sign up today and get a 10% discount on all your orders!

FAQs

What are the benefits of Torx wood screws compared to other types of screw heads?

The main benefit of using Torx wood screws over other head types is how they help contractors work efficiently. We recommend Eagle Claw Fasteners' Torx wood screws. Their Torx screws provide a stronger, longer-lasting hold in wood.

Here's how Eagle Claw Torx screws add to your efficiency:

• Better grip and less slipping: The star-shaped head provides a more secure fit for your driver. You'll never have to go through the hassle of your screw slipping or stripping during installation.
• More torque transfer: Torx heads allow for better torque transfer. You'll drive the screws into harder materials or long runs of decking more easily.
• Extended tool life: Torx screws reduce slipping. So, you won't wear out your drill bits and screwdrivers, even after driving screws into large spans of decks for years.
• Faster installation: With better grip and torque, you can drive screws more quickly and accurately. The faster you get a project done, the more jobs you can take, and the more your contracting business grows.

Can you use stainless steel screws on softwood?

Yes, you can use stainless steel screws on softwoods like pine, cedar, and fir. We recommend using stainless steel screws from Eagle Fasteners when using softwoods.

Eagle Claw wood screws have a Type 17 point. This makes it easier to drive the screw into softer wood without splitting it. Softer woods are more likely to crack or splinter than hardwoods without the right screw design.

Are stainless steel screws stronger than deck screws?

Stainless steel screws are generally stronger than regular mild steel or coated deck screws. This is because of their high tensile strength. The makers of Eagle Claw's stainless steel wood screws designed their product with sharper points and fine threads. These features make the screws less likely to break as you drive them into hardwoods like Ipe or Cumaru. However, we always recommend pre-drilling, especially for hardwoods.