Summer is fast approaching, and if you’re a landscaper planning a season of garden builds or a DIYer with a project on the cards, now is the time to get organised. 


Whether the job involves building a pergola, decking, raised planters, a garden room, or fence panels, the right fixings make a real difference to the finished job.


In this guide, we run through the products you'll need for five popular garden projects and explain why each one is essential.


Fixings for decking


Decking takes a lot of foot traffic and moisture. Timber-Tite joist screws fix joists to supporting structures, keeping everything solid underfoot. For structural timber connections, TIMco Advanced coach screws are strong, and you can drive them in without a pilot hole. 


For the boards, our decking screw range covers everything you need, including green-coated screws for corrosion resistance and stainless steel for a longer lifespan on exposed builds. Tub packs are popular for larger projects where you're going through fixings quickly.


Spectre landscaping screws are another option. They’re salt-spray tested for up to 1000 hours, and drive in fast with no pre-drilling needed. 


Constructing a garden room


Garden rooms involve more work than most outdoor builds, and you'll need a wide range of fixings to match. 


TIMco Advanced coach screws and Timber-Tite joist screws are ideal for structural framing, and wood construction screws are useful for general joinery.


For cladding, Spectre hex timber fixing screws drive in cleanly, and the hex head gives good torque control. Vortex exterior screws are excellent for exposed areas that need strong weatherproofing. 


Fixing fence panels and posts


Fencing takes more of a battering from wind and rain than any other build. 


Coach bolts give posts real holding power, while Spectre landscaping screws and Vortex exterior screws both perform well on exposed fencing. Decking screws are a good all-rounder for general timber work on gates and panel frames, and for heavy-duty connections, TIMco Advanced coach screws provide a strong hold without needing a pilot hole. 


If you're working with tongue-and-groove cladding on fence or gate panels, Tongue Tite screws (also called secret screws) are worth using. They drive in at a 45-degree angle, leaving the head hidden once the next board slots into place – the result is a clean finish with no visible fixings.


Building a pergola


A pergola needs to be strong enough to support its own weight, climbing plants, and changing weather conditions. TIMco Advanced coach screws handle structural connections, offering high-strength performance in timber. 


For joints that need a bolt rather than a screw, coach bolts (also known as carriage bolts) are ideal. The square section under the domed head locks into the timber, so you can tighten the nut one-handed without the bolt spinning.


Wood construction screws are ideal for general framing, while Vortex exterior screws and decking screws handle the exposed parts of the build well. Decking screws are also useful for any wooden decking areas around the base of the structure. 


Fixings for raised planters


Timber in raised planters swells and contracts with moisture throughout the seasons, so you need fixings that can handle that movement. 


Coach bolts work well for corner joints, giving a strong connection with a clean finish. Spectre landscaping screws and Vortex exterior screws give solid weatherproofing, while decking screws tidy up any boardwork along the sides.


For heavier structural connections, we recommend TIMco Advanced coach screws.


Ready to start a summer garden project?


For landscapers pricing up a busy summer season or DIYers planning a weekend build, getting the fixings right from the start saves time and hassle. 


At Fastco, you'll find everything covered in this guide. Browse our full range and get your order in before summer gets busy.