Do I Need To Pre-Drill My Composite Or Capstock Decking?

In the past, no matter what type of deck board you were installing, pre-drilling was definitely a must. However, with advancements in fastener technology, pre-drilling in most composite and capstock deck boards is no longer necessary.

Composite deck screws were created to solve the unique fastenening requirements of composites. The first company to experience market penetration with a composite deck fastener was FastenMaster with its "Trapease" branded screws. Since then, many companies have come out with their own versions of composite deck fasteners, making improvements along the way.

Reverse Threading

Today, the industry leader in composite deck fastener technology is Starborn Industries with its Cap-Tor xd fasteners. These screws feature reverse threads just under the head which serve to prevent mushrooming.
Mushrooming refers to the buildup of deck material around the head of the fastener being driven into the deck board.

This threading pattern also prevents white shearing or whitening of the composite deck material around the screw head. Both of these have been problems for previous deck fastener designs. Look for screws with reverse threads when driving into composite decking to prevent surface damage.

Progress in Composite Screw Tech

Recent advancements in composite screw technology have moved toward camouflaging fasteners so the deck board can be enjoyed without the obvious sight of fasteners. Composite screws come in a wide variety of colors to match just about every deck board available. The next step up from this can be seen in the form of "pre-drill free" plugging systems. These systems allow for a beautiful fastener-free finish, which has quickly become the preferred method for residential deck fastening. One of the most popular plugging systems available is the Pro Plug System for PVC. Just set the screw with the Pro Plug Tool and insert the plug. Easy install, no pre-drilling required.

One Last Note

While composite screws eliminate the need to pre-drill the vast majority of the deck, there are some notable exceptions. Pre-drilling is required around the perimeter within 1" of the end of the board as well as on the stair treads.

Have Questions? Continue the conversation with us, we're happy to help.

Email: info@manasquanfasteners.com
Phone: 800-542-1979