Simpson Deck-Drive DCU Composite Screw in #10 x 2-3/4" with Type 316 Stainless Steel finish and Gray 04 color-matched head is engineered specifically for composite and PVC decking installations where a clean, professional appearance and severe-level corrosion resistance are both required. Manufactured by Simpson, this cap-head fastener combines a Type-17 point for effortless penetration through dense composite materials, inverted upper threads that actively clear away excess material during driving, and a color-matched painted head that blends seamlessly with popular composite decking brands - delivering results that look as good as they perform in demanding outdoor environments.

Key Features

• Type 316 Stainless Steel finish - provides severe-level corrosion resistance, making this screw especially well suited for coastal, poolside, and chloride-rich environments where standard fasteners would fail prematurely
• 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 threads - engineered to clear excess composite material as the screw drives home, ensuring a snug, secure seat and a clean finished surface with no mushrooming around the head
• Cap Head design with 0.230" head diameter - sits flush or just below the decking surface for a low-profile, professional appearance that minimizes trip hazards and moisture trapping
• T20 6-Lobe drive - delivers high torque transfer and reduces cam-out during installation, so each fastener seats consistently even under repeated driving conditions
• Gray 04 color-matched painted head - blends with popular composite decking manufacturers' board colors for a more concealed finish that preserves the visual appeal of the deck surface
• Tri-Lobe thread design - reduces driving torque and holds composite material firmly, creating a secure connection without stressing the board around the fastening point
• 2-3/4" length, #10 screw size - sized appropriately for typical composite and PVC deck board thickness over standard framing, providing adequate embedment depth for a reliable hold

Why This Product

• If your project is near saltwater, a pool, or any environment with elevated chloride exposure, the Type 316 stainless steel composition offers a level of corrosion protection that standard stainless or coated fasteners cannot match - keeping the deck structurally sound and visually clean for years.
• The combination of a Type-17 point and inverted upper threads means composite and PVC boards drive cleanly without the pre-drilling step that many competing fasteners require, reducing labor time on large deck installations without sacrificing fastener performance.
• Color-matched Gray 04 painted heads allow the screw heads to visually disappear into the decking surface, giving the finished deck a clean, gap-free look that aligns with the appearance goals most homeowners and contractors are aiming for.
• The T20 6-Lobe drive system reduces bit wear and cam-out, meaning fewer stripped heads and damaged board surfaces during installation - a practical advantage when driving large quantities of screws across an entire deck project.

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: Gray 04

Available Pack Options

• DCU234C316GR04: 70 Pk - includes 1 driver bit included
• DCU234P316GR04: 350 Pk - includes 1 driver bit included
• DCU234MB316GR04: 1750 Pk - includes 2 driver bits included

Approved Applications

• Composite decking installations requiring severe-level corrosion resistance
• PVC decking fastening where a clean, flush head appearance is required
• Coastal and marine environments with elevated chloride or salt-air exposure
• Poolside and wet outdoor environments where standard fasteners corrode prematurely
• Applications requiring color-matched fastener heads to match popular composite deck board manufacturers

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this screw different from a standard stainless steel deck screw?

This screw uses Type 316 stainless steel rather than the more common Type 304 stainless steel. Type 316 includes molybdenum, which provides significantly greater resistance to chlorides and harsh chemicals - making it the right choice for coastal, poolside, or any environment where standard fasteners would corrode and stain the deck surface over time.

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

No. The Type-17 point is specifically designed to penetrate composite and PVC decking without pre-drilling. Combined with the inverted upper threads that clear excess material during installation, the screw drives cleanly and seats securely without requiring an additional prep step.

What driver bit should I use with this screw?

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

How does the Gray 04 color matching work with composite decking brands?

The painted head is formulated to blend with Gray 04 tones used by popular composite decking manufacturers. For a detailed cross-reference of which decking brands and colors the Gray 04 head is matched to, refer to the Composite-Decking Color Cross-Reference chart in the Downloads and Resources section below.

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 fastening finish