DeckMate #8 Tan Exterior Star Flat-Head Deck Screw Review (2026)
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
DIYPicks is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate and affiliate of home-improvement retailers, we may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site — at no extra cost to you. This never affects our recommendations.
- Decking
- Exterior
- Fencing
DeckMate's tan #8 deck screw is the budget workhorse for wood decks and fencing: coarse Type-17 threads self-start, the T-25 star drive (bit included) resists cam-out, and the tan coating blends into cedar and treated pine. But it's coated steel not stainless, under-rated for structural framing, and can scuff on hard driving.
Pros
- Sold in 5 lb and 25 lb boxes, so the per-screw cost is very low for a whole deck
- Star drive with the included T-25 bit resists cam-out far better than old Phillips deck screws
- Tan coating blends into cedar and treated pine decking and holds up to weather
Cons
- Coated steel, not stainless, so heads can rust-bleed over years near the coast or ground
- Standard #8 shank is fine for decking but under-rated for structural framing or ledgers
- Coating can scuff on hard driving, exposing bare steel at the head
Specifications
| Drive | Star (T-25, bit included) |
|---|---|
| Coating | Tan exterior epoxy/polymer coat |
| Length range | 1-1/4 in - 3 in (#8) |
| Head | Flat countersink with self-starting point |
| Material | Coated steel |
| Thread | Coarse, self-starting Type-17 style tip |
| Best use | Wood deck boards and fencing |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will tan deck screws rust?
- They are coated steel, not stainless, so heads can rust-bleed over years near the coast or in ground contact. Hard driving can also scuff the coating and expose bare steel at the head, which is where staining starts.
- Does the DeckMate star drive really reduce cam-out?
- Cam-out. The T-25 star drive (bit included) grips far better than the old Phillips deck screws, which matters when you are driving hundreds of fasteners and each slip chews the head.
- Can you use DeckMate screws for framing?
- No. The standard #8 shank is right for deck boards and fencing but under-rated for structural framing or ledgers — those need a code-rated structural screw or bolts.