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The Best Fasteners for Coastal Decks and Docks: CAMO Stainless Steel Options

When you’re building decks or docks in coastal environments, the elements don’t pull any punches. Salt is carried on the wind, suspended in humid air, and even dissolved by rain. Water is everywhere—hanging in the air, pouring from the sky, and condensing on surfaces when the temperature drops. Together, salt and moisture attack every part of your structure. Fasteners included.

That’s why your deck and dock needs CAMO stainless steel fasteners—engineered to hold tight, resist harsh corrosion, and keep every connection intact.

Why Stainless Steel is Non-Negotiable

When you’re building near saltwater, stainless steel fasteners aren’t optional—they’re the standard. The International Residential Code (IRC) is clear:

Fasteners and connectors exposed to salt water or located within 300 feet of a salt water shoreline shall be stainless steel.

And for good reason. Stainless steel forms a protective layer that resists rust, even under on-going assault from salt air, water, and humidity. That corrosion resistance keeps fasteners performing longer—and your deck surface solid, safe, and secure.

If you’re anywhere near the coast, stainless is the only way to build a deck that really holds up. And CAMO is the only fastener you’ll need to get it done right.

Built for the Coast

On the coast, deck and dock performance lives or dies by the fasteners you choose. Salt and moisture hammer decking over time, leading to corroded screws, shifting boards, and an unsafe deck surface. 

CAMO has the solution. Our stainless steel fasteners lock every board down tight—built to hold strong against harsh coastal conditions that break down lesser fasteners, keeping your deck looking sharp and holding strong for the long haul.

But not all CAMO stainless is the same. While all stainless relies on chromium to form a rust-resistant barrier, 316 stainless adds molybdenum—an alloy that strengthens defense specifically against harsh chemicals and humid coastal air. That’s why CAMO 316 stainless fasteners deliver marine-grade strength to fight coastal corrosion.

Farther inland, CAMO’s 305 stainless options deliver solid protection against moisture and airborne salt, matched to the demands of your site.

Here’s how to dial in the right CAMO fastener to your build:

Within 3,000 Feet of the Shoreline

Decks and docks  this close to saltwater aren’t just fighting moisture, they’re taking on continual salt exposure—not to mention punishing winds.

CAMO’s 316 stainless fasteners are made to take the worst the coast can throw at them—locking down decks with marine-grade strength and corrosion resistance that lasts:

Stainless Steel is not corrosion-proof; it is corrosion-resistant, and staining can still occur. It is important to regularly wash the installed screws to keep the heads and screw recesses clean from salt deposits and other residue. 

Between 3,000 Feet and 10 Miles from the Shoreline

Saltwater doesn’t stop at the beach. Aerosolized salt rides the wind miles inland, eating away at fasteners and accelerating corrosion over time. In this zone, while 316 stainless is optional, stainless steel is still a must—and CAMO’s got you covered with fastener options that stand up to this lighter coastal exposure, too.

Pro Tip: Even with stainless, a little maintenance goes a long way. Hit the fasteners with fresh water now and then to wash off damaging salt and keep them looking good.

Build It Right with CAMO

Coastal conditions are brutal on decks and docks. That’s why you need fasteners that are ready for the fight. CAMO stainless steel fasteners are built to stand up to relentless salt, moisture, and weather, securing every board with lasting strength where your deck gets hit hardest.

For a deck that’s built faster, easier and just flat-out better, pair your fasteners with CAMO’s innovative tools.

CAMO. The Better Way to Build a Deck.