Ava Monroe
When it comes to outdoor trim, there are several types of nails that can be used, and the choice depends on the specific project requirements and the type of wood being used. For exterior trim, it is recommended to use nails that are at least three times the length of the material being nailed. For example, a 1 1/2 long nail is suitable for 1/2 sheathing on an exterior wall. While 15-gauge nails are commonly used for door and window jambs, baseboards, and large crown moulding, 18-gauge brad nails are preferred for smaller trim as they leave smaller holes and reduce the risk of splitting delicate trim pieces. For exterior wood trim, stainless steel nails are recommended to prevent corrosion, although they can be more expensive. Additionally, when working with harder woods, drilling a pilot hole is advisable to prevent the wood from splitting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail size | 15-gauge, 16-gauge, 18-gauge, 21-gauge, 23-gauge |
| Nail length | 1", 1 1/2", 2", 2 1/2" |
| Nail type | Common, coated (sinker), ring, brad, finishing, pin, cut, drywall, joist hanger, specialty |
| Nail material | Stainless steel, aluminium, galvanised |
| Other considerations | Thickness of the material being nailed, whether the nail will be exposed to the elements, cost, suitability for the type of wood |
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What You'll Learn
Nail gauge and length
The gauge of a nail refers to its thickness, and therefore its holding power. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker and stronger the nail. The bigger the number, the thinner and lighter the nail. For example, a 12-gauge nail is thicker than a 16-gauge nail.
For fasteners, nail guns are sized according to gauge. From largest to smallest, you have 15-gauge, 16-gauge, 18-gauge, 21-gauge, and 23-gauge. The 15-gauge and 16-gauge nails are the largest and are typically used for applications like door or window jambs, baseboards, large crown moulding, and fastening other significant pieces of wood that are not structural. 18-gauge nails are thinner and leave smaller holes, making them perfect for finishing carpentry. They are often used for attaching baseboards, crown mouldings, and window casings. These nails offer good holding power for lighter materials and are less likely to split wood.
The length of a nail is also an important consideration. A rule of thumb is to use a nail that is at least three times the length of the material you are nailing through. For example, if you are nailing 0.5-inch sheathing on an exterior wall, you should use a nail that is at least 1.5 inches long.
Another rule of thumb is to use a nail that will penetrate the item you are nailing to (not through) at least 0.75 inches. So, to use the same example of 0.5-inch sheathing, you would need a nail that is 1.25 inches long. It is better to err on the side of using a nail that is too long rather than too short. However, you don't want your nails to be so long that they blow out the backside of your work.
Nails are sold according to penny size, such as 8d, 12d, and 16d, where 'd' stands for the penny from the British monetary denomination.
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Nail material
When selecting the nail material for outdoor trim, it is essential to consider the type of wood or surface being nailed, the climate, and the desired lifespan of the project. Here are some common nail materials for outdoor use:
Stainless Steel Nails
Stainless steel nails are known for their long-term protection against corrosion. There are two common types of stainless steel fasteners used for outdoor applications: stainless steel 304 and stainless steel 316. 304 fasteners are made from a combination of nickel and chromium, making them highly rust-resistant and ideal for drier climates. On the other hand, 316 fasteners, also known as "marine-grade fasteners," are recommended for humid climates and coastal areas as they resist corrosion and pitting from chlorides. Stainless steel nails are often used with cedar due to their corrosion-resistant properties.
Galvanized Steel Nails
Galvanized steel nails are commonly used for roofing applications and are considered a good option for outdoor projects. However, it is important to note that they may not be suitable for use with certain types of wood, such as cedar, as the nails can react with the tannins in the wood, leading to rusting.
Aluminum Nails
Aluminum nails are another option for outdoor use. They offer good corrosion resistance and are lightweight, making them easy to work with. Aluminum nails are often used in applications where weight is a concern, such as in siding or roofing.
Copper Nails
Copper nails are a high-end option for outdoor nails. They are known for their durability and long lifespan, which is why they are commonly used in slate roofs that are designed to last for over a century. Copper nails are more expensive than other options but are worth considering for their longevity and aesthetic appeal.
Ring Shank Nails
Ring shank nails are a specific type of nail shank that has rings along the shank, providing extra grip and holding power. They are commonly used in applications where wind uplift is a concern, such as installing wood siding or roof decking. Ring shank nails help ensure that the nails stay securely in place, even in strong winds.
When selecting nail sizes for outdoor trim, it is recommended to use nails that are at least three times the length of the material being nailed. For example, if nailing 1/2" sheathing on an exterior wall, a nail that is at least 1 1/2" long should be used. It is also important to ensure that the nail penetrates the material sufficiently without going through and blowing out the backside.
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Nail shank pattern
When choosing the right nail for your project, it's important to consider the different types of nail shank patterns available and their specific use cases. Here's a detailed guide focusing on nail shank patterns to help you select the appropriate nails for outdoor trim work:
Common Nails
Common nails are the standard all-around option with a smooth shank and no additional features. They have a thick shank, a wide head, and a diamond-shaped point. They are commonly used for framing walls and attaching trim. While they provide sturdy support, they are more likely to split wood compared to thinner nails. A variation of common nails is the coated or "sinkers", which have a thinner diameter and a coating that helps them sink into the wood more easily.
Ring Shank Nails
Ring shank nails, also known as annular ring nails, have a series of rings along the shaft that provide extra grip and resistance to pulling out. They are ideal for installing wood siding, roof decking, and subflooring. The rings compress wood fibres, making these nails difficult to remove from soft or medium-density wood.
Screw Shank Nails
Also referred to as spiral shank nails, this type of nail turns as it is driven into the wood, increasing frictional force and withdrawal strength. They are suitable for hardwood flooring, decking, siding, and framing assemblies in high-wind or moisture-prone areas.
Smooth Shank Nails
Smooth shank nails rely on friction between the wood fibres and the shank for their holding power. They are commonly used for basic framing applications and interior finish work. However, they may not be suitable for environments with frequent moisture fluctuations, as the wood fibres can lose contact with the shank, reducing the nail's strength.
When selecting nails for outdoor trim, it's important to consider the thickness of the trim material. Thinner trim typically requires thinner nails, such as box nails or brad nails, to prevent splitting. For outdoor trim exposed to the elements, some sources recommend using 15-gauge nails with a nail gun. It's also crucial to choose a nail length that is appropriate for the thickness of the material being nailed, following the general rule of using a nail that is at least three times the length of the material it is penetrating.
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Nail head size
When selecting a nail for outdoor trim, it is important to consider the nail's length, thickness, and head size.
Nails are sized according to their thickness or gauge (ga.). From largest to smallest, the common gauges are 15-ga., 16-ga., 18-ga., 21-ga., and 23-ga. It is important to note that gauge refers only to the thickness of the nail and not its length. For example, 15-ga. nails can range in length from 1" to 2 1/2".
For outdoor trim, it is recommended to use nails that are at least three times the length of the material you are nailing through. This ensures that the nail penetrates the underlying material sufficiently. For example, when nailing 1/2" exterior sheathing, a nail that is at least 1 1/2" long should be used.
Additionally, the nail should penetrate the underlying material without going all the way through. As a rule of thumb, the nail should penetrate the item by at least 3/4". For example, when using 1/2" sheathing, a nail that is 1 1/4" long would be appropriate.
For exterior trim exposed to the elements, 15-ga. nails with a stainless steel (SS) finish are recommended. These nails provide better corrosion resistance than galvanised nails. Galvanised nails, typically 16-ga., can be used for exterior trim that is protected, such as under a porch. However, they may not withstand prolonged exposure to the elements and can corrode within a couple of years.
When using a nail gun for exterior trim, both 15-ga. and 18-ga. nails can be considered. 15-ga. nails are larger and provide more holding power, making them suitable for door and window jambs, baseboards, and large crown moulding. On the other hand, 18-ga. nails are smaller and are better suited for delicate trim pieces as they leave smaller nail holes and reduce the risk of splitting the trim.
It is worth noting that the nail head size is important for exterior trim. Siding and trim nails should have a head, which helps to hold the nail in place and provides a finished look.
In summary, when selecting nails for outdoor trim, consider the thickness and length of the nail, the exposure to the elements, and the presence of a nail head. For exposed exterior trim, 15-ga. SS nails are recommended, while galvanised 16-ga. nails can be used for protected areas. The nail length should be at least three times the thickness of the material being nailed, and the nail should penetrate the underlying material by at least 3/4".
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Nail suitability for outdoor trim
The suitability of a nail for outdoor trim depends on the type of wood and the thickness of the material being nailed.
Nail Gauge
The gauge of a nail refers to its thickness. The higher the gauge, the thinner the nail. Common gauges for nails used in outdoor trim include 15-gauge, 16-gauge, and 18-gauge. 15-gauge and 16-gauge nails are the largest and are typically used for applications like door/window jambs, baseboards, and large crown moulding. 18-gauge nails are smaller and are better suited for smaller trim as they leave smaller holes and lower the risk of splitting delicate trim pieces.
Nail Length
It is recommended to use a nail that is at least three times the length of the material you are nailing through. For example, if you are nailing 1/2" sheathing on an exterior wall, you should use a nail that is at least 1 1/2" long. Additionally, the nail should penetrate the item you are nailing to by at least 3/4".
Nail Type
Different types of nails are suited for different applications. For outdoor trim, brad nails, finish nails, and pin nails are commonly used. Brad nails are made of 18-gauge wire and are suitable for wood trim, moulding, or other decorative wood surfaces as they provide a clean finish. Finish nails are very thin and can disappear when hammered into wood while still holding trim in place. Pin nails are thin, headless pins that range from 1/2" to 2" in length and are used for precise work, such as temporarily tacking two pieces of wood together until the glue dries.
Nail Material
The material of the nail is also an important consideration for outdoor trim. Regular bright electro-galvanized nails are not suitable for exterior use. Hot-dipped galvanized nails, on the other hand, have a heavier zinc coating and are suitable for exterior use. If you are using cedar or redwood, stainless steel nails are recommended as they won't corrode, break down, or stain the wood.
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Frequently asked questions
The size of the nails depends on the thickness of the trim. A rule of thumb is to use a nail that is at least three times the length of the material you are nailing through. For instance, if you are nailing 1/2" sheathing on an exterior wall, you should use a nail that is at least 1 1/2" long.
Stainless steel nails are recommended for outdoor trim as they do not corrode, break down or stain the wood. However, they are more expensive than galvanised nails.
Brad nails are made of 18-gauge wire and are used for wood trim, moulding or other decorative wood surfaces. Finishing nails are very thin and are made to disappear when hammered into wood. They are strong enough to hold trim such as door jambs and crown moulding in place.
A nail's gauge is a measurement of its diameter. The higher the number, the thinner the nail. From largest to smallest, the gauge sizes are 15, 16, 18, 21 and 23.
Use a nail that will penetrate the item you are nailing to (not through) at least 3/4".
