Cedar siding is a popular choice for homeowners and builders due to its natural beauty and durability. When installing cedar siding, choosing the right nails is crucial to ensure a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing result. In this article, we’ll explore the key aspects of nail selection, highlighting the technical details to help you make an informed choice.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Nails

Nailing cedar siding is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. The type of nails you use can significantly impact the integrity of your installation. There are various factors to consider when selecting nails for cedar siding, including nail material, size, and coating.

Nail Material

The most common materials for siding nails are stainless steel, hot-dipped galvanized steel, and aluminum. Each material has its unique advantages:

• Stainless Steel: Highly resistant to corrosion, stainless steel nails are a top choice for cedar siding in coastal and high-humidity areas. They maintain their appearance over time and won’t stain the wood.

• Hot-Dipped Galvanized Steel: These nails are an economical choice. They have good corrosion resistance and are suitable for cedar siding in most environments. Be sure to use galvanized nails that meet ASTM A153 standards.

• Aluminum: Aluminum nails are lightweight and corrosion-resistant. They are ideal for cedar siding if you prefer a nail that blends seamlessly with the wood’s color, as they won’t leave black stains.

Nail Size

The size of the nails you choose should be appropriate for the thickness of the cedar siding. The most common nail sizes for cedar siding range from 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches in length. The specific size you need will depend on the thickness of your siding, with longer nails used for thicker boards.

Coating

Coated nails provide additional protection against corrosion. There are three main types of coatings to consider:

• Electro-galvanized: These nails are coated with a thin layer of zinc. They are less corrosion-resistant than hot-dipped galvanized nails but are suitable for interior applications.

• Hot-Dipped Galvanized: As mentioned earlier, these nails have a thicker zinc coating and are more suitable for exterior use.

• Mechanically Galvanized: This type of coating is even more corrosion-resistant than hot-dipped galvanized nails. It’s an excellent choice for coastal areas and high-humidity environments.

Nail Head Style

For cedar siding, it’s best to use nails with a smaller, flat head. These types of heads allow for a clean and flush finish, which is essential for maintaining the cedar’s natural beauty. Consider using either a finish or siding nail, which typically have smaller heads than common framing nails.

Nail Gun Considerations

When using a nail gun for cedar siding, ensure it’s compatible with the nail size and type you’ve chosen. Different nail guns are designed for specific applications, so it’s crucial to select one that can accommodate the nails you plan to use.

Pre-Drilling

Cedar is a softwood, and it’s essential to avoid splitting when nailing. In some cases, pre-drilling pilot holes for the nails may be necessary, especially when working near the edges of the wood or close to the ends of the boards.

Conclusion

Selecting the right nails for cedar siding is a critical step in ensuring the long-term beauty and structural integrity of your project. Consider factors such as material, size, coating, nail head style, and whether you’ll be using a nail gun. Taking these technical details into account will help you make an informed choice and ensure a successful cedar siding installation that stands the test of time.