Simpson 3" Cedar and Redwood Decking Nail in 316 Stainless Steel is a precision-engineered exterior nail designed specifically for cedar and redwood decking applications. Built by Simpson, this 12-gauge annular-ring shank nail delivers superior holding power in outdoor deck construction, resisting nail head pop-up over time while keeping a low-profile appearance that blends naturally with wood grain. The Type 316 stainless steel construction makes it an ideal fastener for coastal, seaside, and high-moisture environments where corrosion resistance is critical to the longevity of the finished deck surface.

Key Features

• Type 316 stainless steel material - provides superior corrosion resistance compared to standard stainless grades, making this nail well-suited for saltwater environments, seaside applications, and exposure to the harsh outdoor elements that deteriorate lesser fasteners
• 12-gauge annular-ring shank - the ring shank profile dramatically increases withdrawal resistance, keeping nail heads flush with the deck surface and preventing the raised nails and board movement that develop with smooth-shank fasteners over time
• 3" (10d) length with 0.113" shank diameter - sized appropriately for cedar and redwood decking installations, giving adequate penetration depth for a strong, lasting mechanical hold in the decking boards
• Compact full round head with checkered pattern - the smaller head size reduces visual impact on the deck surface, while the checker pattern blends with wood grain and minimizes glare from sunlight for a cleaner finished appearance
• Slender shank design - reduces the risk of splitting when nailing near board ends, allowing installers to place fasteners closer to edges without cracking the cedar or redwood lumber
• Diamond point tip - cuts into wood fibers more cleanly for easier driving, reducing installer fatigue and improving consistency across a full deck project

Why This Product

• Purpose-built for cedar and redwood decking - unlike general-purpose nails, this fastener is specifically engineered for the characteristics of cedar and redwood, addressing the unique challenges of driving into these softer, more split-prone species without damaging the boards
• Type 316 stainless steel for demanding outdoor environments - when a deck is exposed to salt air, coastal moisture, or wet weather cycles, 316 stainless steel holds up where lower-grade coatings and materials fail, protecting the structural integrity of the deck connection over the long term
• Annular ring shank combats deck board movement - wood decking expands and contracts seasonally, and the ring shank profile resists withdrawal forces that would cause smooth nails to back out, reducing maintenance callbacks and keeping the deck surface looking finished
• Low-profile head protects deck aesthetics - the compact, checkered full round head sits closer to the wood surface and visually disappears into the grain pattern, making it the right choice when the finished appearance of the deck surface matters as much as the structural hold

Specifications

• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Material/Coating: Type 316 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
• Approx. Count per Lb.: 120
• Country of Origin: United States

Available Pack Options

• T10CRD1: 1 Lb (120)
• T10CRD5: 5 Lb (600)

Approved Applications

• Cedar decking installation
• Redwood decking installation
• Exterior deck construction in coastal and seaside environments
• Outdoor deck projects requiring superior corrosion resistance
• Applications where nail head appearance and minimal surface glare are a priority

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Type 316 stainless steel recommended for deck nails rather than Type 304 stainless?

Type 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, which gives it enhanced resistance to chlorides and salt exposure compared to Type 304. This makes 316 stainless the preferred choice for seaside and coastal decking applications where salt air and moisture would accelerate corrosion in lesser materials, helping protect both the fastener and the surrounding wood over the life of the deck.

What is the advantage of an annular-ring shank over a smooth shank for decking nails?

The annular-ring shank features rings along the length of the nail that mechanically grip the wood fibers. This significantly increases withdrawal resistance compared to a smooth shank, which means the nails are far less likely to back out as the deck boards expand and contract through seasonal moisture and temperature changes. The result is a deck surface that stays flush and secure for longer without requiring re-nailing.

Why does a slender shank matter when nailing cedar and redwood decking?

Cedar and redwood, while beautiful and naturally durable, can be prone to splitting - especially when fasteners are driven near board ends or edges. The slender 0.113 in. shank diameter of this nail displaces less wood fiber during driving, reducing the pressure that causes splits and allowing installers to place nails closer to the ends of boards with confidence.

Are hammer caps needed with these decking nails?

Hammer caps are recommended when using painted-head versions of this nail. Using a hammer cap protects the painted finish on the nail head from being damaged during installation, which helps maintain the corrosion-resistant and aesthetic properties of the head coating throughout the life of the deck.

Note: Product dimensions may differ from picture.