When working with Durock cement board, choosing the right screws is critical for a secure and durable installation. This guide reviews some of the best screws designed specifically for cement board applications, focusing on durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation. Below is a summary of the top products suited for Durock cement board fastening.
| Product | Brand | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Durock Wood Screw | USG Interiors | Corrosion-resistant wafer head designed for wood framing |
| Jake Sales #10×1-5/8″ Torx/Star Head Screws | Jake Sales | Ceramic coated, sharp point for fast cement board fastening |
| Rock-On Serrated Head Star Drive Screws | Rock On | Serrated head with T-25 star drive for flush seating |
| BACKER-ON Serrated Head Star Drive Screws | BACKER-ON | Serrated single lead thread, star drive with T-25 bit |
| Jake Sales #10×1-1/4 Cement Board Screws | Jake Sales | Drill point for fast fastening to metal studs |
Durock Wood Screw by USG Interiors
The Durock Wood Screw is specially engineered for fastening Durock cement boards to wood framing. Featuring corrosion-resistant steel, these screws withstand moisture-prone environments typical for cement board installations. The wafer head with ribs provides excellent grip and reduces the chance of strip out during installation. These screws offer ease of use without compromising structural integrity, making them a reliable choice for wood-based support.
Jake Sales #10×1-5/8″ Torx/Star Head Screws
Designed for fastening cement board to wood, the Jake Sales #10×1-5/8″ Torx Star Head Screws feature ceramic coated, high-quality heat treated steel for corrosion resistance and durability. The sharp point ensures immediate pickup in cement board and wooden framing, allowing faster installations. Compatibility is broad, handling all major cement board brands like Hardiebacker and PermaBase efficiently. The T-25 Torx head reduces cam-out, improving driving accuracy and speed.
Rock-On 9 by 1-1/4″ Serrated Head Star Drive Screws
The Rock-On Serrated Head Star Drive Screws have a serrated hi-low thread and sharp point pair that provides excellent holding power and a flush seating finish. The T-25 star drive allows for one-handed installation and prevents slippage, ideal for professional and DIY use. Zinc finish offers corrosion resistance, making these screws suitable for humid or wet areas where cement boards are common.
BACKER-ON Serrated Head Star Drive Cement Board Screws
BackerOn’s 9 by 1-5/8″ Serrated Head Star Drive Screws offer strong fastening power for cement boards with their serrated single lead thread and sharp point. The T-25 star drive bit supports effortless and secure screw driving with minimal cam out. The serrated heads ensure the screws sit flush against the board surface for neat and stable installations.
Jake Sales #10×1-1/4 Cement Board Screws for Metal Studs
This product is ideal for fastening cement boards to metal studs. The Jake Sales #10×1-1/4″ Cement Board Screws feature a drill point for easy penetration of metal framing without pre-drilling. Like other Jake Sales products, they are ceramic coated and manufactured from heat treated steel to resist corrosion. Compatible with major cement board brands, they provide secure hold and long-lasting performance especially in metal stud applications.
Buying Guide for Screws Used With Durock Cement Board
Selecting the right screws for Durock cement board depends on various factors important to durability, installation efficiency, and finish quality.
1. Screw Material and Coating
Corrosion resistance is key because cement boards are often used in wet or humid conditions. Look for screws with coatings like ceramic or zinc plating, or made from stainless steel to prevent rust and degradation.
2. Screw Head Type
Commonly, wafer heads and serrated heads provide good seating and reduce surface damage. The head shape should allow a flush finish against the cement board for neat installations. Star drive (Torx) heads minimize cam-out and allow faster driving.
3. Thread Type and Sharpness
Serrated or hi-low threads enhance grip by providing stronger holding power within the cement board and framing. Sharp points or drill points improve penetration speed, especially when fastening to wood or metal studs without pre-drilling.
4. Screw Length and Diameter
The length should be sufficient to anchor the cement board securely into the studs or framing (usually ≥1-1/4 inches). Diameter #10 is common for cement board screws, providing balance between strength and minimized board damage.
5. Compatibility with Framing Type
Ensure that the screws chosen match the type of framing—wood or metal. Wood screws generally have sharp points, while metal stud screws often require self-drilling or drill-point designs for ease of application.
6. Ease of Installation
Star drive screws with matched T-25 bits allow quick and secure driving, reducing cam-out and stripping. Consider pre-clipped or precision-engineered screws for professional results and noise reduction.
By considering these aspects, you can confidently select screws that achieve strong, long-lasting, and clean Durock cement board installations.