Don't screw around when choosing fasteners

Although they cost a little more, we suggest using aluminum (not shown) or stainless steel screws, bolts, washers, and nuts in projects made of cedar and intended for outdoor use—this hardware is nearly impervious to corrosion. Fasteners not meant to be used in outdoor applications, such as untreated steel screws, can cause ugly discoloration in the wood surrounding the fastener as corrosion sets in, eventually failing. Other corrosion-resistant fasteners that work well on outdoor projects include hot-dipped galvanized screws, which have a thick zinc coating to provide rust resistance, and those with proprietary anticorrosion coatings, often color-matched to blend into your project.