How to Use Nails or Staples on Cedar Fencing
The old saw "good fences make good neighbors" is especially true if the fence in question is made of cedar. Fences are made of a wide variety of materials, but cedar wood is often used due to its resistance to rot and insects. When constructing your own cedar fence, you can attach the boards to the main frame using either nails or staples. When properly constructed, a cedar fence can last for many years.
Attach Boards Using Nails
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Insert 1 1/2-inch galvanized finishing nails into a nail gun using the manufacturer's instructions. Put on safety glasses to protect your eyes.
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Place a 1-by-6 cedar fence board up to the main frame of the fence and line it up with the bottom rail, or the other fence boards, if they are already installed.
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Position the front of the nail gun near the top of the cedar fence board so it is above the top horizontal rail. Angle the gun slightly upward so that the nail will go in at an angle. Pull the trigger on the gun to insert the nail into the fence board.
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Crouch down and place the nail gun near the bottom of the cedar fence board so it is centered above the bottom rail. Angle the gun slightly downward to drive the nail at an angle. Pull the trigger on the nail gun to insert the nail.
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Repeat the process to install the remaining cedar boards in the same manner, spacing each board 1/4 inch apart.
Attach Boards Using Staples
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Insert 1 1/2-inch stainless steel U-shaped staples into the staple gun as directed by the manufacturer's instructions.
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Place a 1-by-6 cedar board on the fence frame and line it up. Place the staple gun at the top of the cedar board so it is over the top horizontal fence rail. Angle the staple gun slightly upward and pull the trigger to insert the staple into the board.
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Insert another staple at the bottom of the board where it overlaps the bottom horizontal fence rail. Angle the staple gun down slightly before pulling the trigger.
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Repeat the process to insert one staple at the top and bottom of each cedar fence board.
References
Tips
- Inserting the nails at an angle prevents them from coming out when the cedar expands and contracts.
- Use 1 1/4-inch deck screws to attach the railings and the posts wince these areas need more support than nails and staples can provide.
Writer Bio
Kimberly Johnson is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in various online publications including eHow, Suite101 and Examiner. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and began writing professionally in 2001.
Photo Credits
- Cedar fence planks image by K. Geijer from Fotolia.com
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