A Comprehensive Guide to Drywall Screws

If you often find yourself standing in the fastener aisle, scratching your head over which drywall screws to pick, then you’re not alone. 

With so many types of screws to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decipher which one is the best for the job. Luckily for you, Efixings is here to walk you through everything you need to know about drywall screws for your next project. 

Choosing the right screw can make or break your project—literally. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty so you can ensure the best outcome for your professional or DIY task.

Drywall Screws: Understanding the Basics

The purpose of drywall screws is pretty easy to decipher (even for a beginner); they’re designed to pierce through drywall or plasterboard with ease. 

Their bugle-shaped head keeps the plasterboard paper from tearing, and their deeper thread provides better traction than general-purpose screws. With this combination, your plasterboard sheet isn’t going anywhere.

Drywall screws are typically designed from hardened steel, offering excellent strength and a clean finish for partitions, ceilings, and dry-lining applications. 

What Makes Drywall Screws Different from Other Screws?

If you’re new to DIY, then you’ve likely thought, ‘Won’t any screw just do the job?’ many a times. 

We’re here to tell you that, unfortunately, there are different types of screws designed for various purposes for a reason. 

Choosing the wrong one could lead to cracked surfaces, damage to your home, weak joints, and less grip, especially in high-traffic areas where surfaces are more likely to vibrate.

Why Thread Type Matters in Drywall Screws

Thread type is one of the most overlooked but also the most important factor for choosing the right drywall screw for the job (how ironic).

You might have the right length, head shape, and coating, but if your screw’s thread doesn’t match the material you're fastening into, you're setting yourself up for trouble. Choosing the wrong thread means settling for a weak hold. 

Fine thread

Fine-threaded (S-type) drywall screws are characterised by their narrower thread design. 

They often have a self-tapping tip and provide a precise installation, reducing wobble for a clean cut.

Best Used For:

1.  Drywalling over light-gauge steel studs
2. Commercial interiors with metal framing
3. Jobs where precision and accuracy are vital

Coarse thread

Coarse thread (W-type) screws are a go-to choice for most wood applications. 

Their wider-spaced threads are designed to drive quickly into softwood, offering better grip. This makes them great for drywall applications. 

Best Used For:

1. Attaching drywall to timber studs
2. Residential walls and ceilings
3. Standard home DIY projects

Size Matters: Choosing the Right Length

The length needed for your drywall screw depends on the type of application, the thickness of the drywall, and the desired level of grip you’re after. 

Here’s a general idea to get the ball rolling:

• 1 inch (25mm): Use this for thin drywall sheets (typically 3/8 inch), patch jobs, or for additional layers over existing drywall.
• 1-1/4 inch (32mm): This is the standard choice for adding 1/2 inch drywall onto timber or light-gauge steel studs. It provides a strong grip without overkill (ideal for most homes).
• 1-5/8 inch (41mm): This is ideal for 5/8-inch drywall sheets or where two layers of drywall are being installed (for soundproofing). This drywall thickness is typically needed for compliance with fire code.
• 2 inch (50mm): Use this for heavy-duty applications, extra-thick drywall, or attaching drywall over another material, such as plasterboard or old drywall.

If you’re installing drywall screws into a ceiling, then stick with 1 1/4 inch to 1 5/8 inch screws, depending on drywall thickness. Gravity makes things trickier, so space the screws out every 12 inches instead of 16.

For larger ceiling spans, look for screws that offer a better grip or are less likely to pop out. A drywall screw setter bit can help you drive the screw to the right depth without breaking the drywall.

Phosphate-Coated vs. Zinc Plated Drywall Screws

Most drywall screws come in one of two types of coatings: black phosphate-coated or zinc-plated.

Both coatings offer an extra layer of strength and durability, ideal for environments that are exposed to harsher conditions or higher moisture content. However, each one serves different purposes:

Zinc-coated drywall screws

Zinc-plated screws, or galvanised drywall screws, have a shiny, silver-coloured coating that protects against rust and corrosion. 

This coating is made by dipping or electroplating the screws in zinc, which acts as a protective barrier against moisture.

Benefits

• Zinc is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior applications.
• They offer better strength and durability for long-term applications.
• The zinc coating is less noticeable than black phosphate, providing a more natural look.

Black phosphate-coated drywall screws

The most popular kind of screws are black phosphate-coated screws, which are suited for typical interior plasterboard applications. 

The phosphate coating reduces the possibility of visible screw heads showing through by improving paint and joint compound adhesion. However, they aren't appropriate for high-moisture applications as they aren't resistant to corrosion.

Benefits

• The rough surface helps finishing materials grip better, hiding the screw head beneath paint or joint compound.
• Great for installing drywall in living rooms or bedrooms (where there is less moisture).
• They’re easy to find and are typically more affordable than zinc screws.

What Head Type is Best For Me?

Now, when it comes to drywall screws, the head type has an impact on how the final look appears and how easily the screw sinks into the board. 

While there are many screws to choose from, the most common types can be found in our simple table below. 

Collated Drywall Screws: Do You Need Them?

Collated drywall screws are designed for big-purpose jobs, making them essential for a professional’s toolbox. 

These come in pre-loaded strips or coils, which are designed to be used with an auto-feed screw gun. So, the design of the screw isn’t much different from any other drywall screw; it’s more the ease and efficiency they offer for large tasks. 

This can cut hours off your task, speeding up your workflow and eliminating the need for repetitive bending, grabbing, or lining up screws one at a time. Collated screws won’t change how well the drywall is fixed, but it’ll surely speed up the job.

Tackle Your Next Drywall Job With Efixings

Whether you’re fixing a single wall or re-modelling your whole house, the right drywall screws make all the difference.

At Efixings, we provide a range of high-quality drywall screws in various thread designs, head styles, and coatings. 

What’s the harm in looking? Browse our screw collection today for cost-effective fixings for your next trade or DIY project. Solid work starts with solid screws.