Stainless steel screws will always be the best option

 For the best long term results, stainless steel screws will always be the best option. Although these screws can be significantly more expensive, the extra cost will be repaid in their long life, their ongoing appearance and lack of blackening around screw holes. Note also that in marine environments, stainless steel screws should always be used, as even plated screws can be subject to significant corrosion problems in such harsh environments.

Apart from nails or screws, other fixing devices are also available on the market. These devices generally rely on the metal fixture (typically galvanized iron) being driven into the sides of the planks rather than the top, and the fixing itself is nailed to the bearers. One of the obvious advantages of this fixing method is that there are no screws or nails visible on the top surface. However, one of the disadvantages of this particular fixing system is that if you need to replace planks at any time, it's very difficult to both lift up and replace any plank in the middle of a deck. Normally the replaced plank would need tobe fixed in a conventional manner with nails or screws. Fortunately such replacements are rarely needed so, this may not be such an important issue.

It's also possible to cover a deck with a timber surface that does not require any nails, screws or any other fixing devices. Modular wood decking tiles are available on the market which simply lock together by means of an integral plastic base. The base not only allows any water to drain away freely from underneath, the tiles but keeps each tile, securely locked together. Whilst such decks cannot be installed over traditional timber bearers, they can be very useful for covering old concrete patios and courtyards to avoid the trouble and expense of ripping up the lot and rebuilding.