Simpson Deck-Drive DCU Composite Screw in #10 x 2-3/4" with Tan 02 color-matching painted head is engineered by Simpson for fastening all types of composite and PVC decking with severe-level corrosion resistance. Built from Type 316 stainless steel, this cap-head screw performs exceptionally well in coastal, poolside, and chloride-rich environments where standard fasteners fail prematurely. The color-matched Tan 02 finish blends with popular composite decking brands for a clean, professional appearance that lets the deck surface take center stage rather than the hardware.

Key Features

• Type 316 Stainless Steel material - provides severe-level corrosion resistance, making it ideal for saltwater-adjacent, poolside, and high-chloride outdoor environments where standard steel fasteners would corrode and stain decking.
• Type-17 Point - penetrates composite and PVC decking cleanly without pre-drilling, saving installation time and reducing the risk of surface cracking or splitting.
• Inverted upper Tri-Lobe Threads - engineered to clear excess composite material as the screw seats, ensuring a flush, clean finish and a secure, rattle-free hold.
• T20 6-Lobe Drive - delivers excellent torque transfer and reduces cam-out during installation, meaning fewer stripped drives and a faster, more consistent workflow.
• Cap Head with 0.230 in. head diameter - seats flush against composite decking surfaces for a low-profile, snag-free result that looks intentional and professional.
• Tan 02 color-matching painted head - blends with popular composite decking manufacturers' products so fasteners remain visually concealed for a polished finished deck surface.
• 2-3/4 in. length - sized to provide proper penetration depth through composite deck boards into the substructure below for a reliable, lasting connection.

Why This Product

• Designed specifically for composite and PVC decking - unlike general-purpose screws, the DCU's Type-17 point and inverted upper threads work together to handle the unique density and material behavior of composite boards, reducing mushrooming and surface blowout.
• Severe-level corrosion resistance from Type 316 stainless steel makes this screw the appropriate choice for decks near oceans, pools, or other chloride-heavy environments where even galvanized fasteners may not be sufficient.
• Color-matched Tan 02 painted heads eliminate the need to fill or cap screw holes after installation, reducing finishing labor and delivering a cleaner result right off the driver.
• Engineered by Simpson to be a universal composite decking fastener, this screw eliminates the guesswork of matching different screws to different composite board brands - one screw works across all types of composite and PVC decking.

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 02

Available Pack Options

• DCU234C316TN02: 70 Pk - includes 1 driver bit included
• DCU234P316TN02: 350 Pk - includes 1 driver bit included
• DCU234MB316TN02: 1750 Pk - includes 2 driver bits included

Approved Applications

• All types of composite decking boards
• PVC decking boards
• Decking installations in coastal and saltwater-adjacent environments
• Outdoor deck applications in high-chloride or chemically aggressive environments
• Poolside and waterfront deck construction

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Type 316 stainless steel better for composite decking applications than standard stainless steel?

Type 316 stainless steel contains additional molybdenum compared to Type 304, which gives it superior resistance to chlorides - the corrosive compounds found in saltwater, pool chemicals, and coastal air. This makes it specifically suited for severe-level corrosion environments where standard fasteners would degrade and stain deck surfaces over time.

What T20 driver bit is compatible with this screw?

This screw uses a T20 6-Lobe drive. The compatible replacement driver bit is the BIT20T-2-R2 from Simpson.

Do I need to pre-drill composite decking before driving this screw?

No pre-drilling is required. The Type-17 point is engineered to penetrate composite and PVC decking directly, while the inverted upper Tri-Lobe threads clear excess composite material during installation to ensure a clean, flush seating of the cap head without surface damage.

How do I know if Tan 02 matches my composite decking brand?

Simpson provides a Composite-Decking Color Cross-Reference chart to help match DCU screw head colors to popular decking manufacturers. See the Downloads and Resources section below for that reference guide. Additionally, color-matching DCU Screw Plugs are also available - see the Deck-Drive Screw Plug Solution for compatible plug options.

Downloads and Resources

• Composite-Decking Color Cross-Reference chart

Related Products

• BIT20T-2-R2 - Compatible T20 6-Lobe driver bit
• Deck-Drive Screw Plug Solution - Color-matching DCU Screw Plugs for a fully concealed finish