The choice between nailing or screwing exterior trim depends on the material used. Nails are better suited for thinner materials like vinyl and aluminum, which are flexible and conformable. Finish nails are designed for precision work, making them ideal for attaching exterior trim. They have a thicker gauge and are smaller than common nails, with small, discreet heads. The two most common types of nails used for trim work are finishing nails and brads.
For outdoor trim, it is best to use a nail specifically designed for outdoor use, such as hot-dipped galvanized nails. This type of nail has a thicker zinc coating that protects it from corrosion and other issues. For Hardie trim, plastic strip nails are recommended. The ideal length for trim is 15 or 16-ga nails with a length between 1 1/2-inch to 2 1/2-inch (4D to 8D nails).
Finally, screws are useful when strength is a priority. The rule of thumb is to use a nail that is at least 3 times the length of the material you are nailing through. Galvanized finishing nails are the best option for exterior trim. For exterior trim exposed to the elements, use 15 ga nails with SS nails. Stainless nails are the standard for cedar and redwood, and the easiest and cheapest option is the 16 gauge.
Our wood trim nails are specifically designed for exterior siding and trim, with a slim, sturdy shank and special blunt point that virtually eliminate splits. Hot-dip galvanized nails are one of the best options for exterior trim, coated with a heavy zinc layer. Trim nails are designed for exterior use on homes, securing home gutters, fascia, and soffit.
📹 DON’T USE TRIM NAILS! Try These Instead…(TRIM HEAD SCREWS / TRIM SCREWS–Easy Woodworking Screws)
If you’re tackling finer work, don’t worry about hand nailing with finish nails. And don’t try to drive full head screws in small delicate …
What nails are best for exterior trim?
Hot-Dip Galvanized Finishing Nails are designed for exterior trim applications, featuring a slim, sturdy shank and a special blunt point to eliminate splits. They have a checkered head to hold paint or stain. For jobs with a clear or semi-transparent finish, stainless steel “Slim-Jim®” nails are recommended. Hand-driven nails can reduce paint chipping and are made in the USA. Plastic Hammer Caps are also available to reduce damage to paint film on colored nails during application.
What is the preferred nail for fastening exterior finish?
Siding nails are designed to withstand the effects of weather and are therefore suitable for use on exterior building surfaces. In contrast, joist hanger nails are double-dipped galvanized or stainless steel nails that can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings.
What nails can be used outside?
Stainless Steel nails are corrosion-resistant and ideal for outdoor use, especially in woods with tannin. They discolour quickly when exposed to sunlight. Strip nails, also known as stick nails, are set at an angle and held together with paper tape or plastic. These nails are found in 1st Fix Air Nailers, gas nailers, and the Stanley Battery BF33-2. Paper tape nails are set at an angle of 34 degrees and have a clipped head for neat placement.
Can I use galvanized nails for exterior trim?
In order to achieve a high-performance siding system, it is essential to pair hot-dip galvanized nails with exterior applications of LP® SmartSide® trim and siding products that are designed for use in exterior environments.
What is best for exterior trim?
Wood trim is a popular choice for homeowners due to its natural beauty and versatility. However, it is susceptible to environmental damage, such as rot, warping, and insect infestation, which requires regular maintenance. PVC trim is a low-maintenance alternative, as it is impervious to rot, moisture, and insect damage. Its easy-to-clean surface and absence of painting or staining reduce upkeep efforts. However, some may find its appearance less appealing than natural wood, and its reaction to extreme temperature changes can pose challenges in fit and finish over time.
Fiber cement trim combines the benefits of durability and aesthetics, withstanding rot, termites, and fire, offering an impressive lifespan. It can mimic the look of wood, providing a low-maintenance option without sacrificing style. However, its weight and brittleness require professional installation and may require periodic painting to maintain its appearance. Overall, wood and fiber cement offer different options for homeowners looking to enhance their home’s exteriors.
What can I use to fasten exterior trim?
The area is susceptible to water infiltration, which may result in premature deterioration and rot. The area displays indications of being in a state of deterioration, yet further examination is necessary to ascertain its precise condition.
What nail to use for exterior trim?
Due to their thicker zinc coating and flat, gray color, hot-dipped galvanized nails are suitable for outdoor use. While suitable for pressure-treated lumber, these nails are not recommended for use with certain wood species, such as cedar and redwood, due to their potential to corrode unprotected steel.
What size nails for exterior door trim?
The 23-gauge nail is suitable for small painted or stained moldings, medium to small casings, chair rails, and low-profile crown molding. It provides 80 holding power of an 18 gauge and is suitable for medium to small casings, chair rails, and low-profile crown molding. The 16-gauge nail is suitable for outer nail on casings, base trim, and other large trim. The 15-gauge nail is suitable for outer nail on casings, base trim, and sturdy installation of door jambs, particularly heavy, solid-core doors.
For structural fastening, most fastening systems are dictated by code or architectural specifications, or the substrate manufacturer may designate specific fasteners for use with their product. Plans may call for a 6d nail, which is a denotation for pennyweight, and the “d” refers to the length of the fastener.
What type of nails for outdoor use?
In terms of material preference, galvanized steel is the most commonly selected nail material, followed by aluminum, stainless steel, and copper. Although copper nails are more costly, they are preferred for their extended lifespan, making them suitable for slate roofs, which typically have a lifespan exceeding 100 years.
What is the best fastener for exterior trim?
Stainless steel nails are the most suitable fastener for basic construction, such as building a box, and are used in framing and structural applications. Outdoor applications require stainless or galvanized nails, while finish nails are best for trim and molding, furniture assembly, and outdoor projects. Deck screws, coated to resist corrosion, are less expensive than stainless steel nails and are suitable for attaching deck boards and outdoor furniture.
Stainless steel screws are the best fattener for joints that will be subjected to multiple directions of force or extra weight, such as a bookshelf. They grip and bite into the wood, resulting in stronger and more secure joints. However, using nails in these situations can lead to substrates disconnecting. Overall, stainless steel nails are a cost-effective and reliable fastener for various construction projects.
Can you use brad nails for exterior trim?
Brad nails are effective for trim work, such as narrow trim around windows or doors, shoe moulding, and quarter-round moulding. They are versatile and have a 15- or 16-gauge diameter, providing enhanced holding strength. They can be obtained in collated finishing nail strips or individual pieces. Finish nails are suitable for interior and exterior trim, window and door casings, chair rails, and securing baseboards, crown moulding, stair treads, risers, and light carpentry and cabinet projects.
They are better suited for tasks like light decorative trim and molding, paneling, picture frames, and crafts like birdhouses, while finish nails are better suited for larger trim, such as baseboards or crown molding.
📹 How to Select Siding Nails
Travis explains the importance of siding nails and some tips when planning for your next siding project.
This is my first time hearing about trim screws. I’m glad to see they exist. I don’t like nails at all for anything. The banging is too loud, and the shockwave it creates damages whatever structure its going into. Getting a nail out destroys the nail and the material, the prying sucks, its a pain, its a mess. Screws and a pistol are my favorite. I have never built a house though, if there is some type of advantage to fastening sticks and sheets with nails I wouldn’t know, but so far, for diy fun builds for garage and workshop projects, which are the same materials, yep i like the simple machine that is the a screw over the wedge!
You were the greatest help! I was one person that never knew about trim head screws! I used these to make repairs on my wooden fence gate and installing the fence panels with these were perfect! It made my work look like it was professionally done after I’ve countersink them in. I’m very impressed. I got the 600 pk because I knew these are great for trim or base renovating that we plan to do in the near future. I’m just satisfied! Sorry for the lengthy post but thank you again!