June 10, 2022
The Difference Between Drywall Screws and Wood Screws
With so many different types of screws available at hardware stores, it can be difficult to know which one will work best for your project. Good research and a clear idea of your expectations can help.
Today we can start by answering a very common question. What is the difference between drywall screws and wood screws?
Drywall screws, also called framing screws, are used to attach drywall to studs and framing materials. Wood screws are used to fasten wood to wood securely. Both options have significant differences in design to help facilitate these goals.
Drywall Screws
Drywall screws are mainly used to attach drywall to wood or metal framing in construction projects. They're usually made of hardened steel, or stainless steel, to prevent stripping and may break if too much pressure is applied, so they shouldn't be used for outdoor applications or to secure anything that must bear weight. They also have sharp points for self-tapping, that make the use of pilot holes unnecessary.
Drywall screws come in a variety of threading options including course and fine, and can be chosen depending on the materials you need to attach the drywall to. Drywall screws are usually fully threaded, meaning the threading extends all of the way up to the head of the screw.
The use of a fully threaded screw secures the materials together, but does not pull either material to the other. This allows drywall screws to attach without causing any cracking or breaking in the material, and deeper threads cut into drywall screws help to prevent dislodging after installation.
Different types of screws have different types of head shapes to help with project functionality. Most drywall screws have a flat top with a cone shaped neck that is referred to as a "bugle head'. This shape allows the head to set below the surface of the drywall material and be covered in filling compound without tearing the paper layer. This small detail aids in making sure the drywall has a smooth finish after installation.
Drywall screws generally have a black phosphate coating or a thin vinyl coating to help to prevent rust, and provide corrosion resistance. Phosphate coating is preferred because it provides more rust resistance, but it does not mean that the screw can be used in wet or exterior situations.
Wood screws are used to fasten wooden planks to each other, or hardware such as hinges for cabinets to wood, but should not be confused with deck screws. These screws are usually made of a softer metal, such as steel or aluminum, to resist snapping. Wood screws come in self-tapping and non-self-tapping options.
When using a non-self-tapping option, you will need to drill a pilot hole. Drilling a pilot hole removes material before the screw is inserted to make sure that the screw does not get stripped and the wood does not crack. When drilling pilot holes, a wider counterbore hole may be needed. Most wood screws have coarse threading to aid in thread cutting as they are inserted.
The majority of wood screws are partially threaded, indicating that below the screw head is a smooth shank, allowing the threads to pull the two pieces of wood together without pushing the head deeper into the wood. Wood screws also have a tapered head which blends into the smooth shank. This design allows the flat head of the screw to sit flush with the edge of the wood after installation.
Wood screws have applications in both exterior and interior projects depending on the material used, and the coating applied to the screws. For outdoor applications wood screws are usually galvanized or treated with zinc plating to resist rusting. Choosing a stainless-steel option will also help with resistance to rust and corrosion. Pressure treated lumber will increase the probability of corrosion, so choosing the correct screw is imperative for the sucess of your project.
What is the Final Choice?
In the end what product should you utilize for your project to be successful? Both options have specific niches to fill in construction settings.
Drywall screws have a higher chance of snapping due to their hardening process, which means that they should not be used in settings to support any weight. Drywall screws should also not be used in exterior projects, they are not coated to withstand the level of rust and corrosion that comes from the elements.
Drywall screws are designed to optimally hang drywall and are a good way to fix "nail pop" situations that may occur in older homes. If you want to use them outside of these purposes you should always make sure they will not fail.
Wood screws are ideal for connecting wood to wood. They are softer to support more weight without snapping, and have many options in head shape (such as washer heads), coatings, and lengths.
Both options of screw have options for drive shapes (such as square drives), length options, and coatings to make sure that your project is executed to optimal standards. Remember to choose your screw by taking all of your project's needs into account.