The Simpson Deck-Drive DCU Composite Screw in #10 x 2-3/4" with Tan 05 finish is a Type 316 stainless steel fastener engineered specifically for composite and PVC decking installations where severe corrosion resistance is essential. Built to handle demanding coastal, marine, and salt-air environments, this screw delivers a clean, professional result with color-matching painted heads that blend seamlessly with popular composite decking brands. Whether you're building a waterfront deck or a backyard outdoor living space, the DCU is designed to penetrate composite material cleanly and hold securely for the long term.

Key Features

• Type 316 Stainless Steel material - provides severe-level corrosion resistance, making it well-suited for marine, coastal, and salt-air environments where standard fasteners would degrade prematurely
• Type-17 Point - penetrates composite and PVC decking without pre-drilling, saving installation time and reducing surface splitting
• Inverted upper threads - engineered to clear excess material as the screw seats, resulting in a clean, flush surface free of debris or raised edges
• Tri-Lobe Thread design - creates a strong mechanical grip in composite decking material, ensuring a secure, long-lasting hold
• Cap Head with 0.230 in. head diameter - sits low and neatly against the decking surface for a finished, professional appearance
• T20 6-Lobe Drive - reduces cam-out during installation, giving the installer better control and a cleaner drive at each fastening point
• Tan 05 color-matching painted head - blends with popular composite decking manufacturers' colors for a more concealed, aesthetically polished result
• #10 x 2-3/4" size - provides the right balance of holding strength and penetration depth for standard composite deck board applications

Why This Product

• Designed for the toughest environments - Type 316 stainless steel is especially suited for chloride-rich settings like oceanfront or poolside decks where corrosion is an accelerated risk
• Eliminates the need to mix and match fasteners - the DCU is engineered to work with all types of composite and PVC decking, simplifying your materials list and streamlining the build process
• Delivers a finished look without extra work - the Tan 05 painted cap head blends with matching decking colors so the fastener disappears into the surface rather than standing out as an eyesore
• Engineered for clean penetration and secure seating - the Type-17 point and inverted upper threads work together to clear excess composite material and ensure every screw seats correctly the first time

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 316 Stainless Steel
• Finish: Type 316 Stainless Steel
• Color: Tan 05
• Country of Origin: Vietnam

Available Pack Options

• DCU234P316TN05: 350 Pk - includes 1 driver bit included
• DCU234MB316TN05: 1750 Pk - includes 2 driver bits included

Approved Applications

• Marine decking and dock construction
• Composite deck boards
• Coastal and salt-air environments

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Type 316 stainless steel recommended for composite decking near water or saltwater?

Type 316 stainless steel offers severe-level corrosion resistance and is especially suited for applications in environments with chlorides, such as marine, coastal, and poolside settings. In these conditions, standard steel or lower-grade stainless fasteners can corrode and stain the decking surface - Type 316 is designed to resist this degradation over time.

Do these screws require pre-drilling into composite decking?

No pre-drilling is required. The DCU features a Type-17 point that is engineered to penetrate composite and PVC decking directly. Combined with the inverted upper threads that clear excess material, the screw installs cleanly without needing a pilot hole in most composite decking applications.

What driver bit is compatible with these screws?

These screws use a T20 6-Lobe drive. The compatible replacement driver bit is the BIT20T-2-R2, which is recommended for consistent, cam-out-free installation.

Can the painted head be matched to specific composite decking brands?

Yes. The Tan 05 color-matching painted head is designed to blend with popular composite decking manufacturers' colors for a more concealed, professional finish. A full Composite-Decking Color Cross-Reference chart is available in the Downloads section below to help match the right head color to your specific decking product.

Downloads and Resources

• Composite-Decking Color Cross-Reference chart

Related Products

• Deck-Drive Screw Plug Solution - Color-Matching Screw Plugs