Cedar siding is a popular choice for its natural beauty and durability, making it a smart investment for your home. To ensure a secure and long-lasting installation, it’s crucial to select the right fasteners when nailing cedar siding. In this guide, we’ll provide precise and concise information suitable for both technical experts and those new to the world of nail guns.

The Basics of Cedar Siding Fasteners

Before we dive into specifics, let’s understand the basics:

1. Nail Material: When fastening cedar siding, stainless steel, hot-dipped galvanized, or aluminum nails are preferred. These materials resist corrosion, ensuring the longevity of your cedar siding.

2. Shank Type: Cedar siding nails typically have ring or spiral shanks. These shanks create better holding power, reducing the risk of siding slippage over time.

3. Nail Length: The nail length depends on the thickness of the siding and the underlying structure. Common lengths for cedar siding nails range from 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches.

Estimating Cedar Siding Nail Quantity

To determine the number of nails you’ll need for your cedar siding project, follow these steps:

1. Calculate Square Footage: Measure the total square footage of the area where you’ll install the cedar siding. Measure the height and length of each wall, multiply these dimensions, and sum the totals for all walls. Subtract the square footage of any doors, windows, or other openings.

2. Nailing Spacing: Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for nailing spacing. Common guidelines suggest spacing nails every 12 to 16 inches along the length of the siding.

3. Corners and Edges: Account for additional nails around corners, edges, and any other areas that require extra fastening for stability and weather resistance. Manufacturer guidelines will specify the required number of nails for these areas.

4. Overlapping Panels: Cedar siding panels should overlap one another for proper installation. Account for the extra nails needed for overlapping sections.

5. Calculate Total Nails: Multiply the total square footage (step 1) by the recommended nailing spacing (step 2). Add the nails needed for corners, edges, and overlapping panels (step 3 and 4). This will give you the total number of nails required for your project.

Rounding Up

It’s a wise practice to round up your nail estimate to ensure you have some extras for unexpected needs or future repairs. Having a few additional nails on hand is a cost-effective way to prevent potential issues down the road.

Conclusion

Selecting the right fasteners for nailing cedar siding is crucial for a secure and durable installation. By following these guidelines and checking the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific cedar siding, you can ensure a successful siding project. Whether you’re an experienced contractor or a homeowner embarking on a DIY project, this guide equips you with the knowledge needed to make the right choice for your cedar siding fasteners.