Best Nails For Wood Siding

Frequently Asked Questions

What size nails to use for siding?

There is a lot to consider when nailing siding. The width and thickness of the siding, the type of nails, the weather and even the subtype of siding all play a role in what size nails to use. Here are some general guidelines to follow.

For most types of siding, including aluminum, vinyl and fiber cement, 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch diameter nails should be used. The length will depend on the thickness of your siding; for example, 1-inch long nails should be used for 7/16-inch thick lap siding. If you're not sure about the thickness of your siding, err on the side of longer nails so they can penetrate deep enough into the sheathing beneath.

As far as type goes, galvanized ring shank or stainless steel nails are best because they resist rusting and popping out over time. Hot dipped galvanized (HDG) nails are also an option, but these must be used with HDG fasteners and washers which can add significantly to project costs. For wood lap siding, it's best to use smooth shank (no grooves) common wire nails with a diameter that's slightly smaller than the nail slots in order to avoid splitting the wood.

Keep in mind that nailing requirements may vary depending on local building codes so it's always best check with your code enforcement office before starting any work.

What do you use to fasten wood siding?

There are a few ways that you can use to fasten wood siding. The most common way is by using nails, but you can also use screws or even adhesives. When it comes to choosing what type of fastener to use, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration such as the type of siding, the climate and whether the siding will be painted or not.

If you're installing wood siding in an area with severe weather conditions, it's important that you choose a fastener that will be able to withstand high winds and heavy rains. Nails are usually the best option for this since they're less likely to come loose than screws. However, if you're worried about the nails rusting, you can always opt for stainless steel nails.

Another thing to consider is whether or not the siding will be painted. If it is, then you'll want to avoid using any type of adhesive since it may cause the paint to peel off over time. Nails and screws are both good options for attaching unpainted wood siding.

Just make sure that you countersink them so that the heads are flush with the surface of the wood.

What kind of nails do you use for T1 11 siding?

There are a few different types of nails that can be used for T1 11 siding, but the most common and recommended type is galvanized steel ring shank nails. These nails have a special coating that helps to prevent them from rusting, which is important since T1 11 siding is often exposed to weather and moisture. Other types of nails that can be used for T1 11 siding include aluminum, stainless steel, and copper.

What kind of nails to use for plywood siding?

If you're installing plywood siding, you have a few options when it comes to nails. You can use either common nails or ring shank nails. Common nails are the less expensive option, but they're also more likely to pull out over time.

Ring shank nails are more expensive, but they grip the plywood better and are less likely to come loose. When choosing between common and ring Shank Nails, it's important to consider the climate in which the siding will be installed. If you live in an area with high winds or hurricane-force storms, ring shank nails are a better choice since they'll hold up better against the elements.

But if you live in a relatively calm area, common nails should be sufficient. Another factor to consider is the thickness of the plywood siding you're using. Thicker boards require stronger fasteners, so if you're using 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch plywood, opt for ring shank nails rather than common nails.

Finally, think about how long you want your siding to last. If you plan on selling your house in the near future, common nails may be fine since they won't add much to the overall cost of installation. But if you plan on staying in your home for many years to come, paying a little extra for ring shank nails now will save you money and frustration down the road.