Fasteners & Connectors
Fasteners and structural connectors determine whether loads actually move through the framing safely. This hub covers screws, anchors, hangers, post bases, uplift connectors, corrosion, and code-approved hardware choices.
Hardware Is Part of the Structure
Fasteners and connectors are easy to treat as jobsite commodities, but they are really structural components with tested capacities and installation rules. The wrong nail, screw, coating, or anchor can turn a sound framing layout into a failed connection.
This category focuses on the hardware choices contractors make every day: what belongs in treated lumber, what connectors need specific nails, and how to maintain a continuous load path from roof to foundation.
What You Will Find Here
Use the material pages for connector overviews, the comparisons to choose between hardware options, the specification page for quick framing schedules, and the guide for ACQ-treated lumber compatibility.
📦 Materials
Structural Screws
fastenersStructural screws are engineered fasteners designed to replace or outperform lag screws, carriage bolts, and common framing nails in many wood-to-wood structural connections.
Joist Hangers
fastenersJoist hangers are metal connectors that support wood joists, headers, and beams at the end of a member where bearing cannot occur directly over a wall or beam.
Post Bases
fastenersPost bases are steel connectors that anchor wood posts to concrete while elevating the post above standing water and transferring compression, uplift, and lateral loads into the foundation.
Hurricane Ties
fastenersHurricane ties are light-gauge metal connectors that tie rafters or trusses to the top plate and wall framing to resist wind uplift and maintain a continuous load path to the foundation.
Anchor Bolts
fastenersAnchor bolts secure sill plates, post bases, holdowns, and steel connectors to concrete or masonry and are a core part of the structural load path between wood framing and the foundation.
⚖️ Comparisons
Nails vs. Screws: When to Use Each
A contractor-focused comparison of nails and screws for framing, decking, structural connectors, and finish work. Covers shear, withdrawal, brittleness, speed, and code approval.
Hot-Dipped Galvanized vs. Stainless Steel Fasteners
How to choose between hot-dipped galvanized and stainless steel fasteners for pressure-treated lumber, exterior framing, coastal exposure, and premium decking.