[Maine1]

I’m going to be building a 12‘ x 20‘ deck next weekend. I’m going to use the Kreg Deck Jig for the deck boards. Is it OK to use a framing nailer to build the framing for the deck? Seems like it would go a lot faster than having to use screws for the entire frame. This is going to be a floating deck that’s going to be about 6 inches off the ground set on blocks.


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[mark sr]

A framing nailer will work great - just make sure the nails you use are rated for use with pressure treated wood.

 

[Nealtw]

We are still not allowed to use screws in the main structure, we do get away with them on the stairs and railings.

 

[dj3]

Use only nails made for decks.

 

[chandler48]

You'll find very little use for a framing nailer to put together the frame of a deck. Most of your joints and connections will be held together with carriage bolts, lags, joist hangers, etc. Nails will or can be used to temporarily hold wood until the proper fastener is installed. Use HDG Ring Shank nails of sufficient length to hold.

 

[Maine1]

Well, I see no need to use carriage bolts and/or lags as this is a ground level floating deck.

So the opinions range from “A framing nailer will be great” to “no use at all”..
I guess I’ll decide when the time comes.




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[Bud9051]

There is always use for a couple of good hammers. I'm a retired contractor and have done a lot of framing but now that nailer just sits under the workbench waiting for the next (maybe never) project.

The actual fastener time building a deck is minimal compared to all other steps. If you like having tools and have other projects in mind then certainly pick one up.

You will also need a compressor and a selection of nails beyond the framing nails.

Years back I switched to torque head screws and ditched the "chatter-chatter" phillips screws. Test some and you will be amazed at how much easier they are. And it you put some where you want to make a change, out they come. Not so with galvanized nails.

Bud

 

[chandler48]

Well, I see no need to use carriage bolts and/or lags as this is a ground level floating deck.

Your call. I use a Senco framer with HDG plastic collated nails....a Bostitch 28 degree wire bound, both of which do a great job. I find it easier to find HDG nails for the Senco than for the Bostitch. Bostitch nails are "electrogalvanized". Not the same thing as HDG, so be aware. Senco is also round head, where the Bostitch is clipped head. Some jurisdictions won't allow clipped head nails.

 

[ratherbefishing]

I always support the joists with joist hangers. Then I screw down the boards. So my framing nailer isn't much help building a deck. Kinda disappointing.

But decks were built before joist hangers were invented.

 

[u2slow]

I built my entire 20x16' deck with coated deck screws. I'm not a good enough carpenter to put my stuff together right the first time... always a 3 steps forward, 1 step back kind of guy. Screws make that easier. YMMV.

 

[Old Thomas]

I have had good luck with Paslode and Senco nail guns. Not so much with Bostitch.

 

[Drachenfire]

I built my 10' x 20' deck with screws and bolts. In the interest of full disclosure, I did use nails on the joist hangers and hurricane ties.

I considered a nailer but weighed the cost and differences and felt it was not worth the it.

While it may have made some processes go faster, it would have required the purchase of the nailer and case of special nails (avg 4000 nails) as well as lugging out my 25 gal compressor each time I used it. As I have no further jobs planed that would require the nailer, once the job was done it along with leftover nails would just collect dust in my shop. Yes, I could have purchased a small portable compressor but that would have been another little use tool taking up space and collecting dust.

 

[bcemail]

I redid my deck and didn't use many nails. I had already pulled about a million nails out of the old deck to reuse the joists so that might have figured into it. I went with the Simpson structural screws. Got a new driver for the job (need at least one tool per job) and I use that all the time. Used their joist hangers, hurricane ties, and post brackets too. Only put in a few nails where I needed some blocking and couldn't get in with my driver. Used a pneumatic palm nailer for those. Then used the Camo screws and jig for the boards.
Good luck

 

[Edmiester]

I have built 2 decks at my house. The front deck is 18 inches off the ground, the back deck is on a slope so 18 at one end and 38 inches on the other. I built both with all Torx head screws. Stingers and deck boards. I've had zero problems with either.


If your stuck on using nails, then I suggest ring shank nails. They're less likely to come loose.