Selecting the Right Nails for Your Wooden Fence: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to building a wooden fence, whether it’s a classic white picket fence, a sturdy closeboard fencing, or an elegant omega lattice fence, the choice of nails is as crucial as the wood itself. You might be asking what are the right nails for fencing, or what nails are used for fence palings yourself. In this guide, we’ll explore why galvanised nails are the superior choice for various wood fence styles, and how to select the right nail length for your fencing project.
Why Galvanised Nails are the Optimal Choice for Fencing
Galvanized nails, known for their durability and resistance to the elements, are the ideal choice for wood fences. Here’s why:
The Benefits of Galvanised Nails in Fence Building
- Rust Resistance: Whether you’re building a picket fence for your garden or a decorative fence panel for your backyard, the zinc coating on galvanised nails provides excellent protection against rust and corrosion, essential for outdoor spaces.
- Longevity: Using high-quality materials like galvanized nails ensures that your fence, be it a traditional wood fence or a modern board-on-board fencing, withstands the test of time and high winds, especially in coastal areas.
- Cost-Effective: While hot dipped galvanized nails are available, electro-plated nails are more cost-efficient and offer similar benefits, making them a popular choice among builders and DIY enthusiasts.
Choosing the Right Nail Length for Different Fence Styles
The right nail length is determined by the type and style of your fence.
Standard Paling and Rail Fencing
- Standard Thickness: For a fence panel using standard palings (16mm thick) and rails (38mm thick), a 45mm galvanised wire nail is ideal. This length is perfect for securing the panels without protruding, maintaining the neat look of your fence.
Lapped and Closeboard Fencing
- Increased Thickness: In lapped fencing, where two palings overlap (creating a 32mm thickness), choosing a slightly longer nail, such as a 50mm or 55mm, is advisable. This ensures the nails penetrate through the palings and into the rails, providing extra security and stability.
The Importance of Nail Selection in Fence Aesthetics and Security
Using the right nails not only affects the durability of your fence but also its appearance and security. In decorative fences like a cedar picket fence or a redwood split-rail fence, the correct nail length ensures a clean and professional finish. Similarly, for security fences, proper nail length ensures that the panels and posts hold together firmly, even in challenging conditions.
Conclusion: A Small Component with a Big Impact
In summary, choosing the right nails for your fencing project, whether it’s building your own fence or installing pre-made fence panels, is a critical decision. Galvanised nails offer longevity, strength, and resistance to weather conditions, making them the best choice for wood fences. Remember, the right nail length varies depending on the fence style and design, from picket fences to closeboard fencing, each requiring a specific nail size for optimal results.
So, next time you’re at your local builders merchants or shopping online for fencing supplies, remember the importance of selecting the right nails for your wooden fence – it’s a small component that makes a big difference in the lifespan and appearance of your fence.