Nails For Cedar Fence

The western red cedar association wrca recommends.

Nails for cedar fence.

The wrong size nail can cause splitting and panels to come loose from the posts. Cypress is a bit more hard and weather resistant than cedar. Choose hot dipped galvanized number 304 stainless steel nails that are about 1 1 4 inches longer than the thickness of your cedar fencing. When choosing the type of nail to be used the unique properties of cedar wood should be considered.

Any nail used in fencing should be ring shank or equivalent. The most appropriate nail for fence rails are 16 d 3 1 2 inch nails. Whether you choose to use screws or nails the length is crucial to the success of your fence. There are two types of stainless steel fasteners available 304 and 316.

Using the wrong type of nail for building a wood fence is like using your iron to heat up pizza. When cedar gets wet it swells. To attach individual pickets to the backer rails we recommend 8d to 10d nails or 1 1 4 in. 316 should be used in moist and humid climates while 304 works best in dry climates.

Nails and screws that are for use outdoors must be able to withstand rain snow heat and cold. The list of nails available at your local hardware store is endless and each nail is designed for a specific purpose. Stainless steel and aluminum fasteners repel rust and last for long periods of time. Because the fence wood tends to expand shrink during heat cold cycles and humidity changes which cause smooth shank nails to loosen.