Screws vs Nails: Choosing the Right Fasteners for Your Nightstand

When it comes to building a nightstand out of plywood, you might wonder if you can use nails in place of screws. While nails can hold in plywood, using screws is generally recommended for several reasons.

Strength: Screws provide a stronger hold than nails. This is particularly important with plywood, which can split more easily. Screws can be tightened for a better grip, ensuring a more secure joint. Durability: Screw joints tend to be more durable and can withstand more stress over time compared to nail joints. This longevity is crucial for furniture that will be used every night. Ease of Disassembly: If you ever need to take the nightstand apart, screws can be removed more easily than nails. This makes it easier to reassemble or make necessary repairs in the future. Finish: Using screws with a countersink can provide a cleaner finish. The screw heads can be hidden or filled, leaving a seamless look.

While screws offer these advantages, nails can also be used to build a nightstand out of plywood. However, it is crucial to choose the appropriate size and type of nails and ensure proper reinforcement to maintain the structural integrity of the nightstand. For more woodworking advice, check out my Quora Profile!

Why Does Everyone Want to Build Furniture Out of Plywood?

Plywood is often seen as a go-to material for furniture projects because it is durable and affordable. However, it can be expensive, and working with plywood requires skill and patience. If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, thrift stores or online marketplaces like Kijiji can be great sources for affordable, used furniture. The days of building plywood student furniture from cardboard boxes or bricks are long gone, unless you're working on a movie set!

The Challenges of Using Nails with Plywood

While nails can hold plywood together, there are a few challenges to consider:

Accuracy: Nails do not draw the two pieces tight, making it difficult to maintain accuracy. Just a small slip can result in a dent. Depth and Placement: You need to use more nails than you would screws, as they are less effective in maintaining a secure joint. End Grain: Plywood end grain is not as strong as edge grain and tends to split more easily. A neatly drilled pilot hole is essential to prevent this.

For those who prefer to work with nails, using a nail gun or oval brad nails can be an option. However, if you want your nightstand to be sturdy and last for years, screws are the better choice.

Woodworking Resources for Beginners

If you're new to woodworking and are struggling to find detailed plans to build your dream project, you can check out They share a list of 16,000 projects with step-by-step plans. Each of the 16,000 projects is detailed enough to leave nothing to guesswork yet simple enough for beginners. Each project includes step-by-step instructions, cutting and materials lists, detailed schematics, and views from all angles. It's easy to follow, even for beginners like myself.

Whether you choose to use nails or screws, the key is to understand the best techniques and materials to ensure a strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing nightstand.