Have you ever spent hours installing beautiful cedar siding, only to see ugly black streaks appear just months later? Cedar is a stunning, natural choice for any home, but it is also a temperamental material. If you use the wrong type of fastener, the wood reacts with the metal and ruins your hard work. This chemical reaction, known as tannin staining, can turn your professional exterior into an eyesore overnight.
Choosing the right nail feels overwhelming because the hardware store is filled with endless options. Should you choose stainless steel, hot-dipped galvanized, or aluminum? Many homeowners guess and hope for the best, but that gamble often leads to costly repairs or premature wood rot. Using a fastener that isn’t rated for cedar can cause your boards to warp, split, or fall off entirely when the metal corrodes.
In this guide, we remove the guesswork from your siding project. You will learn exactly which materials stand the test of time and which ones you should avoid at all costs. We break down the science of cedar compatibility in simple terms so you can protect your investment. By the end of this post, you will have the confidence to pick the perfect hardware for your home. Let’s dive into the essential details to keep your cedar siding looking flawless for years to come.
Top Nails For Cedar Siding Recommendations
- CLASSIC DESIGN: These siding nails by Simpson Strong-Tie are given a diamond point for easy driving, the most common point type in most hardware. These are manufactured with a head diameter of 0.083 inches, and length of 1-1/4 inches.
- SECURE ATTACHMENT: Each of these nails have an annular ring shank which increases the withdrawal resistance to provide a strong and secure attachment. This greatly reduces the cupping of siding boards or wall panels that can occur when they are not properly secured.
- CHECKER PATTERN: The Checker pattern on the head of these nails blends seamlessly with the wood grain, while also reducing glare from sunlight. This prevents them from standing out in the wood, creating an overall cleaner look, an important element in woodworking.
- STAINLESS STEEL: These exterior nails come in Type 304 and Type 316 Stainless Steel, which in general provide corrosion resistance. However, it is best to pick Type our 316 stainless steel nails for seaside applications, or in applications where extra corrosion resistance is needed.
- SIMPSON STRONG-TIE RELIABILITY: At Simpson Strong-Tie, our mission is to provide solutions that help people design and build safer, stronger structures. As a pioneer in the building industry, we have an unmatched passion for problem solving through skillful engineering and thoughtful innovation.
- You Will Receive: a set of hardwood flooring nails that come in a robust box to keep the packaging box safe; With a total weight of 2 LBS, this box contains many nails, more than enough to meet your daily needs and to share with family and friends
- Appropriate Size: considerably designed for versatility, these fence nails come in a suitable size of 2 inches long, 0.095 inches in shank diameter, and 0.236 inches in head diameter; The checkered head pattern not only adds embodiment to the nails but also ensures a grip, preventing slips and offs
- Quality Material: made from quality 304 stainless steel, these siding nails are not only hard and sharp but also resistant to corrosion and rust; The durability and long service life mean less deformation over time, and you can rest assured that the siding nails will not bend easily when hammered, revealing their quality and strength
- Considerate Design: these stainless steel nails can smoothly penetrate through various materials such as plastic, wood, and soft metal; The large diameter handle increases their pull resistance while the tip makes it easier to pierce through boards, thereby enhancing their utility
- Multipurpose Usage: these concrete nails are not only suitable for hardware nails of redwood and cedar wood siding, decoration, roof panels, but also suitable for small repairs around door handles, cabinets, furniture fasteners, floor, and wall fixing; They are the ideal accessory for home stores, garages, or residential DIY repairs and fixtures
- You Will Receive: a set of hardwood flooring nails that come in a robust box to keep the packaging box safe; With a total weight of 2 LBS, this box contains many nails, more than enough to meet your daily needs and to share with family and friends
- Appropriate Size: considerably designed for versatility, these fence nails come in a suitable size of 1-3/4 inches long, 0.095 inches in shank diameter, and 0.236 inches in head diameter; The checkered head pattern not only adds embodiment to the nails but also ensures a grip, preventing slips and offs
- Quality Material: made from quality 304 stainless steel, these siding nails are not only hard and sharp but also resistant to corrosion and rust; The durability and long service life mean less deformation over time, and you can rest assured that the siding nails will not bend easily when hammered, revealing their quality and strength
- Considerate Design: these stainless steel nails can smoothly penetrate through various materials such as plastic, wood, and soft metal; The large diameter handle increases their pull resistance while the tip makes it easier to pierce through boards, thereby enhancing their utility
- Multipurpose Usage: these concrete nails are not only suitable for hardware nails of redwood and cedar wood siding, decoration, roof panels, but also suitable for small repairs around door handles, cabinets, furniture fasteners, floor, and wall fixing; They are the ideal accessory for home stores, garages, or residential DIY repairs and fixtures
- You Will Receive: a set of hardwood flooring nails that come in a robust box to keep the packaging box safe; With a total weight of 2 LBS, this box contains many nails, more than enough to meet your daily needs and to share with family and friends
- Appropriate Size: considerably designed for versatility, these fence nails come in a suitable size of 1-1/2 inches long, 0.095 inches in shank diameter, and 0.236 inches in head diameter; The checkered head pattern not only adds embodiment to the nails but also ensures a grip, preventing slips and offs
- Quality Material: made from quality 304 stainless steel, these siding nails are not only hard and sharp but also resistant to corrosion and rust; The durability and long service life mean less deformation over time, and you can rest assured that the siding nails will not bend easily when hammered, revealing their quality and strength
- Considerate Design: these stainless steel nails can smoothly penetrate through various materials such as plastic, wood, and soft metal; The large diameter handle increases their pull resistance while the tip makes it easier to pierce through boards, thereby enhancing their utility
- Multipurpose Usage: these concrete nails are not only suitable for hardware nails of redwood and cedar wood siding, decoration, roof panels, but also suitable for small repairs around door handles, cabinets, furniture fasteners, floor, and wall fixing; They are the ideal accessory for home stores, garages, or residential DIY repairs and fixtures
- Checker pattern on heads blends with wood grain, reduces glare from sunlight and accepts surface finishes
- Annular ring shank increases withdrawal resistance to provide a secure attachment that reduces cupping of siding boards
- Diamond point for easier driving
- Length: 1-1/2 inches
- Nail penny size: 4d
- DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL: Crafted from high quality stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance. Ideal for outdoor projects and long lasting performance in harsh weather conditions.
- VERSATILE SIDING APPLICATIONS: Designed for use as siding nails, perfect for attaching cedar or vinyl siding. Provides secure fastening and minimizes splitting of wooden materials.
- COIL NAIL COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with most coil nailers for efficient installation. Coil nails allow for faster work and reduced downtime on large construction or renovation projects.
- RING SHANK HOLDING POWER: Features ring shank design for enhanced grip and holding strength. Prevents nails from backing out, ensuring a secure and stable attachment over time.
- IDEAL SIZE AND LENGTH: Stainless steel nails measure 2 inch for optimal penetration and holding. Suitable for a variety of tasks including roofing, framing, and general construction needs.
- Comprehensive Package: the package includes 1 box of stainless steel siding nails; This ensures you have enough supply to finish your projects without the need to make frequent purchases, making the process smooth and time efficient. Our nails are made of 304 stainless steel. Due to the cold rolling, rolling and polishing during the processing, 304 stainless steel will produce weak magnetism, which is normal
- Ideal Size and Weight: our roof nails are approximately 1-3/4 inches in size and 2 pounds in weight, about 0.083 inches diameter shank and 0.236 inches diameter top, such a measured size and weight ensure balanced and stable fastening, thereby providing an efficient working process
- Solid Material: these flooring nails are made of robust 304 stainless steel that gives durability without bending easily, ensuring long lasting use and saving time on frequent replacements, rust proof and reliable, can be nailed to where you want they to be
- Multipurpose Use: these deck nails can easily pass through a variety of materials such as plastic, wood, soft metal, and redwood; They are also suitable for trim, roof panels, door handles, cabinets, and furniture fasteners, making them versatile for many different jobs
- Enhanced Features: these roofing nails are designed not to bend easily, and they boast a diamond tip for easier material penetration, this flat head provides additional bearing surface and the annular ring shank design increases pull out resistance, to provide a strong connection
- Comprehensive Package: the package includes 1 box of stainless steel siding nails; This ensures you have enough supply to finish your projects without the need to make frequent purchases, making the process smooth and time efficient. Our nails are made of 304 stainless steel. Due to the cold rolling, rolling and polishing during the processing, 304 stainless steel will produce weak magnetism, which is normal
- Ideal Size and Weight: our roof nails are approximately 1-1/2 inches in size and 2 pounds in weight, about 0.083 inches diameter shank and 0.236 inches diameter top, such a measured size and weight ensure balanced and stable fastening, thereby providing an efficient working process
- Solid Material: these flooring nails are made of robust 304 stainless steel that gives durability without bending easily, ensuring long lasting use and saving time on frequent replacements, rust proof and reliable, can be nailed to where you want they to be
- Multipurpose Use: these deck nails can easily pass through a variety of materials such as plastic, wood, soft metal, and redwood; They are also suitable for trim, roof panels, door handles, cabinets, and furniture fasteners, making them versatile for many different jobs
- Enhanced Features: these roofing nails are designed not to bend easily, and they boast a diamond tip for easier material penetration, this flat head provides additional bearing surface and the annular ring shank design increases pull out resistance, to provide a strong connection
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Nails for Cedar Siding
Cedar siding gives your home a beautiful, natural look. However, cedar is a unique wood. It contains natural oils and acids that can react poorly with certain metals. If you choose the wrong nails, your siding will develop ugly black streaks, or the nails will rust and fail. This guide helps you pick the right fasteners for your project.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for siding nails, look for “ring-shank” designs. These nails have small ridges along the shaft. The ridges grip the wood tightly and prevent the siding from popping out as the wood expands and contracts. You should also look for a “casing head” or a small, flat head. These heads sit flush against the wood for a clean look.
Important Materials
Material choice is the most important step. Because cedar is acidic, you must avoid standard galvanized or steel nails.
- Stainless Steel (304 or 316 grade): This is the gold standard. It does not react with cedar oils and will not rust. Use 316-grade stainless steel if you live near the ocean.
- Hot-Dipped Galvanized: These are a cheaper alternative. They have a thick coating of zinc. Ensure they are “hot-dipped” rather than electro-galvanized. Electro-galvanized nails are too thin and will rust quickly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
High-quality nails have a sharp point. A sharp point pierces the wood easily without splitting it. Cedar is soft, so you want to avoid unnecessary damage during installation. Quality nails also feature a consistent coating. If the coating flakes off in the box, the nail will fail once it is inside your wall. Avoid nails with jagged edges or uneven heads, as these will leave gaps where water can enter.
User Experience and Use Cases
Professional contractors almost always choose stainless steel ring-shank nails. They save time because they prevent “cupping” or warping of the cedar boards. If you are doing a DIY project, use a siding nailer for large areas. If you are doing minor repairs, hand-nailing is fine. Always drive the nail head until it is flush with the surface. Do not “set” the nail too deep, or you will crush the wood fibers and create a pocket for water.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do my cedar nails have black streaks?
A: This happens when the iron in the nail reacts with the tannins in the cedar. Use stainless steel nails to stop this from happening.
Q: Should I use smooth-shank nails?
A: No. Smooth-shank nails pull out easily as the cedar wood moves with the seasons. Always choose ring-shank nails for better holding power.
Q: Is hot-dipped galvanized safe for cedar?
A: It is acceptable for inland areas, but stainless steel is better. Do not use them near salt water.
Q: How long should my nails be?
A: Your nails should be long enough to penetrate the wood stud by at least 1.25 inches.
Q: Can I use a nail gun for cedar?
A: Yes, but adjust the pressure carefully. Cedar is soft and easy to damage with too much air pressure.
Q: Do I need to paint the nail heads?
A: If you use stainless steel, you do not need to paint them. If you use galvanized nails, painting the heads can add a small layer of protection.
Q: What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel?
A: 316 stainless steel is more resistant to salt and harsh chemicals. It is the best choice for coastal homes.
Q: How many nails do I need per board?
A: Follow the siding manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, you need one nail every 16 inches for standard cedar planks.
Q: Will the nails rust if I live in a dry climate?
A: Even in dry climates, moisture gets behind siding. Always use high-quality, rust-resistant fasteners.
Q: Are screws better than nails for cedar siding?
A: Screws hold tighter, but they are much slower to install. Nails are the industry standard for siding because they handle the natural movement of wood better.