Blog.WoodFenceExpert.com: Which Is Better: Screws Or Nails?

WoodFenceExpert.com
Serving The Greater Los Angeles Area
Call Stefan Today
Direct Cell: 310-717-2000
"Save money - do it now.
Don't wait for price increases."

The Blog of WoodFenceExpert.com
A Column Of Irregularly Published
Articles For Your Information

Which Is Better: Screws Or Nails?

June 20, 2009 - Saturday

Which is Better: Screws or Nails?

June 20, 2009

This question is often asked, but not fully understood.

For the most common, regular types of wood fences, such as vertical 1"x6" (or 1"x4" or 1"x8") dog ear (dog ear fence boards have the little corners cut off at the top of each fence board), we have to clarify. First, let's consider how these boards are fastened to the frame (usually parallel 2"x4" horizontal boards running from post to post, inside or between the posts (not "on top" of them).

There are several different types of wood screws that I have seen in old fences that are falling apart, that I teardown and replace. It's easy to believe that "Since it's a screw it will hold better and last longer". On many screws the shaft between the threads is thin and weak-so when you're tightening that screw it breaks! Many screws are designed for inside use, so they rust when used outside on a fence. And you've got screw heads (which are usually larger than nail heads) detracting from the beauty of that fence, albeit a relatively inexpensive, common design.

In this specific application, I use 8d nails that are galvanized for outdoor use (so they don't rust, deteriorate and weaken the fence, or leave nail streaks from the rain). Furthermore, the shaft of these 8d outdoor galvanized nails is thicker than the shaft of just about all the wood screws that somebody might use to hold the fence boards up. So they're actually stronger, surprise! The air nailer I use drives these nails in nice and fast, which means I save time, which means YOU save money! These nails are driven in quite nice and firmly, so they're not coming loose. I also drive them in at an angle so they do not stick out on the other side, where somebody might get a cut or a small stab from brushing up or bumping into the fence. This also takes advantage of all of the surface area of the nail, making it yet even more secure.

So for the most common types of fences that most people have, using screws for the boards is a waste of time and money, when you find out that properly using the right kind of nail is stronger and much more efficient (and less expensive)!

For some of the more fancy & elegant types of fences, screws are the better choice. But there are special reasons, only certain types of screws, and special techniques which all must come together to create the masterpiece fence which will also be strong, and perform as you would expect! This will be the subject of a future post.

Framing is entirely a different matter and here is why. I use heavy duty framing screws that have a thick shaft throughout, as well as a lifetime guaranteed coating (even for marine projects such as docks and piers) on the outside of each screw. So these babies are very strong and they are guaranteed to last for the entire life of the project! The frame works harder than the boards they hold, so using the right, special screws, and using them correctly is the better way to hold the frame together strongly and beautifully!

Let the most qualified builder construct your wood fence or other outdoor wood project! Call me direct on my cell at 310-717-2000 for an in-person estimate for your new wood fence or other outdoor wood project!