Types of Screws: A Practical Buying Guide
Screws are not all doing the same job. A screw for timber, decking, masonry, furniture or a socket faceplate has different sizing, finish and fitting requirements. This guide explains the main screw types and gives you a practical route into the right Jones DIY range.
Quick rule: choose the screw type by the material first, then check length, diameter, head type, drive type, finish and pack size.
1. Wood screws and timber screws
Wood screws are used for joinery, repairs, timber framing, workshop builds, furniture work and general fixing into timber or board. They are usually chosen by diameter and length, then by head style and finish.
For timber, length is the first practical check. The screw needs enough bite into the second piece of timber without breaking through or splitting the edge. For visible jobs, the finish and head type matter more because the fixing will be seen.
Best used for
- General timber repairs
- Workshop and storage builds
- Joinery and board fixing
- Furniture and cabinet work where a standard wood screw is suitable
Check before buying wood screws
- Length and diameter
- Countersunk or pan head
- Drive type
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Pack quantity for the job
2. Black screws and visible-finish screws
Black screws are often chosen where the fixing will be visible against black hardware, dark brackets, hinges, ironmongery or darker timber finishes. The job is still a timber fixing job, but the visible finish changes the buying decision.
Use visible-finish screws when the appearance of the fixing matters. Check the head style and finish as carefully as the size.
3. Decking and exterior screws
Decking and exterior screws are used for outdoor timber jobs where coating and corrosion resistance matter more than they would indoors. They are commonly used for decking boards, garden timber, fencing repairs and exterior joinery.
Do not choose an outdoor screw by length alone. Check whether the finish or coating suits the environment and whether the head type suits the timber and final appearance.
Best used for
- Decking boards
- Garden timber jobs
- Fence and shed repairs
- Outdoor timber fixing where a suitable coating is needed
4. Concrete screws and masonry screws
Concrete screws and masonry fixings are used for harder materials such as concrete, brick and block. These need more care than general timber screws because drill size, hole depth, fixing length and base material all matter.
Some concrete screws are designed to fix directly into a drilled hole without a separate plug, depending on the product and application. Always check the product details before ordering.
Check before buying concrete screws
- Base material: concrete, brick or block
- Required drill size
- Fixing length and item thickness
- Head style: countersunk, hex or other style
- Pack quantity
5. Furniture screws and connector fixings
Furniture and flat-pack jobs often use connector hardware rather than ordinary screws. Cam locks, dowel screws, connector bolts, brackets and small cabinet fixings are common. These parts are more sensitive to length and diameter because they need to fit existing holes or furniture panels.
If you are replacing a missing furniture fixing, measure the original part wherever possible. A few millimetres can change whether the fitting works.
6. Electrical socket screws
Electrical socket screws are usually M3.5 thread screws used for socket fronts and switch plates. Length is the main buying decision, especially if a back box is recessed, tiled over or set deeper than normal.
Final check before choosing screws
- What material are you fixing into?
- Is the job indoors or outdoors?
- What length and diameter do you need?
- Does the head need to sit flush?
- Will the screw be visible?
- What pack size makes sense for the job?
Still comparing screw types?
Start with the main screws and timber fixings range, then narrow by product type, size and job.
FAQs
What type of screw should I use for wood?
For general timber and board work, start with wood screws or multi-purpose timber screws. Check length, diameter, head type and whether the job is indoors or outdoors.
What screws should I use outside?
Use screws with a coating or material suitable for outdoor timber work. Decking and exterior screws are usually a better starting point than standard indoor screws.
Can I use wood screws in masonry?
No. Masonry and concrete need suitable masonry fixings or concrete screws, along with the correct drill size and installation method.