Sophia Delgado
When installing cedar siding, it is important to use the correct type and length of nails to ensure the siding is secure and to avoid issues such as wood splitting and corrosion. The ideal nail length will depend on various factors, including the type and thickness of the siding, the presence of underlying materials such as sheathing and insulation, and the need to account for the natural expansion and contraction of the wood.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail type | Non-corrosive, stainless steel nails with ["splitless" design, thin shanks, and blunt points |
| Nail shank | Ring or spiral threaded for greater holding power |
| Nail point | Blunt medium diamond or blunt medium needle |
| Nail size | Depends on siding thickness; for 7/8" and 15/16", use 10 d siding nail; for 11/16" and 3/4", use 8 d siding nail |
| Nail penetration | Minimum 1 1/2" into solid wood; 7/8" penetration into stud is acceptable but not ideal |
| Nail spacing | 24" o.c. with solid sheathing; 16" o.c. maximum without sheathing; 16"-32" for vertical siding installation |
| Nailing procedure | Driven through butt edge of overlapping siding, 1/8"-1/4" above thin edge of underlying piece; never nail through two pieces of siding |
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What You'll Learn
Stainless steel nails are best
When it comes to cedar siding, stainless steel nails are the best choice, offering superior performance and a range of benefits. Firstly, stainless steel nails are non-corrosive, making them ideal for exterior use and high-moisture interior applications. This is particularly important when compared to other nail types, such as galvanised nails, which can react with cedar and cause unsightly black stains and streaks over time. By choosing stainless steel nails, you can avoid the disappointment of seeing your beautiful cedar siding marred by corrosion.
Another advantage of stainless steel nails is their compatibility with transparent stains. If you plan to finish your cedar siding with a clear stain to showcase the natural beauty of the wood, stainless steel nails are the perfect match. They will seamlessly blend into the background, ensuring that your siding remains the star of the show. This is in contrast to other nail options that may detract from the aesthetic appeal of your project.
Additionally, stainless steel nails are available in a variety of specialised types, designed to enhance the overall durability of your cedar siding. For example, splitless siding nails feature thin shanks and blunt points, reducing the risk of splitting the cedar wood during installation. Nails with ring-threaded or spiral-threaded shanks provide even greater holding power, ensuring your siding remains securely in place. These specialised nail types demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of stainless steel nails for cedar siding applications.
When selecting the appropriate length for your stainless steel nails, it is crucial to consider the thickness of the cedar siding and the underlying materials, such as sheathing and insulation. As a general guideline, the nails should be long enough to penetrate at least 1.5 inches into the stud or solid wood base. This ensures that your siding is securely attached and can withstand the elements. By following these recommendations, you can be confident that your cedar siding will not only look exquisite but also withstand the test of time.
In summary, stainless steel nails are the best option for cedar siding due to their non-corrosive nature, compatibility with transparent stains, and the availability of specialised types that reduce splitting and enhance holding power. By choosing stainless steel nails and ensuring proper installation techniques, you can achieve a beautiful and long-lasting cedar siding project that will be the envy of your neighbours.
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Nail length depends on siding thickness
When installing cedar siding, it is essential to use the right type and size of nails to ensure the siding is secure and to avoid damage to the wood. The nail length required depends on the thickness of the siding and the type of underlying materials, such as sheathing and insulation.
For cedar siding applied over normal wood sheathing, the recommended nail size varies depending on the thickness of the siding. For 7/8" and 15/16" thick siding, a 10 d splitless siding nail is recommended, while for 11/16" and 3/4" thick siding, 8 d siding nails are more suitable. These nails should penetrate at least 1-1/2" into the solid wood base.
If you are using furring strips made of plywood, the penetration of the nails into the plywood can be considered part of the overall depth of penetration. This helps to retain the siding securely. However, if the furring strips are made of plastic or another material without nail-holding power, such as rigid foam sheathing, it is not recommended to rely on this penetration. In this case, follow the specific recommendations for nail type, positioning, penetration, and spacing provided by the manufacturer.
The type of nail used is also important to consider. Stainless steel nails are generally recommended for cedar siding, especially if the siding will be finished with a transparent stain. For exterior use or high moisture environments, non-corrosive stainless steel nails are essential to prevent black stains and corrosion streaks. "Splitless" siding nails with thin shanks and blunt points are ideal as they reduce the risk of splitting the wood. Nails with ring or spiral-threaded shanks provide greater holding power, while nails with textured heads can help reduce glossy spots during finishing.
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Avoid copper nails
When installing cedar siding, it is important to avoid using copper nails. Copper nails react with cedar and can cause unsightly stains and streaks. This is due to a reaction between the copper and the natural preservative oils present in cedar.
Copper nails can also rust and disintegrate, leaving black corrosion streaks on the siding. This is not only visually unappealing but can also weaken the structure of the siding over time. Therefore, it is recommended to use non-corrosive nails made of stainless steel, which are better suited for exterior use and high-moisture interior applications.
Stainless steel nails, particularly grades No.304 and No.316, are recommended for general siding applications and seacoast exposures, respectively. These nails are less likely to react with the cedar and cause staining. Additionally, ""splitless" siding nails with thin shanks and blunt points are preferable as they reduce the risk of splitting the cedar.
When nailing cedar siding, it is essential to follow proper techniques. Nails should be driven with care, avoiding heavy nailing that can distort the wood and cause splitting. Pre-drilling nail holes at mitered corners, near edges, and ends can help prevent splitting. Additionally, it is crucial to allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the wood by nailing overlapping pieces correctly. This means avoiding nailing through two pieces of siding, as it restricts their movement and will result in splitting and cracking.
Overall, by avoiding copper nails and following recommended nailing practices, you can ensure a more durable and aesthetically pleasing cedar siding installation.
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Nails should penetrate 1.5 inches into the stud
When installing cedar siding, it is important to use the correct type and length of nails to ensure the siding is secure and to avoid issues such as wood splitting and corrosion. Nails should be long enough to penetrate the underlying materials, such as sheathing and insulation, and extend at least 1.5 inches into the stud. This length of penetration is important to securely hold the siding in place and prevent it from pulling out.
For cedar siding, it is recommended to use non-corrosive stainless steel nails that are 3.5 inches long. These nails are suitable for exterior use or high-moisture interior use and help prevent black corrosion streaks that can occur with other types of nails, such as galvanized nails. Stainless steel nails are also recommended when the siding will be finished with a transparent stain.
To achieve the required penetration depth of 1.5 inches into the stud, it is important to consider the thickness of the siding and any additional materials, such as furring strips or plywood sheathing. For example, if you are using 3/4-inch bevel siding with 3/8-inch furring strips and 1/2-inch plywood, you would need nails that provide a total penetration of at least 3 1/4 inches. In this case, 3.5-inch nails would be sufficient.
It is worth noting that some sources recommend using ring shank nails or splitless siding nails, which have thin shanks and blunt points to reduce the risk of wood splitting. Additionally, nails with textured heads can be used to reduce glossy spots when finishing. Proper nailing techniques, such as avoiding nailing through two pieces of siding and pre-drilling holes in certain areas, are also important to ensure the integrity of the wood and the security of the siding.
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Nails should be snug, not tight
When installing cedar siding, it is important to remember that nails should be snug, not tight. This is because wood is a natural cellular material that expands and contracts as its moisture content changes. Snug nailing allows for this natural movement, while tight nailing can restrict it, leading to splitting and cracking.
To achieve snug nailing, it is recommended to drive the nail through the butt edge of the overlapping siding, ensuring it is at least 1/8" above the thin edge of the underlying piece. The ideal distance is as close to 1/8" as possible, without exceeding 1/4". This practice also applies when nailing into studs; the recommended nail penetration into solid wood is 1-1/2".
It is crucial to never nail through two pieces or courses of siding. Doing so will restrict the natural expansion and contraction of the wood, resulting in undesirable splitting and cracking. This consideration also applies to the use of furring strips; if they are made of plywood, the nail's penetration into the plywood can be counted towards the overall depth of penetration for better siding retention. However, if the furring strips are made of plastic, this does not count towards the penetration depth.
The type of nail used also plays a role in achieving snug nailing. Splitless siding nails are recommended as they feature thin shanks and blunt points that help reduce splitting. For increased holding power, nails with ring-threaded or spiral-threaded shanks are suggested. Additionally, stainless steel nails are the best choice for exterior use or high-moisture interior applications as they are non-corrosive and less reactive with cedar, minimising the appearance of black stains.
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Frequently asked questions
Stainless steel nails are the best choice for cedar siding, especially if the siding will be finished with a transparent stain. Use No.304 stainless for general siding applications and No.316 for seacoast exposures.
The size of the nails depends on the type and thickness of the siding. Nails should be long enough to penetrate the stud by at least 1 1/2 inches.
For proper holding power, a ring threaded or spiral threaded nail shank should be used.
A blunt medium diamond or blunt medium needle point is recommended for cedar siding.
Nails should be driven through the butt edge of the overlapping siding, a minimum of 1/8" above the thin edge of the underlying piece. Never nail through two pieces of siding, as this will not allow the wood to expand and contract freely and will result in splitting and cracking.
