The Simpson Deck-Drive DCU Composite Screw in #10 x 2-3/4" with a Red 01 color-matching painted head is a purpose-built fastening solution for composite and PVC decking installations. Crafted from Type 305 stainless steel, this deck screw delivers outstanding corrosion resistance, making it especially well-suited for environments exposed to chlorides, moisture, and the demanding conditions of outdoor deck construction. The engineered design combines a Type-17 point for clean penetration, inverted upper threads that evacuate excess material, and a cap head profile that seats flush for a professional, concealed finish - all in a single fastener designed to eliminate the guesswork of mixing and matching screws to decking brands.

Key Features

• Type 305 Stainless Steel construction - provides strong corrosion resistance for composite and PVC deck applications, including environments with elevated chloride exposure such as coastal or poolside settings
• Type-17 point - penetrates composite decking cleanly without pre-drilling, reducing installation time and effort on the job
• Inverted upper thread design (Tri-Lobe Threads) - clears excess composite material as the screw seats, ensuring a clean, secure installation with no debris buildup around the fastener head
• T20 6-Lobe drive - delivers positive bit engagement to reduce cam-out, giving installers greater control and a cleaner countersink every time
• Cap head profile with 0.230 in. head diameter - seats consistently in composite decking for a low-profile, flush finish that looks intentional and professional
• Red 01 color-matching painted head - blends with popular composite decking manufacturers' colors so fasteners remain discreet and the overall deck surface looks polished and uniform
• 2-3/4 in. length - provides adequate penetration depth for composite deck board fastening in standard residential and light commercial deck construction

Why This Product

• Engineered specifically for composite and PVC decking - unlike general-purpose wood screws, the DCU's Type-17 point and inverted upper threads are designed to work with the unique properties of composite materials, preventing surface blowout and ensuring a tight, stable connection without splitting or cracking the board
• One screw for all composite decking types - the DCU is designed as a universal composite deck fastener, eliminating the need to source different screws for different decking brands and simplifying your fastener inventory on the job site
• Color-matched heads create a concealed finish - the Red 01 painted cap head is formulated to blend with popular decking colors, so the finished deck surface looks clean and intentional rather than visibly fastened
• Type 305 stainless steel for long-term outdoor performance - especially suited for chloride-rich environments like coastal areas or around pools, where standard carbon steel fasteners would corrode prematurely and compromise the deck structure

Specifications

• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Screw Size: #10
• Length: 2-3/4 in.
• Head Diameter: 0.230 in.
• Head Type: Cap Head
• Drive Type: T20 6-Lobe
• Thread Type: Tri-Lobe Threads
• Point Type: Type-17 Point
• Material: Type 305 Stainless Steel
• Finish: Type 305 Stainless Steel
• Color: Red 01

Available Pack Options

• DCU234P305RD01: 350 Pk - includes 1 driver bit included
• DCU234MB305RD01: 1750 Pk - includes 2 driver bits included

Approved Applications

• Decks - Deck Boards Composite

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of decking material is this screw designed for?

The Deck-Drive DCU Composite Screw is engineered for use with all types of composite and PVC decking. Its Type-17 point and inverted upper threads are specifically designed to penetrate and secure composite deck boards cleanly, making it a versatile choice across composite decking brands and profiles.

Why is Type 305 stainless steel used for this composite deck screw?

Type 305 stainless steel provides strong corrosion resistance suitable for outdoor deck environments. It is especially well-suited for applications where chlorides are present - such as coastal locations or areas near swimming pools - where lesser materials would degrade more quickly and compromise the integrity of the fastened connection over time.

What driver bit is compatible with this screw?

This screw uses a T20 6-Lobe drive. The recommended replacement driver bit is the BIT20T-2-R2, which is listed in the Related Products section below. Using the correct bit ensures positive engagement, reduces cam-out, and helps protect the painted head during installation.

How do the inverted upper threads benefit composite decking installation?

The inverted upper threads are engineered to clear excess composite material as the screw is driven home. This prevents material buildup around the fastener head, resulting in a clean countersink, a more secure seating, and a finished surface that looks professional and uniform without surface debris or raised edges around each screw.

Downloads and Resources

• Composite-Decking Color Cross-Reference chart

Related Products

• BIT20T-2-R2 - Compatible T20 6-Lobe driver bit for DCU composite screws
• Deck-Drive Screw Plug Solution - Color-matching DCU screw plugs compatible with this fastener