Simpson Deck-Drive DCU Composite Screw in Tan, #10 x 2-3/4", Type 316 Stainless Steel is engineered specifically for composite and PVC decking installations where long-term durability and a clean, professional appearance are non-negotiable. Built from Type 316 stainless steel, this fastener delivers severe-level corrosion resistance - making it the right choice for coastal environments, poolside decks, and any outdoor application where chlorides or harsh moisture are a concern. The color-matched tan painted cap head blends seamlessly with popular composite decking products, so the finished surface looks polished and intentional rather than cluttered with visible hardware.

Key Features

• Type 316 Stainless Steel construction - provides severe-level corrosion resistance in chloride-rich and saltwater environments, outlasting standard stainless options in coastal and high-humidity applications
• Type-17 Point - penetrates composite and PVC decking cleanly without pre-drilling, saving installation time and reducing surface damage
• Inverted upper Tri-Lobe Threads - clear excess composite material from the hole during driving, ensuring a clean, flush, and secure installation with no buildup around the head
• Cap Head with 0.230" head diameter - seats consistently flush with the deck surface for a smooth, snag-free finish
• T20 6-Lobe drive - offers positive bit engagement and reduces cam-out, giving installers greater control and reducing driver wear on long production runs
• Tan color-matching painted head - blends with popular composite decking manufacturer colors for a more concealed, professional-looking deck surface
• 2-3/4" length at #10 screw size - sized for reliable fastening depth in standard composite and PVC deck boards over typical substructure dimensions

Why This Product

• The Type 316 stainless steel composition makes this screw specifically suited for environments exposed to chlorides - such as beachfront properties, pool decks, and marine-adjacent structures - where standard carbon steel or even Type 304 stainless fasteners may corrode prematurely
• The engineered combination of a Type-17 point and inverted Tri-Lobe threads eliminates the need to pre-drill composite boards, cutting installation steps and helping achieve a cleaner surface result without extra labor
• The tan painted cap head is designed to match popular composite and PVC decking products from major manufacturers, letting installers achieve a cohesive, finished deck appearance without visible fastener contrast
• The T20 6-Lobe drive reduces cam-out during high-volume installations, keeping the job moving efficiently and protecting both the driver bit and the deck board surface from unnecessary damage

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

Available Pack Options

• DCU234C316TN: 70 Pk - includes 1 driver bit included
• DCU234P316TN: 350 Pk - includes 1 driver bit included
• DCU234MB316TN: 1750 Pk - includes 2 driver bits included

Approved Applications

• Composite decking installation - all types of composite deck boards
• PVC decking installation - solid and hollow-profile PVC boards
• Coastal and marine-adjacent outdoor structures where chloride exposure is a concern
• Pool deck surrounds and other environments with high moisture or chemical exposure
• Any outdoor deck project requiring severe-level corrosion resistance in the fastener

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Type 316 stainless steel different from standard stainless steel for deck screws?

Type 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, which significantly boosts its resistance to chlorides and harsh chemicals compared to standard Type 304 stainless steel. This makes the Deck-Drive DCU Composite Screw particularly suited for coastal, poolside, and marine-adjacent environments where salt air or chemical exposure would degrade a lesser fastener over time.

Do I need to pre-drill composite or PVC deck boards before driving this screw?

No. The DCU Composite Screw features a Type-17 point that is designed to self-penetrate composite and PVC decking without pre-drilling. Combined with the inverted upper Tri-Lobe Threads that clear excess material during driving, this screw is engineered for direct installation into the board for a clean, secure result.

What driver bit does this screw require?

This screw uses a T20 6-Lobe drive, which provides positive engagement and reduces cam-out. The compatible replacement driver bit is the BIT20T-2-R2.

Will the tan head color match my composite decking brand?

The tan painted cap head is designed to blend with popular composite decking manufacturers' products. For a detailed cross-reference of which decking colors and brands correspond to each DCU screw color, refer to the Composite-Decking Color Cross-Reference chart available in the Downloads section below.

Downloads and Resources

• Composite-Decking Color Cross-Reference chart

Related Products

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