Caleb Foster
Cedar is a soft wood that splits easily, so it's important to use the right type of nail to avoid damaging the wood. The best nails for cedar siding are hot-dipped galvanized, aluminum, or stainless steel, as other types of nails can react with the natural preservative oils in the wood and cause unsightly stains and streaks. When it comes to nail heads, small-head splitless siding nails are recommended to reduce the risk of splitting the wood. For greater holding power, nails with ring or spiral-threaded shanks are suggested.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cedar siding | Cedar is soft and splits easily |
| Nail type | Small-head "splitless" siding nails in stainless steel, hot-dipped galvanized, or aluminum |
| Nail head diameter | 0.22" |
| Nail length | 2.5"-3.5" |
| Nail placement | One nail per stud per board, with nails spaced at a maximum of 24" (61cm) on center |
| Pre-drilling | May be necessary at mitered corners, near edges, and near ends to avoid splitting |
| Sheathing | Rigid foam sheathing is not recommended as a nailing base due to low nail-holding power |
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What You'll Learn
- Use corrosion-resistant nails made from stainless steel, hot-dipped galvanized steel, or aluminum
- Choose nails with small heads to avoid visible dings in the wood
- Pre-drill nail holes at mitered corners, near edges, and near ends to avoid splitting the wood
- Avoid nailing overlapping pieces of cedar together, as this restricts the natural movement of the wood and can cause splitting
- Use nails long enough to penetrate underlying materials and go at least 1-1/4 into studs
Use corrosion-resistant nails made from stainless steel, hot-dipped galvanized steel, or aluminum
When working with cedar siding, it's important to use the right type of nails to prevent corrosion and staining. Cedar is a soft wood that can easily split, so it's important to use nails that are specifically designed for this type of material.
Corrosion-resistant nails made from stainless steel, hot-dipped galvanized steel, or aluminum are ideal for cedar siding. Stainless steel nails are highly recommended for cedar siding due to their corrosion-resistant properties. Stainless steel nails are non-corrosive and provide long-term protection against corrosion, ensuring the durability and longevity of your project. The price of stainless steel nails has also become more affordable, making them a cost-effective option. Additionally, the head of a stainless-steel nail can match the texture of the wood, allowing for a seamless finish.
Hot-dipped galvanized nails are another option for cedar siding. The galvanization process involves coating the nails in zinc, which helps to slow down rusting and corrosion. While galvanized nails will eventually rust, the galvanic coating prolongs their lifespan compared to non-coated alternatives. Hot-dipped galvanized nails are suitable for exterior use and provide high-level protection against corrosion.
Aluminum nails are also an option for cedar siding. They are resistant to rust and have a long lifespan. Aluminum nails are often used for installing aluminum siding, fascia, and trim. They are non-toxic to trees and will not damage saws if the tree needs to be cut down. However, driving aluminum nails can be challenging, and it is recommended to drill pilot holes before use.
When choosing between these options, consider your budget, the level of corrosion resistance required, and the specific characteristics of cedar siding. By selecting the appropriate corrosion-resistant nails, you can ensure the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your cedar siding project.
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Choose nails with small heads to avoid visible dings in the wood
When working with cedar siding, it is important to consider the type of nails you use. Cedar is a soft wood that splits easily, so using the right kind of nails will ensure that your siding is secure and long-lasting.
One important consideration when choosing nails for cedar siding is the size of the nail heads. While common nails with round heads are commonly used for framing, construction, and carpentry, they may not be the best choice for cedar siding because they can leave visible dings in the wood. Instead, consider using nails with smaller heads, such as brad nails or pin nails. Brad nails, typically made of 18-gauge wire, are a popular choice for woodworking projects as they provide a secure hold while minimizing the risk of splitting the wood. Pin nails, on the other hand, are even smaller and more delicate, typically 23-gauge, and are perfect for intricate woodworking tasks as they leave virtually no visible marks.
If you are looking for a balance between strength and a subtle appearance, brad nails might be the best option. They are versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications, from baseboards to crown molding. Pin nails, on the other hand, are ideal if you prioritize invisibility and delicate work over holding power.
In addition to the nail type, it is also important to consider the material of the nails when working with cedar siding. Stainless steel nails are highly recommended, especially for exterior use or high-moisture interior uses, as they are non-corrosive and will not react with the cedar, leaving unsightly black stains. Hot-dipped galvanized nails are also an option, but they may eventually react with the cedar and cause staining.
By choosing nails with small heads, such as brad or pin nails, and opting for stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails, you can avoid visible dings in your cedar siding and ensure a long-lasting and attractive finish.
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Pre-drill nail holes at mitered corners, near edges, and near ends to avoid splitting the wood
Cedar is a soft wood that splits easily, so it's important to take extra care when nailing cedar siding. Pre-drilling nail holes is a good idea if you're worried about the wood splitting, especially at mitered corners, near edges, and near ends.
When pre-drilling, it's important to use a drill bit that is smaller than the nail you will be using. A good rule of thumb is to drill a hole that is roughly 75% of the diameter of the nail. This will ensure that the nail has enough grip to hold it in place. If the hole is too big, the nail may become loose and not hold as well.
It's also important to use the right type of nail when working with cedar siding. Stainless steel nails are the best choice for exterior use or high-moisture interior uses. They are non-corrosive and will not react with the natural preservative oils in the cedar, which can cause stains and streaks. Other types of nails, such as galvanized nails, can eventually react with the cedar and leave black stains.
In addition to using the right type of nail, it's important to use a nail with a blunt tip rather than a sharp tip. Blunt nails split wood less than sharp nails because they crush wood fibres as they go in, rather than parting the wood. If you're using sharp nails, you can blunt the tip by placing the head of the nail on a hard surface and tapping it with a hammer. However, it's easy to bend the nail slightly, so it's better to snip the tip off with side snips or pliers.
By pre-drilling nail holes and using the correct type and style of nail, you can help avoid splitting the wood when nailing cedar siding at mitered corners, near edges, and near ends.
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Avoid nailing overlapping pieces of cedar together, as this restricts the natural movement of the wood and can cause splitting
When installing cedar siding, it is important to avoid nailing overlapping pieces of cedar together. Cedar is a soft wood that expands and contracts as it takes on or loses moisture. Nailing two pieces together restricts the natural movement of the wood and can cause splitting and cracking. This is because the wood needs to be able to move freely in response to changes in temperature and moisture levels.
To prevent this issue, each piece of siding must be nailed independently. The recommended procedure is 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. This allows the siding to expand and contract without being restricted by the nails.
It is also important to use the correct type of nails when installing cedar siding. Stainless steel nails are recommended for exterior use or high-moisture interior uses as they are non-corrosive. Other types of nails, such as galvanized nails, can react with the cedar and leave black stains or streaks.
Additionally, the size and spacing of the nails are crucial. The nails should be long enough to penetrate at least 1-1/4" into the underlying materials, such as sheathing and insulation. The nails should be spaced a maximum of 24" on center when applied over wood-based solid sheathing and 16" on center when applied without sheathing.
By following these guidelines and avoiding nailing overlapping pieces of cedar together, you can ensure that your cedar siding is installed correctly and reduce the risk of splitting and cracking.
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Use nails long enough to penetrate underlying materials and go at least 1-1/4 into studs
When installing cedar siding, it is important to use nails that are long enough to penetrate the underlying materials and to ensure that they penetrate at least 1-1/4 inches into the studs. This is crucial to provide a secure hold and prevent the siding from warping or bowing.
The recommended nail length for cedar siding varies depending on the thickness of the siding and the specific application. For example, if you are installing 3/4-inch thick bevel cedar siding, you may need nails that are 3 1/2 inches long to achieve the required penetration depth into the studs. On the other hand, if you are using a siding nailer, which is similar to a roofing gun, the nails typically range from 2 1/2 inches to 3 1/4 inches in length.
It is worth noting that cedar is a soft wood and can split easily. Therefore, it is recommended to use small-head "splitless" siding nails made of stainless steel or hot-dipped zinc galvanized. These nails have thin shanks and blunt points to reduce the risk of splitting the cedar siding. Stainless steel nails are also less likely to react with the natural oils in the cedar, preventing unsightly stains and streaks.
When nailing cedar siding, it is generally recommended to insert nails into the studs whenever possible. This provides a stronger hold compared to nailing into the framing or drywall alone. However, there may be exceptions, such as when installing wood-on-wood molding, where nails are inserted directly into the wood cabinet bases.
Additionally, it is important to consider the spacing of the nails. For lap siding, it is crucial to leave room for the expansion of each board, avoiding the practice of nailing through two boards. This allows the wood to expand and contract with temperature and moisture changes without prying the nails loose.
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Frequently asked questions
Hot-dipped galvanized, aluminum, and stainless steel nails are all corrosion-resistant and can be used to nail cedar siding. Stainless steel nails are the best choice, especially if the siding is to be finished with a transparent stain.
The size of the nails to use depends on the type and thickness of the siding. Nails should be long enough to go through underlying materials, such as sheathing and insulation, and penetrate at least 1-1/4″ (32mm).
Cedar is soft and splits easily, so it is important to use small-head "splitless" siding nails with thin shanks and blunt points to reduce splitting. Pre-drill nail holes at mitered corners, near edges, and near ends to avoid splitting.
No, current thinking on wood siding is to never nail two layers together. Nailing overlapping pieces together restricts the natural movement of each piece and will cause splitting. Each piece of siding must be nailed independently to allow for expansion and contraction with temperature and moisture changes.
Install a new nail next to each bad nail and then use a punch to drive the old nail further in. Fill the hole with wood filler or caulking, and then paint over it.
