Hi everyone,

I am insulating and should be installing my furring strips shortly.
What kind of screws should i use?

It is a 2006 cimmeraon if that makes a difference?

Thanks,
Terry

Stainless steel pan head sheet metal screws work well attaching wood to aluminum. Do not use steel screws into an aluminum construction. Steel screws are OK when using on steel trailers. Predrill any holes.

Bulk amounts can be purchased from marine suppliers such as Jamestown Dist. Many big box stores only sell packages of 5 ea or so at a high unit cost.

If I'm using 1x2 framing on 2x2 aluminum supports, what size stainless steel sheet metal screws would you recommend?  #10 x 2" or is that length a waste? 

Also, does the stainless steel number matter?  I'm seeing a lot of SS 321, SS 316, etc. on boat sites related to using screws with aluminum and don't understand it.

The screw tips should fully penetrate the metal studs, until the full diamteter of the screw is used. Most 1 x 2 framimg is 3/4 " thick or slightly less. I would think that a screw of  1 1/4" length would be sufficient. If you use a flat or round head screw in soft Pine or Spruce, the heads will usually pull flush with the wood without having to use a counter sink.

The 316 numbers are for stainless hardware specifically used in a salt water environment, and are not necessary for a wood to aluminum interior project. The less expensive and more readily available 18-8 hardware will work quite well.

Depending on the screw spacing, you may be able to use #8 screws instead of 10's.