When screwing in the 5/4 decking do I need to pre-drill the screws for the decking? If so, is there a way to NOT have to do that?
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I built a 60" wide by 2.5' long ramp 16" on center for stringers for my shed using 5/4 PT wood. I did not pre-drill the ends and several did split or break off. Had I pre-drilled the holes like I originally planned, it wouldn't have been an issue. Pre-drilling would not have been necessary on the inner stringers, just the two outer ends. I should have taken the extra time to pre-drill the outside areas.
Was this Answer Helpful ?I only predrilled the end so as not to split the board. These screws self start.
Was this Answer Helpful ?Remember 5/4 decking is actually 1" in thickness. Pre drilling (and dumping some sealer into the holes) will also add to longevity. Ken
Was this Answer Helpful ?Ihave used over 30 lbs of these and the only pre-drilling I did was where I trimmed the board to go around the railing posts. I experienced no splitting of the wood.
Was this Answer Helpful ?These screws are completely self-drilling. I installed over 180 sq ft of decking without pre-drilling. Screws installed as close as 3/8" to the end of a 5/4 deck board did not split the board.
Was this Answer Helpful ?When putting screws near the end of the board or close to the edge you might want to drill a pilot hole. This will help prevent splitting the board.
Was this Answer Helpful ?No, you don't have to pre-drill.
Was this Answer Helpful ?Just did a deck with these, we only had to drill the ends of the boards.
Was this Answer Helpful ?I've tried to avoid this as well but it is important to do. Predrilling with a counter sync bit will give you three advantages, it will reduce the internal tension on the wood making it less likely to split when you put the screw in or later after its been outside for a year, the screw will sit flat even years later and you will know before you put the screw in if you are going to get the board under it. Its a good idea if you want a higher quality result with fewer problems years later. My current deck I've had boards crack and screw heads stick up from when it was built. The easiest way to do this is to have a screw pouch on your belt, then a drill with a counter sync bit and a second drill with a driver bit and switch from one to the other.
Was this Answer Helpful ?I have been building a deck and walkway that consists of about 200 square foot of various areas that have 5/4 Pressure Treated decking. The wood that I have been working with is not "seasoned" and still has some moisture. I have been able to attach everything without pre-drilling, and I have been keeping the screws at least 3/4" from the ends.
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