Most decks need a little TLC after a few years, thanks to general wear and tear, and exposure to our harsh Australian climate. The good news is a few quick checks and fixes with the optimum screws and anchors can turn your tired timber deck into an easy weekend win – and ensure it stays in prime condition.
Simple checks for a DIY deck fix
Start with a safety check: look for loose boards, rusted screws and weak joints, and mark anything that needs attention. If any boards need replacing, remove the old ones with the Zenith Self-Prying Pro-Bar Hand Tool to gently lift each board without splitting the timber. Use Zenith TUFCOTE® Treated Pine Screws to secure new framing and blocking, then fasten fresh decking boards with Zenith Stainless Steel Decking Screws so they drive cleanly and sit flush for a professional finish
You’ll need to replace all corroded or undersized fasteners with stainless steel decking screws, and swap tired galvanised screws in treated pine for more durable TUFCOTE®-coated Zenith Treated Pine Screws to extend the life of the structure.
For a pro finish, use Zenith’s Deck Jig Spacing and Fastening guide tool to ensure even gaps between boards, then check all boards and screws are secure.
Timber screws vs masonry anchors: what do you need for your backyard deck project?
When you are working with timber, be it decking boards, joists, pergola beams or fascia, you need timber screws that are designed to penetrate wood fibres without splitting the board. Their coarse threads grip the timber, and self-drilling points help you drive them quickly without predrilling in most decking applications.
If your project involves fixing into brick, concrete or block, then you’ll need masonry anchors. These specialised screws and expansion anchors are engineered to cut into or expand against solid masonry, giving you a secure hold where a timber screw would simply strip out or fail.
See our range of timber screws and masonry anchors here.
Rust-resistant screws = stress-free solution
For outdoor projects exposed to rain, sprinklers or coastal air, material matters more than anything. Stainless steel screws – especially 304 grade – offer excellent corrosion resistance, making them a top choice for decks, stairs and handrails that see the weather all year round.
Zenith Stainless Steel decking screws are made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel and feature a STAR T20 head for high torque fastening. For treated pine and general exterior framing, Zenith TUFCOTE® Treated Pine Screws are engineered for superior corrosion protection compared with standard galvanised fasteners, making them ideal wherever decks meet treated pine posts, rails or lattice.
Final checks for a pro result
Once the structure is sound, spend a few minutes on the details. After driving the final screws, walk the deck, check every board is solid underfoot and spacing is even, and make sure all your masonry anchors and timber screws are tight so your refreshed outdoor space is ready to roll.
