Best Nails for Cedar Siding
Cedar is acidic — it eats plain steel and streaks black tannin stains down the siding. Stainless or hot-dip galvanized nails are mandatory, ring shanks hold against seasonal movement, and blunt points prevent splitting. The nail is a 30-year decision hiding inside a weekend project.
What to Look For
- Stainless (304) or hot-dip galvanized — electro-galvanized streaks within years.
- Ring-shank — cedar moves seasonally and walks smooth nails out.
- Length equals siding plus 1-1/4 in into sheathing or studs.
- Blunt or diamond points split less in thin bevel siding.
- Hand-drive or padded nose — compressed cedar shows forever.
Top Picks
1. Simpson Strong-Tie S6SND1 304 stainless siding nails Best overall
Type 304 stainless ring-shank made for wood siding — zero streaking, maximum hold.
Check price on Amazon →2. Maze HDG ring-shank siding nails (6d) Best value
True hot-dip galvanized, not electro — decades of service inland for less than stainless.
Check price on Amazon →3. Metabo HPT 2-in 304 stainless coil siding nails For nailers
Collated stainless for coil siding nailers — re-side a wall in an afternoon.
Check price on Amazon →What to Avoid
Avoid
- Electro-galvanized nails — the thin zinc fails and cedar streaks black.
- Smooth-shank brights — they rust, stain, and walk out.
- Staples — they crush cedar fibers and telegraph through stain.
Also in the toolbox
- Coil siding nailer — re-sides walls in hours with perfect depth
- Pin moisture meter — hang cedar at the right moisture or gaps follow
FAQ
Stainless or galvanized nails for cedar siding?
Stainless (304) is the best — it cannot streak, even on the coast. True hot-dip galvanized is a solid second choice inland and costs less. What you must avoid is electro-galvanized: its thin zinc fails in cedar acids and streaks black within a few years.
What size nails for cedar siding?
6d (2 in) ring-shank for standard 3/4-in bevel siding over sheathing — penetrating at least 1-1/4 in into solid wood. Step up to 8d for thicker board-and-batten or double-layer applications.
Can you use a nail gun on cedar siding?
Yes, with a coil siding nailer and depth adjustment dialed shallow — cedar dents easily. Stainless or HDG collated nails only, and never a framing nailer: full-head framing nails split thin siding.
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