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The Perfect Fastener for Every Material: CAMO’s Versatile Solutions for Contractors

There are a lot of decking choices out there. And different decking materials don’t behave the same once they’re installed. From pressure-treated lumber and hardwoods to composite and PVC boards, each brings its own movement, grip, and exposure demands. CAMO covers it all.

CAMO deck screws are designed to handle that range without forcing you to change your fastener when the decking does. Whether you’re edge fastening or face fastening, the right CAMO screws keep your boards tight, spacing consistent, and the finished deck looking sharp long after the job is done.

Below is a material-by-material look at common decking boards, the challenges they bring, and how CAMO screws are designed to deliver—across the board.

Different Decking, Different Demands

Different decking materials bring different challenges. Those differences matter when choosing a fastener. And they matter over the life of the deck.

Pressure-Treated Lumber

Built for durability. Tough on fasteners.

Pressure-treated lumber remains a go-to for many deck builds, but the chemicals that protect the wood can be tough on weaker fasteners. As boards dry and acclimate, movement becomes part of the equation.

Common challenges

  • Increased corrosion risk from treatment chemicals
  • Wood movement as boards dry and settle
  • Splitting if fasteners are over-driven or misaligned

Cedar and Redwood

Naturally durable. Naturally soft.

Cedar and redwood bring natural resistance to decay and a premium look, but their softer fibers demand control.

Common challenges

  • Soft grain that can strip
  • Visible fasteners that distract from the finished surface
  • Uneven fastening that leads to board movement over time

Hardwood Decking

Dense. Heavy. Unforgiving.

Hardwoods deliver strength and longevity, but they don’t tolerate shortcuts.

Common challenges

  • Extremely dense material
  • Higher torque demands during installation
  • Increased risk of splitting with improper fastening

Composite Decking

Consistent look. Tight tolerances.

Composite boards are engineered for uniformity, but they require precise fastening and spacing to hold their shape and appearance over time.

Common challenges

  • Expansion and contraction
  • Manufacturer spacing requirements
  • Surface fasteners that disrupt the finished look

Capped Composite Decking

Protection on top. Precision underneath.

Capped composite relies on a protective shell to perform long-term, which makes fastening accuracy critical.

Common challenges

  • Damage to the cap leading to moisture intrusion
  • Over-driving that compromises appearance and performance
  • Inconsistent fastening that stands out quickly

PVC Decking

Low maintenance. High movement.

PVC won’t rot or absorb moisture, but it moves more than most decking materials.

Common challenges

  • Significant thermal expansion and contraction
  • Risk of fastener pop-out
  • Exposed fasteners that highlight inconsistencies

CAMO for Every Decking Material

Different decking brings different challenges. CAMO answers them with deck screws engineered to perform across materials and jobsites with strength, control, and a clean, quality finish every time.

Edge Fastening

CAMO EDGE Deck Screws are designed for edge fastening across pressure-treated lumber, hardwoods, composite, capped composite, and PVC decking, giving you one proven approach across all your deck builds.

That means:

  • Hidden fastening that keeps deck surfaces clean
  • Reverse rake tip augers material out as the screw drives, reducing splitting and cracking
  • Reverse upper thread that pulls boards tight to the joist for secure, consistent hold
  • Trimhead design minimizes fastener visibility at the board edge
  • Available in 1-⅞ inch and 2-⅜ inch lengths

Never settle for less-than-ideal performance from generic screws: EDGE Deck Screws give you clean drives, tight boards, and a fastener-free look that holds across materials. 

Face Fastening

When your job calls for face fastening, CAMO keeps that choice just as straightforward.

CAMO Composite Deck Screws are designed specifically for composite, capped composite, and PVC decking, with color-matched heads available in multiple colors to blend into the board surface.

Key features

  • Color-matched heads available in multiple colors for a clean, finished surface
  • Type 99 slash point for fast starts and reduced walking
  • Trilobular shank to reduce driving torque and help prevent mushrooming
  • Reverse thread near the head to pull boards tight and finish flush
  • T-20 Star Drive to reduce cam-outs and bit wear

CAMO Wood Deck Screws are built for face fastening wood deck boards and exterior wood-to-wood connections, covering everything from decking and trim to blocking and structural details.

Key features

  • Type 17 slash point for quick starts in wood
  • Aggressive lower threads to draw boards tight
  • Bugle head and countersinking head options depending on application
  • T-25 Star Drive for improved torque control and reduced stripping
  • Designed for exterior wood-to-wood fastening
  • Available with corrosion-resistant coatings and stainless options based on exposure

Whatever the decking demands, CAMO screws deliver a secure hold and a finished look you’ll be proud to stand behind.

Stainless Steel

We all know material choice isn’t the only factor for fasteners. Environment matters.

Choose CAMO stainless steel deck screws for builds in:

  • Coastal environments
  • High-humidity regions
  • Pool decks and waterfront applications
  • Anywhere corrosion resistance is critical

You get the same CAMO performance, with added protection for harsh conditions.

Build It Right

Decking materials don’t all behave the same in the real world. CAMO deck screws are built to handle those differences without forcing you to rethink your fastening approach or make compromises across your jobs.

Choose CAMO for deck screws that work across the varied materials you work with, and deliver decks that install and perform as good as they look.

That’s how great decks are built.