Simpson Deck-Drive DCU Composite Screw in #10 x 2-3/4" with Type 316 Stainless Steel finish and Tan 01 color-matched head is purpose-built for fastening composite and PVC decking in demanding outdoor environments. Engineered by Simpson for coastal, marine, and chloride-exposed applications, this cap-head screw combines severe-level corrosion resistance with a clean, professional finish that blends with popular composite decking brands. Whether you are working on a seaside deck, a lakefront boardwalk, or any high-moisture outdoor surface, this screw delivers the holding strength, installation ease, and long-term durability that composite decking projects require.

Key Features

• Type 316 Stainless Steel material - provides severe-level corrosion resistance, making it especially suited for marine, coastal, and salt-air environments where inferior fasteners would corrode and fail prematurely.
• Type-17 point - penetrates composite and PVC decking cleanly without pre-drilling, saving installation time and reducing surface damage during fastening.
• Inverted upper threads (Tri-Lobe Thread design) - clears excess composite material as the screw drives, ensuring a clean, flush, secure installation with no material buildup around the head.
• T20 6-Lobe drive type - provides positive bit engagement and reduces cam-out during installation, giving installers better torque control and a cleaner finish.
• Cap head style with 0.230 in. head diameter - sits flush against decking surfaces for a neat, professional appearance that does not snag foot traffic or create tripping hazards.
• Tan 01 color-matched painted head - blends with popular composite decking manufacturers' colors for a more concealed, finished look that enhances curb appeal.
• 2-3/4 in. length - sized to provide adequate penetration and holding strength for standard composite deck board installations over treated framing.

Why This Product

• Designed specifically for composite and PVC decking, this screw eliminates the need to mix and match fasteners - one screw handles all major composite decking brands without compromising holding performance or surface appearance.
• The Type 316 stainless steel construction is the right choice for projects near the ocean, on docks, or in environments with salt air and chlorides, where standard stainless or coated fasteners may not provide adequate long-term protection.
• The Tri-Lobe thread geometry and inverted upper threads work together to clear material and resist backing out, resulting in a cleaner countersink and a more secure, lasting installation in composite materials that can be prone to cracking or mushrooming around the screw head.
• Color-matched painted heads in Tan 01 provide a finished, professional appearance that complements popular decking products - reducing the visible contrast between fastener and board that can detract from a completed deck's appearance.

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 01

Available Pack Options

• DCU234C316TN01: 70 Pk - includes 1 driver bit included
• DCU234P316TN01: 350 Pk - includes 1 driver bit included
• DCU234MB316TN01: 1750 Pk - includes 2 driver bits included

Approved Applications

• Marine environments
• Decks - Deck Boards Composite
• Coastal / Salt Air environments

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this screw suitable for coastal and marine applications?

This screw is manufactured from Type 316 stainless steel, which provides severe-level corrosion resistance. It is specifically engineered for environments with chlorides, making it an appropriate choice for marine docks, coastal decks, and salt-air locations where other fastener materials would degrade over time.

Does this screw require pre-drilling into composite decking?

No pre-drilling is required. The Type-17 point is designed to penetrate composite and PVC decking materials directly. The Tri-Lobe thread geometry with inverted upper threads also clears excess material during installation for a clean, secure countersink without pre-boring.

What 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, which is sold separately and recommended for best installation results.

Can the Tan 01 color head be matched with composite decking plug covers?

Yes. This screw is compatible with color-matching DCU Screw Plugs. See the Deck-Drive Screw Plug Solution for plug options that cover the screw head for an even more concealed and finished appearance on your composite deck surface.

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 screw plug covers for DCU composite screws