STANDARD HEADCOTE 316

PRODUCT NOTES

SELECTING A HEAD COLOR

Consider how you will maintain your deck as well as the likely effects of weathering when selecting a head color for your decking.

Within any species of lumber there is variation in grain and color. The Option(s) suggested under our Deck Matcher and Deck Fastener Information Center tools are based on new or clean lumber with clear stain.

Plastic and composite decking may be subject to various degrees of fading. (Check with your deck board manufacturer to know what to expect.) The Option(s) suggested under our Deck Matcher and Deck Fastener Information Center tools are based on new boards.

TREATED LUMBER DECKING

If you are using treated lumber decking, only flat head screws should be used as treated lumber can warp or cup to the extent that it can pull through a trim head screw. Only Standard Headcote 305 is available in both trim head and flat head styles.

Note that Tan-Gray (#31), our suggested head color for treated lumber decking, is available in flat head sizes with Standard Headcote 305.

PRE-DRILLING

For best results, Starborn's Smart-Bit pre-drilling and countersinking tool has been specifically designed to work together with Standard Headcote 305 (and 316) deck screws as a system - the Smart-Bit / Headcote System - to create the perfect hole and perfect fit every time.

Some cellular PVC ("plastic") decking, such as AZEK Deck, will accept Standard Headcote 305 (and 316) without the need for pre-drilling. For capstock boards Headcote Cap-Tor can be used without pre-drilling. (Check with your deck board manufacturer's installation instructions for recommendations.)

As a general rule, using Standard Headcote 305 (or 316) in composite decking will require pre-drilling to avoid "mushrooming". For many composite deck board brands, Headcote Cap-Tor will eliminate the need to pre-drill. (See Headcote Cap-Tor Applications / Usage Notes for more details.)

Even where pre-drilling is not required, using the Smart-Bit / Headcote System always guarantees the best results of any face screwing system available. The screw will be perfectly countersunk, with no mushrooming, raised edges, or rough edges.

Even decking material that doesn't require pre-drilling overall may still need pre-drilling at the ends of each board and where deck boards meet to avoid splitting.

For situations where hidden fastener systems are being used, face screws are still necessary for starter and end boards. For these instances, we offer Accessory Packs that combine a Smart-Bit tool with 100 Standard Headcote 305 (or 316) deck screws.

HEAD COATING

The coating used for Headcote stainless steel deck screws has been specially formulated for durability.

Like all coatings in outdoor and flooring applications, it is subject to wear and tear based on exposure to the elements and foot traffic.