What are the best nails for fence pickets? It is the most concerning question when you are about to build a new backyard fence. You are not the one who is unaware of the types of nails and for what purpose they can use.
Fence pickets’ nails have varying characteristics, and all nails are not alike. Wood fences are a popular choice among homeowners and professionals because they allow easy installation and maintenance.
For more information, stay with us and discover important items about nails and fence pickets to build a fence or even repair it.
Table of Contents
Best Nails for Fence Pickets and How They Serve
Nails are widely used in fence picket installation. However, if you have no idea about the types of nails and the use of nails in fence pickets, let’s get started.
1. Galvanized Nails
Galvanized nails have rust and corrosion-resistant properties; making them ideal for most types of fences and outdoor applications. Galvanized nails are coated with zinc, thus they can provide an extraordinary application to withstand harsh weather situations.
Galvanized nails are good enough to provide durability and secure the fence more effectively. Moreover, galvanized nails are smooth rather than textured.
2. Stainless Steel Nails
In coastal regions or regions exposed to high humidity stainless steel nails are considered ideal for fence pickets. Stainless steel has a bright, shiny surface and is stronger than galvanized nails. Stainless steel nails give more protection and come with rust and corrosion-resistant properties.
Stainless steel nails are more expensive than galvanized nails due to their wide manufacturing process. In addition, these nails are less likely to stain the wood fence for a longer time.
3. Copper Nails
Copper nails have corrosion-resistant properties which ensure long-lasting durability for fence installation. Copper nails pair up the best combination with various types of wood fences like redwood or cedar fences.
Copper nails are eco-friendly as they do not release harmful chemicals to pollute the environment. Copper nails are functional, visually appealing, and durable this is the reason they are considered ideal for outdoor applications.
4. Aluminum Nails
Aluminum nails are light weighted and designed for specific types of fence projects. Aluminum or vinyl fences ensure great compatibility with aluminum nails. Using the right type of nail and size enhances a secure and long-lasting fence construction.
Aluminum nails feature a tidy and silvery appearance and are highly resistant to corrosion. They can perform well in those areas where saltwater is a big concern.
5. Hot-Dipped Galvanized Nails
When it comes to choosing the Best Nails for Fence Pickets, hot-dipped galvanized nails come into mind due to their durable application and versatility. Hot-dipped galvanized nails have zinc finishes that offer incredible rust resistance.
These nails are well suited to your outdoor space with durability and long-lasting feature. One thing that is needed to be mentioned is that these nails are not corrosion-resistant as compared to galvanized nails.
6. Ring Shank Nails
Ring shank nails have ridges or rings; making them ideal to increase their holding power. The ridges offer great grip to the wood and there are less likely chances for the nails to lose or fall out with time.
Ring shank nails are harder to remove so you have to be very vigilant during application.
7. Screw Nails
As the name suggests, screw nails are a combination of screws and nails. Screw nails give the flexibility to install them by using a nail gun. Screw nails give increased holding power just like ring shank nails.
Screw nails allow faster application as compared to traditional screws and are more efficient than ordinary nails.
Types of Fence Pickets
Fence pickets are designed for yards and are a popular choice among homeowners. Fence pickets can be used for many purposes.
You can use them to add beauty to your yard, and protection, and improve privacy. From the list of different types of fence pickets, you can choose the one that suits your need.
1. Wooden Pickets
Wood is a classy and versatile option for fences used by many homeowners. While keeping privacy and security, wooden fences contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal.
Wooden fences are compatible with any finishes to complement your yard with your surroundings. A huge variety of wooden fence pickets is available in the market including redwood, cedar, spruce, and cypress.
2. Vinyl Pickets
If you are bored to install traditional wood pickets, then you can use vinyl fence pickets that offer low maintenance. Vinyl pickets offer the same feel as wood pickets. Vinyl fencing installation is easy.
The most significant aspect of vinyl pickets is their durability and resistance to weather and rot.
3. Metal Pickets
If you want a unique and versatile option, metal pickets are an excellent choice for homeowners. Metal is solid and durable which offers very less maintenance.
Metal pickets define the property boundary and strictly keep strangers and children from entering your space. Without compromising durability and safety, metal fences can easily match most home designs.
4. Bamboo Fence Pickets
Bamboo fence pickets are eco-friendly and offer a natural appearance. Bamboo panels are joined tightly to construct a fence. For outdoor spaces, bamboo pickets are the best addition.
5. Aluminum Fence pickets
Aluminum fence pickets have a sleek and modern look, used for decorative purposes. Aluminum is lighter than other metals and if you are low in budget, you can pick aluminum fence pickets.
Nail Gun Size for Fence Pickets
There are lots of things to consider when it comes to choosing the right nail gun size for fence pickets. After determining the thickness of the wood, the selection of nail size to give stability to your wood and make it last for a longer time is a time-consuming task.
After selecting the nail size for your fence, it is the perfect time to think about the nail gun to accommodate the nail size.
Two types of nail guns are preferred while dealing with fence pickets. These are
Coil Siding Nail Gun
Coil-siding nail guns are best to work on fences. To get amazing results, pair up this gun with 1.5-inch galvanized nails. Due to the big head of the coil siding nail gun, it provides safe fitting on the fence pickets. However, this particular type of nail gun is a bit expensive. Coil siding nail gun gives limited applications.
Framing Gun
Framing gun is less expensive than coil siding nail gun and is most commonly used in carpentry projects, construction, and fence installation. Framing guns use stronger and larger nails to make the fence more secure.
No matter what size you chose for fence pickets, the nails should be galvanized. The galvanized nails are long-lasting and rust-free.
What Size of Nail is best?
After considering the best nails for fence pickets, it is time to think about the size of the nail. However, the size of the nail depends on the application. For the standard wooden fence pickets, the nail size must be 1 ¾ inches to 2 inches with a ring shank, no matter whether you choose galvanized or stainless steel nails.
Should you nail or screw fence pickets?
Screws provide maximum holding power than to nails. On the contrary, nails do a better job of bending without breaking. So, the selection of nails over screws is based on your personal preferences and of course, the need.
To get the advantages of both, it is ideal to use screw nails for fence pickets.
How Tall Should the Fences Be?
The height of the fence is based on numerous factors such as your personal preference, need, and local building regulations. Taller fences are preferred due to providing privacy and security.
By keeping all the above factors in mind, typically in residential areas the maximum fence height is around 5 to 6 feet. Pool fences need to meet safety standards, and it needs to be not less than 4 feet.
If you want to install fence pickets for decorative purposes, then the fence height must be around 3 to 5 feet.
Conclusion
When you are building fence pickets, it is essential to note that the nails have the right size for the type of fence you are using. Choosing the right size of nail is the key factor because they tend to hold the fence. Smaller nails fail to hold the fence properly and can damage the fence.
To cover your questions, I have done research and gathered all information that can help you to choose the Best Nails for Fence Pickets.
