Eagle Claw vs. Top Coated Screws: Why Our Deck Screws Are Better

Most people buy coated deck screws, thinking they offer the best protection for all types of decks.

However, don’t let the warranty fool you! While some of the top brands that offer coated deck screws may promise decades of protection, they usually just last from a few years to maybe 10 years (as long as you don’t chip them when you’re driving them).

There are many coated deck screws available, but we’re focusing on the fasteners with coatings that most of the top brands use in 2025.

And just because you know someone who has a deck that lasted for years using coated deck fasteners, it doesn’t mean they’re perfect for your location and needs. Coated fasteners might look like a smart choice at first, but when their coatings wear off, the bare steel can start to rust.

We’re decking specialists with decades of experience and have used coated screws in our timber construction projects. We’ll tell you why we teamed up with seasoned deck builders to create our own line of stainless steel deck screws. We continue to provide screws that will never fail like a coated screw would.

Eagle Claw vs. Ceramic-Coated Deck Screws

Ceramic-coated screws are often marketed as affordable yet durable. They were created to resist UV damage and chemical leaching from pressure-treated lumber. Many builders choose them because they work "well enough," especially in dry climates.

Why Deck Screw Brands Coat Deck Fasteners with Ceramic Coating

This coating draws from applications in the automotive and electronics industries. The ceramic composites are used in brake pads and heat shields. These materials are valued for their resistance to extreme heat, oxidation, and wear.

Deck screw brands such as Hillman and GRK have started using ceramic coatings to mimic that performance in hot, dry climates. In these conditions, UV breakdown and the cycles of expansion and contraction can really damage inferior coatings.

Epoxy-ceramic finishes are great because they resist scratches and keep their color well. That’s why you often see them on screws that are exposed on the surface.

Why Deck Building Experts Choose Stainless Steel Screws Over Ceramic-Coated Screws

If you're choosing between the two, ceramic coatings may look cheaper at first, but they do not last long. Ceramic-coated screws can start to flake and rust after only a few hot summers with extreme heat like 115°F.

On one job, ceramic-coated screws started to wear down fast. Rolling furniture and cleaning tools rubbed away the coating. Once the finish wore off, water got in and caused rust around the screws.

Eagle Claw’s 316 stainless steel fights off rust naturally and does not need a coating. It stays strong even during hot summers, dry cracking, and constant wear. Your deck will stay durable year after year without losing strength.

Eagle Claw vs. Zinc + Polymer Coated Deck Screws

Zinc + polymer coatings were designed to improve traditional galvanized deck screws. The idea is smart: a sacrificial zinc layer to delay rust and a polymer topcoat to keep UV and abrasion from compromising it. It’s commonly used in roofing panels and ducting, where temperature swings are frequent and surface wear is limited.

Why Deck Screw Brands Use Zinc + Polymer on Deck Fasteners

Zinc is well-known in the HVAC and construction industries as a protective layer against oxidation in ventilation ducts, downspouts, and galvanized framing. It performs well in indoor-outdoor transitional environments.

The polymer layer, which is like the ones used in coil-coated steel roofing panels, protects against UV light and makes the surface more flexible, which keeps it from breaking when the material expands and contracts.

This technology was used by deck screw brands to find a good balance between price and corrosion resistance, especially in wet but not marine conditions.

Why Deck Building Experts Choose Stainless Steel Screws Over Zinc + Polymer Coated Screws

You might see the polymer coating start to crack and peel and the zinc layer weaken after a few cold winters and rainy springs.

Let’s say you are building a deck on a busy café patio near a lake in Michigan. People walking on it and moving chairs around will put extra pressure on the screws. The moisture in the air from the nearby water makes things worse.

This daily use wears down the coating faster. You'll start to spot the damage on the surface, and it shortens the life of your deck hardware.

The screws might work fine in mild weather, but a mix of strong seasons and heavy use will push the coating to its limit. In places like this, coatings often break down.

Eagle Claw stainless steel deck screws handle both tough weather and daily wear. In places with lots of movement and pressure, stainless steel screws stay durable and don’t wear out like coated screws. That means you don’t have to worry about hidden rust or surprise damage.

Stainless Steel vs. Nano-Polymer Coated Screws

Nano-polymer is the newest player in the field, borrowing from aerospace and biomedical coatings. Grip-Rite's DeckForce screws, for example, are coated with a material originally designed to resist oxidation on turbine blades.

Why Deck Screw Brands Coat Deck Screws with Nano-Polymer Coating

These coatings come from strong barrier films used in things like airplane engines and surgical tools. In those places, metal has to stand up to salt, heat, and chemicals, even when the coating is very thin. These coatings stick well and look smooth, which makes them a good choice for screws that need to fit in tight spaces and still look clean.

Now, deck screw makers are using this kind of coating for high-end homes that need strong protection against rust but also want a nice finish.

Why Deck Building Experts Choose Stainless Steel Screws Over Nano-Polymer Coated Screws

Nano-polymer screws look great in lab tests, but if you want long-term results and happy clients, stainless steel is a better choice. New coatings have not yet proven they can last in the real world.

Stainless steel deck screws have always been the top choice for outdoor decks. Even though some brands now offer new coatings like nano-polymer, stainless steel still performs better against rust in real outdoor conditions.

It is the screw that experienced deck builders have trusted for years. And the stainless steel screw brand that these experts count on is Eagle Claw Fasteners.

Stainless Steel vs. Hot-Dip Galvanized Screws

Just because your brother-in-law used a hot-dip galvanized screw in their deck in Flagstaff, Arizona, where it barely rains, doesn’t mean you should use the same screw in your deck in Charleston, South Carolina. Coastal areas have salty air that causes rust much faster. What works in a dry town can fail quickly near the ocean.

Why Deck Screw Brands Offer Hot-Dip Galvanized Screws

Hot-dip galvanizing comes from coatings used on things like utility poles, guardrails, and farm fences. These places need protection from bumps and basic weather, usually far from the coast.

Deck screw brands used this idea to make affordable screws for framing and substructures. But the zinc layer on these screws can wear away over time, especially with salt or harsh chemicals. If the coating gets scratched or cut, the rust starts even faster.

Why Deck Building Experts Choose Stainless Steel Screws Over Hot-Dip Screws

A redwood deck built just a few blocks from the ocean in Santa Cruz, California, showed a big problem with using hot-dip galvanized screws near the coast. Even though these screws had a thick zinc coating, salt spray caused rust to appear in the first year.

Heavy lounge furniture and constant movement across the deck wore down the coating even faster. After a few years, rust spots were all over, boards had to be replaced, and the screws were no longer strong. This showed that hot-dip coatings do not hold up well in salty, busy environments.

Eagle Claw Fasteners: The Best Deck Screw Supplier in the Market

So, whether you are building a coastal deck in California, working on a marina in Sydney, or building a rooftop terrace in downtown Toronto, Eagle Claw deck screws are what you need. They are a top deck screw supplier that offers strength, rust protection, and easy installation to help your project last a long time.

You can find other screw brands that also use the same Torx (star) drive and sharp tips as Eagle Claw. However, we take it even further. We give you the same strong, long-lasting performance at a price that both pros and DIY homeowners can afford.

Coated screws might cost less than stainless steel screws, but when you think about all the time you spend building a deck, the price of the screws doesn’t matter much.

And when it comes to customer service, we go the extra mile. We make sure your box contains the right amount of screws, so you’re never left short. Our support team is always ready to help. Whether you need help with your order or have questions, we are here for you.

If you are a contractor building a big deck or a DIYer working on your backyard, Eagle Claw is the right choice.

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FAQs

Where can I buy quality stainless steel deck screws?

The best place you can buy quality stainless steel deck screws online from Eagle Claw Fasteners.

A common complaint from seasoned builders is that cheaper stainless screws tend to shear under torque or strip their heads during installation. These issues aren’t caused by the stainless steel itself, but by poor threading, soft drive heads, or lack of heat treatment.

That’s why deck experts only trust SS deck screws designed by their fellow experts. Eagle Claw Fasteners offers decking fasteners with the needs of their fellow builders in mind, not just to meet expectations, but to exceed them in real-world conditions.

Are Eagle Claw screws good?

Yes, Eagle Claw screws are good decking screws. Their deck fasteners have become popular because they're made from high-quality stainless steel. Both professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts love using them, not only because of their material but also because of their fair pricing.

Their 316 stainless steel screws are made to resist corrosion better than any other coated screw and are best for coastal areas and places with high humidity. If you're living in places with mild conditions, you can buy their 304 SS deck screws instead. They also come with a Torx (star) drive system that helps prevent cam-out and slippage, making installations easier and quicker.

Are Simpson Strong-Tie screws structural?

Yes, Simpson Strong-Tie screws are structural screws. They have lag bolts and screws that are commonly used for securing posts, joists, ledger boards, and wood-to-wood connections.

For securing deck boards, Eagle Claw deck screws are better due to their stainless steel material and price.