What are Better, Nails or Structural Screws?

When it comes to fastening wood in construction, the debate between nails and structural screws has been around as long as the tools themselves. Some swear by the speed of nails, others by the holding power of screws. The truth? Both have their place but knowing when to use each can save you time, money, and headaches on the job.

Nails for Structural Projects: The Classic Fastener

Nails have been holding structures together for centuries. They’re fast to install (especially with a nail gun), relatively inexpensive, and forgiving in applications where a little wood movement is expected.

Pros of Nails:

• Speed: With a hammer or nail gun, nails go in quickly, making them ideal for large framing jobs.
• Shear Strength: Nails handle side-to-side force well, making them great for framing, sheathing, and decking.
• Cost: Generally cheaper per fastener than screws.

Cons of Nails:

• Withdrawal Strength: Nails can work loose over time, especially with seasonal wood movement or vibration.
• Less Precision: Harder to remove without damaging the material.
• Corrosion Potential: Unless coated or galvanized, nails can rust in outdoor applications.

Our own pro Matt B. notes that he still prefers driving nails because it's what he's most comfortable with after many years on the job before structural screws came onto the scene. However, many other pros prefer reaching for their drill and using screws. So, unless your job calls for specific fasteners, it can come down to preference, too!

Structural Screws: The Modern Fastener

Structural screws are engineered for high load capacity and easy installation no pre-drilling required in most cases. They combine the best parts of bolts and screws with the convenience of a driver bit.

Brands like Simpson Strong-Tie have set the bar for this category, offering engineered screws like the Strong-Drive® SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws and SDWS Framing screws that are ICC-ES code-listed, corrosion-resistant, and designed to work seamlessly with their line of structural connectors.

Pros of Structural Screws:

• Superior Holding Power: Coarse threads bite deep into wood, resisting pull-out far better than nails.
• Connector Compatibility: Many, like Simpson’s SDS screws, are designed to work with joist hangers, post bases, and other structural hardware for maximum load ratings.
• Ease of Removal: Perfect for adjustments or future disassembly.
• Corrosion Resistance: Many come coated or stainless for outdoor and treated lumber use.
• Code Compliance: Simpson’s structural screws are load-tested and building code–approved for critical applications.

Cons of Structural Screws:

• Cost: More expensive per fastener than nails.
• Installation Time: Slower than shooting nails though with an impact driver, the gap is smaller.
• Brittleness: While strong in tension, screws can snap under extreme shear loads if undersized or misused.

When to Choose Nails

• Framing walls, roofs, and floors where speed is critical.
• Applications where shear strength matters more than pull-out resistance.
• Large-volume, cost-sensitive jobs.

When to Choose Structural Screws

• Deck construction, pergolas, and exterior framing.
• Projects requiring maximum holding power (ledger boards, structural connections).
• Using hardware like post bases, joist hangers, or column caps where manufacturer-specified screws are required.
• Repairs where removal may be needed later.
• Code-required applications calling for specific load ratings.

For more FAQ about structural screws, check out our blog post: What are Structural Screws? And Other FAQ

The Hybrid Approach

Many pros use both: nails for speed in general framing, and structural screws where strength and security are critical. For example, a deck might be framed with nails but tied to the house with Simpson Strong-Tie SDWS Timber screws and secured with SDS screws in connectors to meet building code and manufacturer specs.

Bottom Line

If you want speed and economy, nails still rule the framing site. If you want maximum holding power and longevity, especially outdoors or in critical joints, structural screws are worth every penny.

Simpson Strong-Tie has made it easier than ever to choose the right structural fastener with their wide range of code-approved screws, all engineered to work with their connectors and to keep your build safe, secure, and up to spec.

The smartest builders know when to reach for each and that’s what keeps their projects strong for years.