Nails For Cedar Fence

Nails and screws that are for use outdoors must be able to withstand rain snow heat and cold.

Nails for cedar fence.

To attach individual pickets to the backer rails we recommend 8d to 10d nails or 1 1 4 in. A ring shank nail has concentric ridges rings all the way down the nail s shank allowing the embedded nail to grip the wood so firmly that it is tough to pull out. The list of nails available at your local hardware store is endless and each nail is designed for a specific purpose. Cypress is a bit more hard and weather resistant than cedar.

316 should be used in moist and humid climates while 304 works best in dry climates. When choosing the type of nail to be used the unique properties of cedar wood should be considered. Both cedar and cypress weather to a gray shade. Stainless steel and aluminum fasteners repel rust and last for long periods of time.

Whether you choose to use screws or nails the length is crucial to the success of your fence. To attach preassembled panels or backer rails to posts we recommend 18d to 20d nails or 3 1 2 in. Using the wrong type of nail for building a wood fence is like using your iron to heat up pizza. Any nail used in fencing should be ring shank or equivalent.

There are two types of stainless steel fasteners available 304 and 316. The most appropriate nail for fence rails are 16 d 3 1 2 inch nails. When cedar gets wet it swells. Choose hot dipped galvanized number 304 stainless steel nails that are about 1 1 4 inches longer than the thickness of your cedar fencing.