The Simpson Deck-Drive DCU Composite Screw in #10 x 2-3/4", Gray, Type 316 Stainless Steel is engineered specifically for composite and PVC decking installations where durability, clean aesthetics, and long-term corrosion resistance are essential. Featuring a Type-17 point that penetrates composite material with ease and inverted upper threads that clear excess debris for a clean, flush finish, this screw eliminates the guesswork of pairing fasteners to decking. The color-matching gray painted cap head blends seamlessly with popular composite decking brands, delivering a concealed, professional result. Designed with severe-level corrosion resistance from solid Type 316 stainless steel construction, this fastener is especially well suited for coastal environments, poolside decks, and any application where chloride exposure is a concern.

Key Features

• Type 316 Stainless Steel material - provides severe-level corrosion resistance, making it ideal for saltwater environments, poolside installations, and anywhere chlorides are present
• Type-17 point - penetrates composite and PVC decking cleanly without pre-drilling, saving installation time and reducing surface damage
• Inverted upper threads - clear excess material during installation to produce a clean, secure seat with no mushrooming or raised edges around the screw head
• Tri-Lobe thread design - provides strong holding power in composite decking material, reducing the risk of screw back-out over time
• Cap head with 0.230" head diameter - sits flush against the decking surface for a neat, low-profile finish without snagging foot traffic
• T20 6-Lobe drive type - delivers excellent torque transfer and reduces cam-out during installation, giving installers more control and a cleaner drive
• Gray color-matching painted head - blends with popular composite decking manufacturers' board colors for a more concealed, professional appearance
• 2-3/4" length - sized to provide reliable fastening depth through composite decking boards into the substructure below

Why This Product

• For decks built near the ocean, around pools, or in high-humidity climates, Type 316 stainless steel offers severe-level corrosion resistance that standard stainless or coated screws cannot match - this is the right choice when chloride exposure is a real and ongoing risk.
• The combination of the Type-17 point and inverted upper threads means composite decking boards seat cleanly without excess material building up around the head - no sanding, no cleanup, just a smooth professional result straight from the drive.
• The gray painted cap head is specifically designed to color-match popular composite decking brands, so fasteners blend into the board surface rather than standing out - giving finished decks a cleaner, more refined look.
• A single screw engineered for all types of composite and PVC decking means there is no need to stock multiple fastener types or match screws to specific decking brands - one product handles the full range of composite installations.

Specifications

• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Screw Size: #10
• Length: 2-3/4 in.
• Head Type: Cap Head
• Head Diameter: 0.230 in.
• 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: Gray

Available Pack Options

• DCU234C316GR: 70 Pk - includes 1 driver bit included
• DCU234P316GR: 350 Pk - includes 1 driver bit included
• DCU234MB316GR: 1750 Pk - includes 2 driver bits included

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of decking is this screw compatible with?

The Deck-Drive DCU Composite Screw is designed for use with all types of composite and PVC decking. Its Type-17 point and inverted upper threads are specifically engineered to penetrate and seat cleanly in composite materials without the need for pre-drilling.

Why is Type 316 stainless steel recommended for decking applications near water or pools?

Type 316 stainless steel provides severe-level corrosion resistance and is especially suited for environments where chlorides are present - such as coastal locations, poolside decks, and other high-moisture or salt-air conditions. This grade offers meaningfully greater resistance to corrosion than standard Type 304 stainless steel in those environments.

What drive bit is compatible with this screw?

This screw uses a T20 6-Lobe drive. The compatible replacement driver bit is the BIT20T-2-R2, which is available separately.

How does the gray painted head contribute to the finished appearance of a composite deck?

The cap head features a gray painted finish specifically designed to color-match popular composite decking manufacturers' boards. This allows the fastener to blend into the deck surface rather than standing out as a visible metal point, producing a more concealed, professional-looking installation. A Composite-Decking Color Cross-Reference chart is available in the Downloads section below to help match heads to specific decking products.

Downloads and Resources

• Composite-Decking Color Cross-Reference chart

Related Products

• - Compatible T20 6-Lobe driver bit
• Deck-Drive Screw Plug Solution - Color-matching DCU screw plugs for a fully concealed finish