Planning the build of a fence is probably more critical than actually building it. The issue arrises when deciding how to join the pickets and rails together and then how to join those to the posts. What are the different options when joining your fence pieces together, and which ones are better?
Should You Use Nails or Screws On a Fence? There are pros and cons to both using nails and screws, but generally the deciding factors are whether you want to be done faster or if you want to be able to disassemble easier for repairs. In these cases you would use nails or screws respectively.
Both nails and screws serve a similar purpose in construction, yet they are not completely interchangeable. Each has pros and cons, and are more suitable in certain situations. We will go into the advantages and disadvantages of each in the following section to help you make an informed decision for choosing the best type of fastener for your fence.
Nails
Pros
With its simpler design, nails can withstand a lot of twisting and bending. Installation is quick, especially with a nail gun. Easy installation means less time and money spent in the process.
- Quick Installation
- Cheaper
- Blends in with the wood more
Also, removing a nail is tough. If you don’t want anyone messing with your work or even accidentally when the kids hit the fence playing ball in the backyard, people will have a much harder time removing a nail than a screw.
Cons
While being difficult to remove can be advantageous, it can also be a pain. Because nails are difficult to remove, trying to correct a mistake is that much harder. You may end up damaging the wood in the process of removal.
- Harder to control installation
- Harder to repair
- More dangerous to handle a nail gun
- Damage wood
Because force is the primary method for driving in a nail, it may not be the best choice for delicate materials. Nails are not known for their precision either. Screws, on the other hand, are easier to place and control depth. Depending on your materials you may want to consider the use of screws if using nails will dent or otherwise damage the surface.
Best Outdoor Nails
There are soooooo many types of nails to choose from, but if you aren’t careful you will get a fence with rust stains on it that is impossible to take out for repair without damaging or cutting the wood.
Nails are made by thinning metal cable(often steel) then hydraulically cutting the cable to form the tip and hydraulically rolling the ends to make the head. Nails can then be coated with different materials by multiple means to extend the nails usable life. If you want a better explanation, the Encyclopedia Britannica describes it here.
So what are the best nails anyways? With so many types out there like galvanized nails made with a zinc outer layer, aluminum nails, and stainless steal nails it can be hard to decide witch one so let me tell you. Stainless steel nails are made with chromium and nickel, and certain grades of stainless steel nails are made with other metal polymers that are even more rust resistant. Some Stainless Steel nails are even used in marine applications like boats. If it won’t rust in the sea, it won’t rust on your boat.
Screws
Pros
Screws have great tensile strength. Since screws twist into the wood with a running thread, they will hold two pieces of wood together well. They actually pull the wood together to form a more seamless bond unlike nails that will try to hold the shape they were nailed in.
- Safer
- More Precise
- Easier to repair
- Pull the wood into a tight bond
- Stronger tensile strength
When you need to disconnect two pieces of wood, using screws as fasteners makes removal easier because you can simply unscrew them. When it comes to using power tools, screws are safer than nails. Nail guns are dangerous and can cause serious injuries.
Cons
While screws hold conjoining pieces together with excellent strength, they cannot withstand much twisting or bending. The only thing about them that is stronger is the tensile strength which is due mainly to the way the screw handles stress(not emotional stress).
- Weaker to shearing motion
- More expensive
- Harder and longer to install
- Easier too see in the wood
During the installation process they can be harder to install due to potential problems like stripping the head or screwing them in too far which can damage the wood. Attempting to remove a stripped or broken screw can be extremely frustrating. With its thread digging into the wood, there is also a higher chance the wood will split. Additionally, screws are more expensive than nails and take longer to install.
Best Outdoor Screws
You have a similar decision when it comes to the best outdoor screws. Screws are similarly made from steal wire that once bent into shape is cut and threaded before the head is stamped. In addition to being a little more expensive that are also sacrifice shear strength for tensile strength. This is due to stress concentrations(or stress risers) at local point in the screw as it normally will have a smaller diameter and the threads cause a different dissemination of stress throughout the screw.
What all of that really says is that normally screws will be strong enough to get the job done, but there are some benefits to nails. For external use stainless steal will be the best bet for rust resistance as the screw itself is resistant rather than just the coating on the outside.
The Best of Both Worlds
Both screws and nails are acceptable fasteners when it comes to building a fence. Nails may speed up the construction process and can withstand people leaning or pulling at them, while screws may break due to the twisting pressure applied against the joints.
However, screws are easier to remove, making a picket replacement a less stressful event. They also secure the fence better, while nails may loosen over time.
It depends on your preference or your specific intention for the fence. Will it receive a lot of leaning, pushing, and pulling? Do you want the ability to remove pickets easily for repair? How long do you want or expect the fence to last?
If you are willing to put in the extra effort, you can combine the two fasteners in your building process. By attaching the rails and pickets with nails and then the rails to the posts with screws, you get the best of both worlds. Visually appealing, won’t break the bank. and easy to replace.