Let’s face it—standing in front of a toolbox, watching a bin full of screws, you start questioning if there is a secret decoder ring for screw types. Timber, plasterboard, and steel—each cloth desires its very own hardware, and using the incorrect one is like trying to begin your car with a toy steering wheel: irritating and pointless. So here's my real-speak guide to choosing the right screw types for the process—due to the fact no person wishes walls that cave in or decking that creaks, right?
You can’t just grab any screw types and hope for the best. Using the wrong one? Expect split wood, loose panels, or stripped screw heads. Every screw type category is designed to match the material's strength, density, and structure.
1. Wood screws—for timber, obviously
Wood loves its friends, wood screws. These fellas have coarse threads and a sharp point to burrow into wood effortlessly.
Where to use: Decks, timber frames, furniture.
Key features: Coarse threads, tapered shank, often with countersunk heads.
My tip: Pre-drill pilot holes in hardwood like oak—to avoid cracking and make driving easier.
2. Plasterboard screws—thin walls, no drama
Drywall is delicate. You need a screw that won’t rip plasterboard to shreds.
Where to use: Mounting shelves or TV brackets on drywall.
Key features: Bugle head (won’t tear paper layer), fine thread to grip the plaster, and hardened steel to avoid snapping.
3. Metal screws—tough, without slipping
Metal screws are the bullies of the screw drawer.
Where to use: Attaching metal to wood or fixing metal sheets.
Key features: Fine threads, hardened steel, sometimes self-drilling (no drill bit needed).
My tip: For thick metal, go self-drilling. Saves time. Too thick? Pre-drill first.
4. Multi-material screws—the DIYer's Swiss Army knife
If you hate screw shopping, multi-material screws are your friend.
Where to use: Wood to plaster, metal to timber, etc.
Key features: Hybrid threads—fine on one end, coarse on the other. Self-tappers are common.
My tip: Not perfect for every job, but great if you’re mixing materials in one go.
This is basically the 30-second checklist:
Identify material (wood, plasterboard, metal).
Pick a matching screw types.
Choose a length—at least twice the thickness of the material you're screwing into.
Head style: countersunk for flush, hex/wafer head for surface attach.
Material—zinc-plated for interior; stainless for moisture resistance.
See? Not rocket science—you just need the right steps.
Hanging shelves on plasterboard:
Use fine-thread plasterboard screws.
Make sure stud-finding or anchors happen.
Screw length? Usually 25–35 mm into the wall.
Building a timber planter:
Use coarse-thread wood screws that are at least two times the thickness of your board.
Pre-drill to avoid splitting; tighten just sufficiently.
Use metal screws with a self-drilling point.
Accounts for out-of-square surfaces or rough wood.
Less-discussed tips
Use the proper driving force bit—Phillips, Pozi, Torx, or rectangular: each fights slippage in another way.
Keep unused screws in categorized bins.
If you strip a head? Grab a slightly larger replacement or unscrew carefully with pliers.
|
Screw Types |
Use Case |
Key Features |
|
Wood screws |
Timber furniture, outdoor builds |
Coarse thread, tapered, countersunk |
|
Plasterboard screws |
Drywall mounting |
Fine thread, bugle head, hardened |
|
Metal screws |
Sheet metal, brackets, MDF |
Fine thread, hardened or self-drilling |
|
Multi-material screws |
Combo jobs (wood + plaster/drywall) |
Hybrid threads, versatile use |
If you are geared up to stock a workshop or improve your toolbox, Travis Perkins has you covered. From wood screws to self-drilling metal winners, their range offers great, dependable fasteners for every task.
Pick clever screw types and get building—no drama, no more journeys to the shop, and the best self-belief in every turn.
Picking the right screw types isn't always glamorous—but it is the spine of solid DIY. Whether you are installing cabinets, constructing a planter, or creating a feature wall—you need it tight, safe, and dependable. So do your prep, match screws to material, and don’t be lazy about choosing—the result will save you headaches later.
What type of screws for plasterboard?
Use fine-threaded, bugle-headed plasterboard screws. They grip securely without breaking the surface.
How to choose which screws to use?
Choose screws based on the material you're working with—wood, metal, or plasterboard—and the project's specific requirements.
Return to Organizetrip to get more DIY tips and insights into choosing the right tools for every surface.
