
- The Material of the Nail When installing cedar siding, you’ll want to use nails that are made specifically for timber. ...
- The Size of the Nail It is important to consider the size of the nail when selecting the best nails for cedar siding. ...
- The Shank of the Nail You should also consider the shank when choosing the best nails for cedar siding. ...
- Angle of the Nail The nail’s angle can affect how well it holds the wood in place. ...
- The Head of the Nail Another important factor to consider is the head of the nail. ...
- The Coating of the Nail
What nail gun should I use for siding?
Which siding nailer is best?
- BOSTITCH Coil Siding Nailer.
- Freeman Pneumatic Siding Nailer.
- Metabo HPT Coil Siding Nailer.
- MAX CN565S3 Siding Coil Nailer.
- HBT 15 Degree Coil Siding Nailer.
- Hitachi Coil Siding Nailer.
- DEWALT DW66C-1 Fencing Nailer.
Is underlayment necessary for cedar siding?
Well, roofs that have underlayment in them perform better than other roofs. This is mainly because an underlayment works as a protective layer for the roof. Hence, the underlayment protects the roofs and the roofing materials on it. And, is cedar siding underlayment necessary? Yes, any type of underlayment for siding is necessary for the roofs.
What is the best way to stain cedar siding?
Steps on Restaining Exterior Cedar Siding
- Clean & Prepare the Siding for Restaining. The first step in restaining your old siding is by cleaning it. ...
- Remove the Old Finish. You must remove the old finish before giving it a new stain. ...
- Test the Surface for Moisture. You can test the wood surface to see if it is ready for staining by performing a tape test. ...
- Apply Stain. ...
- Seal the Wood. ...
What is the best nail for cedar shakes?
“ The CSSB favors the use of aluminum/stainless steel nails for cedar shingles. However, if you’d rather use staples, go for stainless steel staples Type 316 in sites within 15 (fifteen) miles of salty water. Use Type 304/Type 316 for locations further from the defined salt water zone ”.

Can I use finish nails for cedar siding?
Stainless steel nails are the best choice, especially if the siding is to be finished with transparent stain. Use No. 304 stainless for general siding applications and No. 316 for seacoast exposures.
What is the best fastener for cedar siding?
Rust-resistant fasteners should be your final choice. We recommend stainless steel fasteners, hot-dip galvanized, or aluminum. With time, inappropriate fasteners can leave rust marks on the shingles, especially on natural cedar shingles.
How do you nail cedar siding?
Bevel siding should be face nailed to studs with 1-1/4 inch penetration into solid wood using one nail per piece spaced at a maximum of 24 inches on center. Place nail just above the overlap. Take care not to nail through the overlap of two pieces.
What nails should I use for wood siding?
Galvanized nails are the best variety of siding nails since they are less likely to rust over their lifetime. That's the basic information about which type of nails are best for wood siding.
How long should nails be for cedar siding?
Minimum Recommended Nail LengthSiding TypeThickness (in.)Nail SizeBevel3/42-1/4 (7d)7/8 & greater3 (10d)Boards, Tongue & Groove, and Channel5/82 (6d)3/42 (6d)4 more rows
What size nails should I use for siding?
Most contractors agree that nails used in siding projects should measure at least 1 ½ inches long—or up to 2 ½ inches if you're installing backerboard with the siding. Nail heads require a 5/16 inches minimum in diameter.
Can I use a framing nailer for cedar siding?
The answer is, yes. Framing nail guns can be used for siding installation, if the nail being used is long enough to attach the siding firmly to your exterior wood sheathing. While it's recommended to always use a siding nail gun for siding installation, in a pinch, you may be able to use a framing nailer instead.
Can you use galvanized nails on cedar?
Hot-dipped galvanized, aluminum and stainless steel nails are all corrosion-resistant and all can be used to nail Western Red Cedar. Other types of nails, such as electroplated, are not recommended.
Do you face nail cedar siding?
0:301:23FAQ : Fastening Real Cedar Siding - Realcedar.com - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMust be face nails using two nails other cedar siding patterns. Like bevel channel Borden bat andMoreMust be face nails using two nails other cedar siding patterns. Like bevel channel Borden bat and shiplap.
Are nails or screws better for siding?
Nails are often preferred for structural joining, including framing walls, because they are more flexible under pressure, whereas screws can snap. Nails are also called upon when securing plywood sheathing for exterior walls, installing hardwood floors, and attaching siding and roofing.
Do siding nails have to go into studs?
Next, there's insulation material between the studs to keep the house warm. Many homes have a layer of sheathing added over that. The siding must nail through this into the studs to ensure proper attachment.
Can you use screws on cedar siding?
A. Do not use common nails or screws. Use of these will lead to eventual bleeding of rust over time, causing an unsightly stain in the cedar siding. Use only hot dipped galvanized, aluminum, or stainless steel nails or screws when fastening Western Red Cedar.
Can you use screws on cedar siding?
A. Do not use common nails or screws. Use of these will lead to eventual bleeding of rust over time, causing an unsightly stain in the cedar siding. Use only hot dipped galvanized, aluminum, or stainless steel nails or screws when fastening Western Red Cedar.
What fixings can you use with cedar?
Hot-dipped galvanized, aluminum and stainless steel nails are all corrosion-resistant and all can be used to nail Western Red Cedar. Other types of nails, such as electroplated, are not recommended.
What type of screws do you use for cedar decking?
Cedar,” of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (WRCLA). The best option is stainless steel, which is the least likely to react with water and salt. At bare minimum, fasteners should be hot-dipped galvanized, in which the nail or screw is coated with zinc to protect it from corrosion, meeting ASTM A153.
Can GRK screws be used in cedar?
Compatible with most wood types including cedar, redwood and ipe.
What kind of nails should I use for siding?
I would use stainless-steel siding nails. They are ring-shank nails.
Where can I buy stainless steel nails?
Stainless-steel nails in lengths up to 3.5 inches can be purchased at a lumberyard near where I live. If you can't find them locally, you can always order them online.
How many nails do you need for a stud?
And yes, you need one nail per stud per board - plus a couple of coils to inadvertently sit on during your coffee breaks.
Can you use smooth shank nails on siding?
You don't want to use smooth shank nails with siding. They will pull out very quickly and your house will look like it broke out with something.
Can you hand nail galvanized siding?
You can hand nail with galvanized casing nails, but most builders use something like a Bostich trim nailer for speed. Both t&g and bevelled siding gets a fastener 3/4" above the top of the board below. The idea is to avoid double nailing the board which will cause cracks when it shrinks. GBA Editor.
How long should a cedar shingle nail be?
The size of the nail to use depends on the roofing thickness. Nails should be long enough to penetrate underlying materials in the cedar shingles at least 3/4 inches, or all the way through. Use two fasteners to apply each Certi-label shingle or shake. Apply both nails 3/4 inches from the edge of each shake or shingle, and about 1 1/2 inches above the exposure line.
What size nails are used for Certi-Split?
Certi-Split & Certi-Sawn Shakes with 18-inch and 24-inch Handsplit and Resawn Certi-label Shake or Shingle: Use 6d Box 2-inch nails.
What type of nails are used in salt water?
When working in locations within 15 miles of salt water, always use stainless steel Type 316 nails. Outside of this zone, nails must be stainless steel, Type 304 or Type 316, or hot-dipped galvanized with a coating weight of ASTM A 153 Class D.
Do you need to consider the size of nails for cedar shingles?
It's essential to consider the size and type of nails when installing cedar shingles. The right fasteners can ensure longer-lasting cedar shingles or shakes. The distance the nails are driven also makes a difference, as forcing them too deep could cause splitting in the wood.
Is Cedar Roof Coatings bonded?
We're fully bonded, licensed and insured, and are committed to serving our community by providing customers with beautiful, long-lasting roofs at reasonable prices.
Can you use plain steel nails on cedar shingles?
The ideal nail types for cedar shingle roofing projects include corrosion-resistant varieties like stainless steel and hot-dipped galvanized. At Cedar Roof Coatings, we advise against the use of plain steel nails to keep the cedar roofing stain-free over time. Plain steel nails and copper nails can react adversely with the natural oils in cedar and can rust and disintegrate. We also caution against the use of electro-galvanized (EG) fasteners on any cedar shingle roofing project.
What type of nails are used for exterior siding?
It has been determined that non-corrosive stainless steel nails are the best for exterior use or for high moisture interior uses. Bear Creek Lumber recommends these types of fasteners. Below: images of a project were Alaskan Yellow Cedar was used as siding .
How long should nails be for siding?
The size of the nails to use depends on the type and thickness of siding. Good building practice is to use nails long enough to go through underlying materials, such as sheathing and insulation, and penetrate at least 1-1/2 in. into solid wood or 1-1/4 in. if using ring or spiral shank nails. See Table 3 for recommended nail lengths for various thicknesses of siding.
Why use textured nails?
Nails with textured heads can be used to reduce glossy spots at the nails when finishing (see Figure 2 for nail types). Nails should be driven with care. Heavy nailing distorts the wood and may cause splitting. At mitered corners, near edges and near ends, nail holes may need to be pre-drilled to avoid splitting.
Can you use copper nails on cedar siding?
They can rust and disintegrate and react adversely with the natural preservative oils present in cedar resulting in stains and streaks. Copper nails also react with cedar and should not be used. Stainless steel nails are the best choice, especially if the siding is to be finished with transparent stain.
How wide can you blind nail cedar?
HORIZONTAL or DIAGONAL INSTALLATION: Start at the bottom and work up with the groove edges facing downwards and the tongues up. Cedar T&G up to 6” wide can be “blind nailed” through ...
What is the thickness of knotty cedar?
In clear grades, Western Red Cedar T&G is commonly supplied in thicknesses of 7/16” or 1” in either 4 or 6” widths, while knotty T&G is commonly supplied in 1” thickness in either 4, 6, or 8” widths. Either are available in a variety of profiles.
Why is Western Red Cedar used?
Western Red Cedar has been a prized building material for thousands of years due to its versatility, longevity, and natural beauty. In more recent years, it has been identified and praised for its use in “green building”.
How wide can a T&G be blind nailed?
As with horizontal installation, pieces up to 6 inches in width can be blind nailed. Wider pieces, as well as those in the beginning and the end, will need to be nailed directly through the face of the T&G into the solid wood behind.
Is Western Red Cedar sustainable?
Western Red Cedar building materials require less energy to produce than man-made alternatives, biodegradable, and completely renewable and sustainable. For interior, as well as exterior use, Western Red ...
Does siding pull away from the house?
All siding wants to lift away from the house. It's got more dampness on the back than the front, and it gets baked by the sun on the front only. Sometimes it will pull away even in spite of large siding nails that are into the studs.
Can you use screws on old wood siding?
I've never seen screws used. Seems like the old wood would split easily if you started that. I wouldn't do it. Siding has been nailed for years on plenty of houses that are 100 years old. The nails need to hit something solid more often than not.
Can you use trimhead ring shanked nails on stainless steel siding?
what I would do is get trimhead ring shanked stainless steel siding nails, and place them at the studs, and whever else needed. you are painting anyway so you are going to be filling the heads with exterior spackle and sanding smooth so the extra nails won't be obtrussive.
