Quick Summary:
For cedar wood with nail guns, choose galvanized or stainless steel nails designed for framing or finishing, typically 1.5 to 2.5 inches long. Ensure they are corrosion-resistant to prevent rust stains and maintain the wood’s beauty.

What Nails For Cedar Wood With Nail Guns: An Essential Guide

When working with beautiful cedar wood for your DIY projects, you want everything to look just right. One common question that pops up is about the best nails to use when you’re firing up your nail gun. It might seem like a small detail, but picking the wrong nails can lead to unsightly rust stains, weak joints, or even damage to your precious cedar. Don’t worry, though! As your go-to guy for all things nailers, I’m here to break it down. We’ll explore the types of nails, why they matter, and how to choose the perfect ones so your cedar projects shine. Let’s get those nails firing straight and true!

Why Choosing the Right Nails for Cedar Matters

Cedar is a fantastic wood for many outdoor and indoor projects. It’s naturally resistant to rot and insects, and it smells wonderful! However, cedar is also a softwood, which means it’s softer than woods like oak or maple. This characteristic plays a big role in how nails interact with it.

When you drive a nail into cedar, the wood fibers can compress and even splinter if the nail isn’t the right type or size. More importantly, cedar contains natural oils and acids. When these interact with certain types of metal, a chemical reaction can occur, leading to what we call “bleeding” or rust stains. These ugly brown marks can ruin the natural beauty of the cedar.

Using the wrong nails can also lead to:

• Corrosion: Nails rusting and expanding inside the wood, causing cracks.
• Weak Joints: Nails not holding as securely as they should over time.
• Aesthetic Issues: Discolored streaks that detract from the wood’s natural look.

That’s why picking nails specifically suited for cedar, especially when using the power and speed of a nail gun, is crucial for a professional and long-lasting finish.

Understanding Nail Gun Nails: A Quick Overview

Nail guns use nails that are collated together, meaning they are held in strips or coils. This allows the nail gun to rapidly drive them into the wood. The type of collation (plastic, paper, or wire) depends on the type of nail gun you’re using. For general woodworking with cedar, you’ll likely be using framing nailers or finishing nailers.

Here’s a quick look at common nail types you might encounter:

Framing Nails

These are the big boys, designed for structural work. They are typically thicker and longer, used for building decks, fences, and framing walls. When working with cedar for structural purposes, you’ll need robust framing nails.

Finishing Nails

These are slimmer and have a smaller head, making them less visible. They are used for trim work, molding, and attaching smaller pieces where appearance is key. For decorative cedar elements, finishing nails are often the choice.

Brad Nails

Even slimmer and smaller than finishing nails, brad nails are for very fine trim work or where minimal hold is needed. They create tiny holes that are easy to fill.

Siding Nails

Specifically designed for attaching wood siding, these nails often have a specific head style and coating to resist weather and staining. They can be a good option for cedar siding projects.

The Crucial Factor: Nail Material

This is where we get to the heart of preventing those dreaded rust stains on your cedar. When it comes to cedar, the material of your nails is paramount.

Electro-Galvanized Nails

These nails have a thin coating of zinc applied through an electroplating process. While better than plain steel, this coating can wear off, especially in moist environments or when driven into harder woods. For cedar, especially for outdoor projects, these are often not the best long-term solution. The acids in cedar can still eventually react with the steel underneath.

Hot-Dip Galvanized Nails

This is a better option. The nails are dipped in molten zinc, creating a thicker, more durable protective layer. These are generally recommended for exterior cedar projects because they offer significantly better corrosion resistance than electro-galvanized nails. This thicker coating is crucial for preventing the zinc from being compromised by cedar’s natural properties.

Stainless Steel Nails

For the absolute best protection against rust and corrosion, especially with cedar, stainless steel nails are the top choice. They will not rust, ever. This makes them ideal for any cedar project, particularly outdoor applications like decks, fences, and pergolas where the wood is exposed to the elements. While they are more expensive, the longevity and pristine look they provide are well worth the investment for cedar.

Coated Nails

Some specialized nails have coatings other than zinc, like vinyl or polymer coatings. These can offer good corrosion resistance and can be suitable for cedar. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific application and wood type.

What Type of Nail Gun Should You Use?

The type of nail gun you have or plan to buy will influence the type of nails you can use.

Framing Nailer

These guns drive larger nails (typically 2-inch to 3.5-inch). If you’re building something structural with cedar – like a deck frame, a solid fence, or a pergola – a framing nailer is what you need. You’ll want to pair this with hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel framing nails.

Finish Nailer

These guns use slimmer nails (typically 1.5-inch to 2.5-inch) with smaller heads. If you’re attaching cedar trim, baseboards, or creating decorative elements, a finish nailer is ideal. For these applications, stainless steel or high-quality coated finishing nails are best to avoid staining.

Brad Nailer

These use very thin and small nails (typically 5/8-inch to 1-1/4-inch). They’re great for delicate trim work where minimal visual impact is desired. For cedar trim, stainless steel brad nails are recommended.

Nail Size and Gauge for Cedar Projects

Beyond the material, the size and gauge (thickness) of the nail are important. Cedar is a softer wood, so you generally don’t need the thickest nails available.

Length

The general rule of thumb for any wood project is to use nails that penetrate the secondary piece of wood (the one being attached) by at least 1 inch.

• For framing: Nails typically range from 2 inches to 3.5 inches.
• For trim and siding: Nails are usually 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches.
• For delicate trim with brad nailers: Nails can be as short as 5/8 inch.

For cedar, you might find that slightly shorter or slimmer nails can be just as effective and cause less stress on the wood compared to very long, thick nails. Always consider the thickness of the cedar pieces you are joining.

Gauge (Thickness)

Nail gauge refers to the thickness of the nail shank. Lower gauge numbers mean thicker nails.

• Finishing nails: Commonly come in 16-gauge (slimmer) and 15-gauge (slightly thicker).
• Brad nails: Are typically 18-gauge (very slim).
• Framing nails: Can range from 8-gauge to 11-gauge.

For cedar, 16-gauge finishing nails are very popular for trim. If you’re using a framing nailer, 10-gauge or 8-gauge nails are common. Always consult your nailer’s manual to see what gauge nails it accepts.

Recommended Nails for Common Cedar Projects

To make things super clear, let’s look at some typical cedar projects and the best nail choices.

Cedar Decking

When attaching cedar deck boards to joists, you need nails that can withstand outdoor conditions and provide a strong hold.

• Nail Type: Deck screws are often preferred for decking due to their superior holding power and ease of removal if needed. However, if using a nail gun for speed, use ring-shank or spiral-shank nails for better grip.
• Material: Hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel are essential to prevent rust.
• Size: For 5/4 inch (nominal) decking boards, use 2.5-inch to 3-inch nails.
• Nail Gun: A capable framing nailer or a dedicated deck nailer.

Cedar Siding Installation

Cedar siding needs nails that won’t stain the wood and can hold up to weather changes.

• Nail Type: Choose siding nails designed specifically for wood siding. Ring shank nails offer good holding power.
• Material: Stainless steel is highly recommended. High-quality hot-dip galvanized nails are an acceptable alternative for less extreme climates.
• Size: Usually 1.5-inch to 2.5-inch nails, depending on the thickness of your siding and sheathing.
• Nail Gun: A framing nailer or a siding nailer.

It’s important to drive siding nails into the studs or solid backing for maximum hold. You can learn more about proper siding installation techniques from resources like the Building Science Corporation.

Cedar Trim and Molding

For beautiful cedar trim around windows, doors, or decorative features, a clean, precise finish is key.

• Nail Type: Finishing nails or brad nails are ideal.
• Material: Stainless steel is the best choice to guarantee no staining. High-quality coated finishing nails can also work if they are rated for exterior use or high-moisture environments.
• Size: 1.5-inch to 2-inch nails for finishing nails, and 1-inch to 1.25-inch for brad nails. The gauge will typically be 16-gauge for finishing and 18-gauge for brads.
• Nail Gun: A finish nailer or a brad nailer.

Cedar Fencing

Fences are exposed to the elements, so durability and rust prevention are critical.

• Nail Type: Ring-shank or spiral-shank nails will provide better holding power against wind and weathering.
• Material: Hot-dip galvanized is a minimum requirement. Stainless steel is superior and recommended for longevity.
• Size: For attaching fence boards to rails, typically 2-inch to 3-inch nails are used.
• Nail Gun: A framing nailer.

Table: Nail Recommendations for Cedar Wood

Here’s a handy table summarizing the best nail types for common cedar projects when using a nail gun.

Project Type	Nail Gun Type	Recommended Nail Material	Typical Nail Size	Key Considerations
Decking	Framing Nailer / Deck Nailer	Stainless Steel, Hot-Dip Galvanized	2.5″ – 3″	Ring-shank or spiral-shank for better grip. Consider screws for ultimate hold.
Siding	Framing Nailer / Siding Nailer	Stainless Steel (Preferred), High-Quality Hot-Dip Galvanized	1.5″ – 2.5″	Ensure nails penetrate studs. Avoid overdriving.
Trim/Molding	Finish Nailer / Brad Nailer	Stainless Steel (Best), Coated Finishing Nails	1.5″ – 2″ (Finish) / 1″ – 1.25″ (Brad)	16-gauge or 18-gauge. Small head for minimal visibility.
Fencing	Framing Nailer	Stainless Steel (Best), Hot-Dip Galvanized	2″ – 3″	Ring-shank or spiral-shank for wind resistance.
Railings/Pergolas (Structural)	Framing Nailer	Stainless Steel, Hot-Dip Galvanized	2.5″ – 3.5″	Heavy-duty applications require robust nails.

Important Tips for Nailing Cedar with a Nail Gun

Using a nail gun is fast, but it’s still wood, and cedar has its quirks. Here are some pro tips to ensure success:

• Test Fire: Always test your nail gun on a scrap piece of cedar before starting your main project. Adjust the air pressure (PSI) and depth setting until the nail drives flush without over-penetrating or damaging the wood surface.
• Air Pressure (PSI): Too high an air pressure can cause the nail head to sink too deeply, creating a larger hole or even splintering the surface of the cedar. Too low, and the nail won’t drive fully. Refer to your nail gun’s manual and the nail manufacturer’s recommendations. A good starting point for cedar might be between 70-100 PSI, but always test!
• Angle of the Nail: Try to drive nails as straight as possible (perpendicular to the surface). Angled nails can sometimes blow out the side of the wood, especially with softer woods like cedar.
• Avoid Overdriving: This is crucial with cedar. You want the nail head to be flush with or slightly beneath the surface, not deeply embedded. Overdriving can split the wood or create excessive damage that rust issues will eventually exploit.
• Consider Adhesive: For critical joints, especially in decking or structural applications, using a good quality exterior wood adhesive along with your nails will significantly strengthen the connection and add durability.
• Tool Maintenance: Ensure your nail gun is clean and well-maintained. A malfunctioning gun can lead to improperly driven nails and project headaches.
• Work in Sections: When fastening siding or deck boards, work in manageable sections. This allows you to ensure nails are placed correctly and to address any issues immediately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s talk about what NOT to do, to save you time and frustration.

• Using Interior Nails Outdoors: Never use electro-galvanized or uncoated nails for any cedar project that will be exposed to the elements. The moisture will cause them to rust quickly.
• Using the Wrong Nail Type for the Gun: Always ensure the nails you are using are compatible with your specific nail gun model and collation type (e.g., don’t try to load paper collated nails into a plastic collated gun).
• Not Adjusting Depth Settings: Driving nails too deep is a common error that damages the cedar. Take the time to find the correct depth setting.
• Ignoring Manufacturer Recommendations: Both nail manufacturers and nail gun manufacturers provide important guidelines. Reading them can prevent many problems. For instance, fasteners for lumber like cedar are often discussed by organizations like the Forest Products Laboratory.
• Relying on Cheap Nails: While budget is always a consideration, there’s a point where cutting costs on nails can lead to much more expensive repairs down the line due to rust stains and structural failure. Invest in quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best nails for outdoor cedar projects like decks and fences?

For outdoor cedar projects, stainless steel nails are the absolute best for preventing rust and corrosion. Hot-dip galvanized nails are a good second choice, but ensure they are of high quality and a thicker coating. Avoid electro-galvanized nails for exterior use.

Can I use regular steel nails with my nail gun on cedar?

No. Regular steel nails will rust very quickly when exposed to the elements or even the natural oils in cedar, leading to unsightly stains and potential wood damage.

How do I prevent rust stains on cedar when using a nail gun?

The key is to use corrosion-resistant nails. Always opt for stainless steel or at least high-quality hot-dip galvanized nails. Additionally, ensure your nail heads are driven flush or slightly below the surface, but not so deep they cause significant wood damage.

What size nails do I need for cedar trim?

For cedar trim and molding projects where appearance matters, you’ll typically use 16-gauge finishing nails (about 1.5 to 2 inches long) or 18-gauge brad nails (about 1 to 1.25 inches long). Stainless steel is highly recommended to prevent any discoloration.

Is it okay to use a framing nailer on cedar siding?

Yes, you can use a framing nailer for cedar siding, but you must