Simpson Trim-Head Decking Screws in Type 316 Stainless Steel with Black Finish are engineered for PVC and composite deck installations in marine, coastal, and high-exposure outdoor environments. The low-profile trim-style head sits flush and nearly disappears into the decking surface, while the black painted finish blends with dark-toned composite and PVC boards from most major decking manufacturers. At #7 x 1-5/8 in., these fasteners deliver a clean, professional appearance without sacrificing grip strength or long-term corrosion resistance in demanding wet and saltwater conditions.

Key Features

• Type 316 Stainless Steel construction - provides maximum corrosion protection in marine environments, saltwater exposure, and high-moisture outdoor applications where standard fasteners would fail prematurely
• Trim-style head (0.230 in. head diameter) - sits low and inconspicuous on the decking surface for a cleaner, more finished appearance compared to standard bugle or flat-head screws
• Black painted head finish - matched to blend with dark-toned PVC and composite decking boards from most major manufacturers, reducing the visual impact of each fastener
• Type-17 cutting point - bores into decking material quickly for fast, efficient starts without pre-drilling through the field of the board
• Coarse threads on approximately 2/3 of the shank - draw decking material tightly down to the framing for a secure, snug connection that minimizes board movement and squeaking
• T15 6-Lobe drive - reduces driver-bit cam-out during installation, resulting in easier driving, less stripped fastener heads, and longer bit life on the job
• Predrilling recommended near board ends - helps prevent splitting when fastening close to the edge of composite or wood decking boards
• 70-count packaging - convenient job-site quantity sized for decking projects, with approximately 195 screws per pound

Why This Product

• Built for coastal and marine deck projects - Type 316 stainless steel is the material of choice for dock, boardwalk, and seaside deck installations where saltwater and moisture would quickly corrode standard fasteners or even Type 304 stainless alternatives
• Virtually invisible fastening for composite and PVC decks - the trim-style head and black painted finish are specifically designed to blend with popular composite and PVC decking colors, giving deck surfaces a clean, fastener-free visual appearance
• Less cam-out means faster, more consistent installation - the 6-lobe T15 drive keeps the bit engaged throughout the drive cycle, reducing strip-outs and rework on large decking surfaces where hundreds of screws are driven in a single day
• Suitable for wood decking, composite decking, dock, and boardwalk applications - one fastener solution covers a wide range of outdoor structural decking uses in demanding environments

Specifications

• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• MPN: T07162FT70BK
• Screw Size: #7
• Length: 1-5/8 in.
• Head Type: Trim Head
• Head Diameter: 0.230 in.
• Drive Type: T15 6-Lobe
• Thread Type: Coarse Threads
• Point Type: Type-17 Point
• Material: Type 316 Stainless Steel
• Finish: Type 316 Stainless Steel
• Color: Black
• Pack Quantity: 70
• Country of Origin: Taiwan

Approved Applications

• Dock and Boardwalk
• Decks - Deck Boards Wood
• Decks - Deck Boards Composite

What's Included

• 1x T15 driver bit included (replacement bit model BIT15T-2-R2)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose Type 316 stainless steel over other finishes for deck screws?

Type 316 stainless steel offers maximum corrosion protection and is specifically suited for marine, seaside, and high-exposure outdoor environments. It is the preferred material where PVC or composite decks are installed near saltwater or in locations with persistent moisture, where standard coated or Type 304 fasteners may degrade more rapidly.

What is the difference between a trim-head screw and a standard bugle-head screw for decking?

A trim-head screw features a smaller, lower-profile head - in this case 0.230 in. in diameter - that sits closer to flush with the decking surface and is less visually noticeable than a standard bugle-head fastener. Combined with the black painted finish, the head is designed to blend with the decking color for a cleaner finished appearance on composite and PVC boards.

Do I need to pre-drill when using these screws?

The Type-17 cutting point allows for fast starts without pre-drilling through the field of the board. However, predrilling is recommended near board ends to prevent splitting of the decking material, whether working with wood or composite decking products.

How many screws are included and what driver bit is needed?

Each pack contains 70 screws. A T15 6-lobe driver bit is included in the package. If a replacement bit is needed, the compatible model is BIT15T-2-R2. The 6-lobe drive design helps prevent cam-out during driving, extending bit life and making installation faster and more consistent.