What Size Nails To Use For Corner Board Trim On The Outside?

This article discusses the factors to consider when choosing the size and type of nail for various applications, such as exterior trim and nailing 2×4 together. The two most common finish nail sizes used for exterior trim are 15-gauge and 18-gauge. A 1×4 exterior trim is typically ¾ inch thick, making the ideal nail size a 6d or 8d (2-inch or 5-inch nail). It is crucial to choose the right length to ensure the nail penetrates the trim without breaking through. Using the wrong size or type of nail can lead to unsightly results, damaged trim, or even structural issues.

Standard trim nails range from 10-16 inches, with higher gauges being weaker and lower gauges being stronger. For molding and trim applications, 15 or 16-gauge nails in lengths between 1 to 2 inches are reliable options. Apply two coats of high-quality exterior paint to new corner boards and allow them to dry completely. Drill pilot holes to prevent splitting, then secure the first board.

For exterior trim exposed to the elements, only use 15 ga with SS nails. For protected work, like under a porch, use 16 ga galvanized nails. For molding and casing work, use a 16 gauge nailer with 2″ to 2-1/2″ nails that can reach through the drywall and sink into the wood framing. Drill pilot holes to prevent splitting, secure the first board with 3 1/2-inch nails, and install the second board so that it overlaps with the first to create a secure hold.

Finish nailers typically use smaller gauge nails from 15 gauge down to 23 gauge, leaving smaller holes that are easier to fill. I nail up smaller or more delicate exterior trim pieces all the time with SS 15 gauge trim nails.

Is 18 gauge too big for trim?

The 18-gauge pneumatic nailer is the standard tool for finish and trim applications due to its thinner nails and less likelihood of splitting narrow trim and molding. However, for delicate moldings and prefinished crowns, professionals often switch to a 23-gauge pin nailer due to its ability to prevent splitting wood and leaving unsightly marks. The headless or slight-head 23-gauge pins are thin and nearly invisible, but may not have the holding strength for solid connections and may require adhesive for permanent placement.

SENCO’s 21-gauge slight/medium head nailer, the 21LXP, offers a balance of fastening strength and aesthetic advantages, particularly for projects involving MDF. This nailer allows users to use slight/medium head fasteners, offering holding power without compromising finish quality.

What nails are best for trim?

Brad nails are thin fasteners used for indoor projects like trim, paneling, and moulding. They have a small diameter and smaller head, allowing for a seamless finish with less visible holes. The gauge (ga) indicates the diameter, with 18 ga and 23 ga being common sizes. Finish nails, or finishing nails, are ideal for cabinetry and fine carpentry projects, as they are strong enough to hold thicker materials like baseboard and kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Often 16- to 10-gauge, their small diameter reduces the risk of splitting wood. They can be nailed flush or countersunk, concealing them below the visible surface.

Should I use 16 or 18-gauge nails for trim?

An 18-gauge brad nailer is ideal for delicate trim work and woodworking projects, as it fires thin nails between 3/8-2 inches long. These nails are suitable for attaching casing to windows, door jambs, stop moldings, base shoes, cove moldings, and chair rails. The small head of the nails reduces splitting of thinner wood, making them suitable for intricate work. The 23-gauge pin nailer is designed for fine detail work, firing headless or small-headed pins, and is suitable for attaching mitered returns, securing moldings, adding decorative details, and installing beads and thin stops.

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.

What size nails for trim molding?

In order to install baseboards, it is necessary to use 15- to 18-gauge nails, with the gauge size dependent upon the dimensions of the baseboard in question. It is recommended that 2. 5″ nails be used, as they are optimal for this application. In the event that a brad nail is to be utilized, it is recommended that a two-inch 15-gauge nail be employed. It is inadvisable to use caulking when filling nail holes, as it is unlikely to fill them correctly and may result in visible dents or divots. Spackling paste is the optimal filler material due to its malleable texture and capacity to form a smooth and precise seal without altering its shape.

What size nail gun for exterior trim?

A 16-gauge nail gun is ideal for various projects, while 15-gauge nails are suitable for thick trim installation. 18-gauge and higher-gauge guns are suitable for fine detail work, furniture repair, and thin trim work. The nail gun angle, which refers to the angle the nails are collected and stored in the magazine, determines the type of nail heads and the number of nails the gun can accommodate. Nails are always driven straight into a surface, and the angle determines the nail gun’s effectiveness.

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 I 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.

What nails to use for exterior house trim?

Nails are essential tools for securing work pieces together, supporting structural hardware, standing up to the elements, and allowing easy concealment. They come in various types, such as bright nails, black phosphate, zinc-plated nails, hot-dipped galvanized nails, paint and decorative brass, bronze, and nickel plating, and vinyl coatings. Bright nails are untreated steel, suitable for interior use, while black phosphate is an indoor coating that creates good adhesion with paint and drywall mud.

Zinc-plated nails have some corrosion resistance, but are thin and best for indoor use. Hot-dipped galvanized nails are suitable for outdoor use due to their thicker zinc coating, but may not work well with certain wood species like cedar and redwood. Other finishes include paint, decorative brass, bronze, and nickel plating, and vinyl coatings on fasteners for nailers.

What nails to use for an exterior door frame?

In order to install the door frame, it is necessary to secure it to the studs. Subsequently, eight finishing nails should be driven through the frame, shims, and studs. It is important to ensure that two nails are driven through each shim, approximately an inch from the jamb’s edge.

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.