Simpson 3" Cedar and Redwood Decking Nail in 304 Stainless Steel is a premium 12-gauge exterior nail engineered specifically for cedar and redwood decking installations. Crafted by Simpson, this 10d ring-shank nail combines a slender 0.113" diameter shank with a full round, checkered head to deliver exceptional holding power, a clean finish, and long-term corrosion resistance in outdoor wood decking applications. Whether you are installing a new cedar deck or restoring redwood boardwalk sections, this nail is designed to meet the demands of exposed, moisture-prone environments without sacrificing appearance or structural performance.

Key Features

• Type 304 stainless steel construction - delivers strong corrosion resistance for outdoor cedar and redwood decking projects, keeping nails from rusting and staining the wood over time
• 12-gauge, 0.113" slender shank - reduces splitting when nailing near board ends, so you can fasten close to edges without cracking your decking material
• Annular ring shank design - dramatically increases withdrawal resistance, helping to prevent nail heads from backing out or popping up over the life of the deck
• Compact full round head with checker pattern - sits low and blends naturally with wood grain texture, reducing glare from sunlight and keeping the finished deck surface looking clean
• Diamond point tip - drives more easily through dense cedar and redwood fibers, reducing hammer effort and improving driving accuracy
• 3" length (10d penny size) - sized appropriately for standard decking board thickness, ensuring adequate penetration into the substructure for a secure, lasting hold
• Made in the United States - domestic manufacturing supports consistent quality control and product reliability

Why This Product

• Built for cedar and redwood specifically - the combination of a slender 0.113" shank and diamond point addresses the splitting risk common in these softer, grain-prominent species, making it a purpose-matched fastener rather than a general-purpose nail
• Annular ring shank fights deck nail pop - one of the most common complaints in deck maintenance is nail heads rising above the surface over time; the ring shank design directly combats this by anchoring firmly against wood movement
• 304 stainless steel for lasting outdoor performance - when cedar and redwood are used outdoors, exposure to rain, humidity, and seasonal temperature changes demands a fastener that will not corrode, rust, or leach staining compounds into the wood
• Head pattern reduces visual disruption - the compact checkered head is engineered to blend with wood grain rather than stand out, making this nail a practical choice for high-visibility deck surfaces where appearance matters

Specifications

• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Material/Coating: Type 304 Stainless Steel
• Gauge: 12
• Penny Size: 10d
• Length: 3 in.
• Head Diameter: 2/9 in.
• Shank Diameter: 0.113 in.
• Shank Type: Annular-Ring Shank
• Head Type: Full Round Head
• Head Pattern: Checkered
• Point Type: Diamond Point
• Approximate Count per Lb.: 120
• Country of Origin: United States

Available Pack Options

• S10CRD1: 1 Lb (120)
• S10CRD5: 5 Lb (600)
• S10CRDB: 25 Lb (3000)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use a ring shank nail instead of a smooth shank nail for decking?

The annular ring shank on these nails creates a mechanical interlock with the wood fibers as the nail is driven in. This significantly increases withdrawal resistance compared to a smooth shank nail, which means the nail is far less likely to back out or pop up over time as the decking boards expand and contract with seasonal humidity and temperature changes.

Is Type 304 stainless steel appropriate for all outdoor cedar and redwood decking environments?

Type 304 stainless steel provides strong corrosion resistance and is well suited for most standard outdoor decking applications with cedar and redwood. However, for decking in coastal or seaside environments where salt spray is a factor, a Type 316 stainless steel version is recommended for superior corrosion resistance in those more aggressive conditions.

Will the head of this nail be visible or stand out on my finished deck surface?

The nail features a compact full round head with a checkered pattern that is specifically designed to blend with wood grain and reduce glare from sunlight. This makes the head far less conspicuous on the finished deck surface compared to a standard smooth-faced or larger nail head.

Can I use this nail near the ends of cedar or redwood deck boards without causing splits?

Yes. The slender 0.113" shank diameter combined with the diamond point tip is engineered to minimize wood displacement during driving, which reduces the risk of splitting even when fastening near the ends of cedar or redwood boards.

Note: Product dimensions may differ from picture.