When homeowners plan a deck, the focus is usually on decking materials, railing styles, and overall layout. What often gets far less attention is what is holding the deck together.
In Hawaii’s environment, fasteners matter. If the wrong ones are used, they can rust, loosen, and shorten the life of the deck. Salt air, humidity, rain, and sun all accelerate corrosion, especially on Oahu and the Windward side.
That is why hardware and fastener selection is not just a technical detail — it is a safety and durability decision that should be made carefully and professionally.
This guide explains the considerations that go into hardware and fastener selection for decks in Hawaii, and why these decisions should always be tailored to the specific project.
Key Takeaways
Not all hardware performs the same in Hawaii’s climate
Plain steel should not be used outdoors
Stainless steel offers higher corrosion resistance, especially near the coast
Hardware and fasteners must be compatible
The right solution depends on exposure, layout, and structural design
Hardware vs Fasteners: Understanding the Roles
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they serve different purposes in deck construction.
Deck Hardware
Hardware refers to structural connectors that transfer loads and tie the deck together as a system.
Examples include:
Joist hangers
Post bases and post caps
Hurricane ties and uplift connectors
Beam and rafter hangers
These components play a critical role in deck safety, especially in high-wind and coastal areas common throughout Oahu.
Deck Fasteners
Fasteners secure materials to one another.
Examples include:
Framing screws
Nails
Lag screws and structural bolts
Deck board fasteners and hidden fastening systems
While fasteners may be small, they affect how well framing stays tight, how boards perform, and how the deck holds up long-term.
Why Plain Steel Is Not Appropriate in Hawaii
Plain steel or low-grade coated fasteners do not hold up well in Hawaii.
We frequently see decks fail prematurely because:
Steel fasteners were used or reused
Interior-rated materials were installed outdoors
Short-term cost savings were prioritized
Over time, steel rusts, weakens connections, and can create safety concerns.
Galvanized vs Stainless Steel: High-Level Differences
Homeowners often hear terms like galvanized, ZMAX, and stainless steel, but the differences are not always clear.
Galvanized and ZMAX Coatings
Galvanized hardware is coated with zinc to slow corrosion. ZMAX is an enhanced zinc coating designed for exterior use and higher exposure conditions.
These products are commonly used in deck framing and structural connectors, but performance varies depending on exposure and application.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel resists corrosion through its material composition rather than a surface coating. This generally provides higher corrosion resistance, especially near salt air.
| Material Type | Corrosion Resistance | Typical Applications | General Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Steel | Very Low | Not recommended | Rusts quickly outdoors |
| Galvanized | Moderate | Structural connectors | Performance varies by exposure |
| ZMAX Coated | Moderate to High | Framing hardware | Must be paired correctly |
| Stainless Steel | High | Fasteners and connectors | Higher durability, higher cost |
| Marine Grade | Very High | Coastal environments | Premium option, project-specific |
Why Mixing Metals Matters
Using incompatible metals together can accelerate corrosion.
For example:
Stainless fasteners with galvanized hardware
Galvanized fasteners with stainless hardware
When materials are not compatible, coatings can break down and corrosion can occur more quickly.
Deck Board Fastening Options: What to Know
Deck boards can be installed using different fastening approaches, each with its own considerations.
| Method | Appearance | General Use |
|---|---|---|
| Hidden Fasteners | Seamless | Open deck areas |
| Color-Matched Screws | Visible | Stairs and borders |
| Plug Systems | Nearly Invisible | Stairs and detail areas |
Why There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Answer
Homeowners often ask which hardware or fastener option is “best.”
The honest answer is that it depends.
Factors include:
Proximity to the coastline
Wind and rain exposure
Deck height and layout
Structural load paths
Decking material and manufacturer requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What fasteners should be used for decks in Hawaii?
Fasteners should be corrosion-resistant and appropriate for the environment. The specific materials used depend on exposure, layout, and structural design
Can I choose cheaper fasteners if I want to save money?
We focus on building decks that are safe and durable in Hawaii’s climate. Material selections are based on performance and longevity, not short-term cost savings.
Should everything be stainless steel near the coast?
Coastal exposure often requires higher corrosion resistance, but the exact approach depends on the project and should be evaluated professionally.
Why does hardware selection vary so much?
Decks are structural systems. Hardware choices depend on load paths, exposure conditions, and how materials work together.
Why We Approach Hardware and Fasteners This Way
At Hawaii Deck Builders, our goal is not to apply a generic checklist. Our goal is to design and build decks that perform safely and reliably in Hawaii’s environment.
That means evaluating each project individually and making informed decisions based on real conditions — not assumptions.
Planning Your Deck?
If you are considering a deck on Oahu or the Windward side and want guidance on how hardware and fasteners should be approached for your specific project, we are happy to walk through those considerations during a consultation.
