Nails For Cedar Fence

When choosing the type of nail to be used the unique properties of cedar wood should be considered.

Nails for cedar fence.

When cedar gets wet it swells. Because the fence wood tends to expand shrink during heat cold cycles and humidity changes which cause smooth shank nails to loosen. Nails and screws that are for use outdoors must be able to withstand rain snow heat and cold. The wrong size nail can cause splitting and panels to come loose from the posts.

To attach individual pickets to the backer rails we recommend 8d to 10d nails or 1 1 4 in. Whether you choose to use screws or nails the length is crucial to the success of your fence. Cypress is a bit more hard and weather resistant than cedar. Both cedar and cypress weather to a gray shade.

The western red cedar association wrca recommends. The most appropriate nail for fence rails are 16 d 3 1 2 inch nails. Any nail used in fencing should be ring shank or equivalent. Stainless steel and aluminum fasteners repel rust and last for long periods of time.

To attach preassembled panels or backer rails to posts we recommend 18d to 20d nails or 3 1 2 in. Using the wrong type of nail for building a wood fence is like using your iron to heat up pizza. The list of nails available at your local hardware store is endless and each nail is designed for a specific purpose. 316 should be used in moist and humid climates while 304 works best in dry climates.