The Simpson Deck-Drive DCU Composite Screw in #10 x 2-3/4", Red by Simpson Strong-Tie is purpose-built for securing composite and PVC deck boards with a clean, professional result. Featuring a Quik Guard coating for medium-level corrosion resistance, this carbon-steel fastener is engineered to penetrate composite decking cleanly and seat flush, leaving a finished surface that looks intentional rather than industrial. The color-matching red painted cap head blends with popular composite decking manufacturers' products, so every fastener disappears into the deck rather than drawing the eye. Whether you are building a new deck or replacing boards on an existing structure, this screw is designed to make composite decking installation faster, cleaner, and more reliable.

Key Features

• Quik Guard Coating - provides medium-level corrosion resistance suited for outdoor composite and PVC decking environments, extending the service life of the fastener without overengineering for the application.
• Type-17 Point - self-drilling tip penetrates composite and PVC decking material without pre-drilling, saving installation time and reducing split risk in deck boards.
• Inverted Upper Threads (Tri-Lobe Thread Design) - clears excess composite material from the hole during driving, ensuring a clean, flush seating with no surface mushrooming or lifted fibers around the fastener head.
• Cap Head with 0.230 in. Head Diameter - low-profile cap head seats securely against the decking surface, distributing load evenly while remaining visually discreet.
• T20 6-Lobe Drive - provides superior bit engagement and torque transfer compared to standard Phillips or square drives, reducing cam-out and stripped heads during installation.
• Red Color-Matching Painted Head - blends with popular composite decking products in matching colors, delivering a more concealed and professional finished appearance on the deck surface.
• 2-3/4 in. Length, #10 Screw Size - sized for solid penetration and holding strength in composite deck board applications without over-penetrating the substructure.

Why This Product

• Composite deck boards require a fastener that won't tear, mushroom, or surface-crack the material on entry - the Type-17 point and Tri-Lobe thread design of this screw address both concerns in a single pass, eliminating the need for pre-drilling or secondary cleanup.
• The red painted cap head is engineered to match popular composite decking colors, so installers do not need to source a separate plug, cap, or cover to achieve a clean, finished look - the screw head itself becomes part of the visual result.
• The Quik Guard coating delivers targeted corrosion resistance appropriate for composite and PVC deck board installations, protecting the fastener in outdoor exposure conditions without requiring a premium stainless or hot-dip galvanized product for this application.
• The T20 6-Lobe drive reduces cam-out during high-volume deck installations, meaning fewer stripped heads, less wasted product, and a more consistent driving experience from the first board to the last.

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
• Coating: Quik Guard Coating
• Finish: Quik Guard Coating
• Color: Red

Available Pack Options

• DCU234RDR70: 70 Pk - includes 1 driver bit included
• DCU234RDR350: 350 Pk - includes 1 driver bit included
• DCU234RDMB: 1750 Pk - includes 2 driver bits included

Approved Applications

• Decks - Deck Boards Composite
• PVC Decking Fastening
• Composite Deck Board Installation

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The Type-17 point is a self-drilling design that penetrates composite and PVC decking material without requiring a pilot hole, streamlining installation and reducing the total number of steps per board.

Why does the Tri-Lobe thread design matter for composite decking?

Composite decking material is denser and more prone to surface deformation than traditional wood. The inverted upper Tri-Lobe threads are engineered to clear displaced composite material out of the hole as the screw is driven, preventing the surface mushrooming or raised edges that can occur with standard thread profiles. The result is a flush, clean fastener seat.

What level of corrosion resistance does the Quik Guard coating provide?

The Quik Guard coating is designed to resist medium levels of corrosion, making it appropriate for composite and PVC deck board applications in typical outdoor exposure conditions. It is not a heavy-duty or marine-grade coating, but is correctly matched to the corrosion demands of composite decking installations.

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, available separately.

Downloads and Resources

• Composite-Decking Color Cross-Reference Chart

Related Products

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