Best Screws for Floorboards: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Staircase Specialist
If you live in one of York's many Victorian terraces, you are likely familiar with the 'midnight chorus' of squeaky floorboards. Often, these boards were originally fixed with cut nails which, over a hundred years of movement and central heating drying out the timber, have lost their grip.
Many homeowners make the mistake of simply bashing the old nails back in, or worse, using standard drywall screws that snap under the tension. In professional joinery, selecting the correct gauge and thread type is critical to prevent splitting delicate old pine or expensive hardwood.
In this review, I've selected three specific screw products that cover different needs: a heavy-duty option for structural repairs, a comprehensive kit for general maintenance, and a black-finished screw for visible fixings where aesthetics matter.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "'No Pre-drilling Required'"
"Modern screw tips (like Type 17) cut their own hole, saving you time."
On soft pine, this is usually true. However, on the seasoned oak often found in York's heritage properties, skipping the pilot hole will almost certainly split the grain. Always test first.
The Spec: "Countersinking Heads"
"The screw head drives itself flush with the surface automatically."
If the board is hard, the screw head might sit proud or crush the fibres messily. For a neat finish on a staircase or visible floor, I always use a countersink bit first.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
TERF High Performance Wood Screw 6.0 X 120mm
TERF
Whilst labelled as a budget option here due to the small pack size, these are serious heavy-duty fixings. At 120mm long with a 6mm gauge, these aren't for standard floorboards (which usually need 50-60mm screws) but are essential for deep structural repairs—such as catching a sound joist beneath a rotten top section.
The Good
- Exceptional length for bridging gaps or finding grip in deep joists
- Type 17 cut point helps penetrate old, hardened timber
- Zinc yellow plating offers good corrosion resistance for internal use
The Bad
- Overkill for standard 22mm floorboards (too long)
- Requires a high-torque drill to drive fully home
Installer Tip:
Use these when a standard screw just spins. If you have a creaking staircase tread or a floorboard where the joist below has become 'screw-sick' (worn out), the extra length and thickness of these will find fresh timber deeper down to secure the movement.
Priced at £6.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonBLOSTM 780PC Wood Screws Assortment
BLOSTM
For a joiner, running out of the right screw size is a cardinal sin. This assortment box is the practical choice for general floor and stair repairs. It offers a wide range of lengths, ensuring you never have to force a screw that's too long or risk one that's too short.
The Good
- Excellent variety covers everything from thin ply to solid treads
- Strong zinc plating resists bending
- Organised carry case keeps the van tidy
The Bad
- Standard Pozi heads can cam-out if you don't use a quality bit
- Mainly for internal use
Installer Tip:
When fixing standard tongue-and-groove floorboards, select a screw from this kit that is approximately 2.5 times the thickness of the board. For a 20mm board, a 50mm screw from this set is perfect to ensure a solid hold without going right through the ceiling below!
Priced at £14.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on Amazon220 Pcs Self Tapping Wood Screws (Black)
XKQYX
Sometimes floor fixings need to remain visible, such as on access hatches or rustic stair treads. Bright silver screws can look unsightly against dark stained wood or aged oak. These black carbon steel screws are the perfect problem-solver for maintaining a vintage or industrial aesthetic.
The Good
- Black finish blends seamlessly with dark hardwoods or ironmongery
- Sharp self-tapping tip grabs quickly
- Ideal for securing visible fittings or stair nosings
The Bad
- Thinner gauge (M3.5) means less holding power for structural work
- Cross head design requires careful driving to avoid stripping paint
Installer Tip:
These are brilliant for 'face fixing' (where the screw head is seen). If you are restoring a dark oak staircase, use these to fix the risers or trims. The black head mimics the look of an old wrought iron nail far better than a shiny zinc screw ever could.
Priced at £7.59 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Should I use screws or nails for floorboards?
What size screw do I need for standard floorboards?
How do I stop the wood splitting when screwing?
Can I use these screws for creaking stairs?
Why do you recommend UK specific products?
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