Starborn Industries has developed what it says are the first deck screws specifically designed for use with aluminum and steel deck framing.
The Edison, N.J., company says its Deckfast Metal fasteners are suitable for attaching all types of decking - including hardwood, capstock, composite, and PVC - to metal framing.
Hard enough to penetrate steel or aluminum joists, the screws are made from 410-grade stainless steel, with both zinc and epoxy coatings. They come in four colors, which match Trex Transcend decking.
Starborn says the fasteners are designed to penetrate the outer layer of capstock decking and will create their own countersinks in ipe and other hardwoods.
The screws are available loose or collated for use with Muro auto-feed systems. Starborn also is offering hardened fasteners - called BuildexTeks Select - that are approved for steel-to-steel connections in Trex Elevations framing.
A "mega pack" of 3,500 Deckfast Metal fasteners, enough for a deck of about 1,000 square feet, sells for roughly $600. Smaller quantities are also available. - S.G.
Starborn Industries, 800/596-7747, starbornindustries.com/deckfast.
