Fixing decking boards

Hi all,

I have a couple of questions about securing decking (treated pine boards to treated pine joists) - the kind of questions that can drive you nuts unless you have someone to ask...

1. After reading several posts here I was going to use stainless steel type 17 screws, but I'm now wondering about the suitability of nails, so: Is there much benefit to using screws rather than purpose-made decking nails?

2. I've used screws for everything else and as I'd prepainted everything before installing, I left the screws visible (and tried to make sure I didn't bury the screw heads too deep). If I did go with the screws for the flooring should I do the same and pre-paint the 3 coats, then screw them down, or should I do a couple of coats, screw down, then paint over the screws?

Cheers,
Adam

Sorry its a late reply however I would use spiral or twist shank galvanised dome nails as per this advice

http://www.pinesolutions.com.au/prod...ks_safety.html

cheers