How to Countersink Finish Nails

How to Countersink Finish Nails
Written By
Duane Craig
Duane Craig
Published: Dec 18, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Nail set
  • Hammer
  • Wood filler

Use finishing nails to fasten lumber in places where a visible nail head would detract from the finished job. Wood floors, cabinets, and trim around windows and doors are prime areas for the use of finishing nails. Be sure the finishing nails are at least three times as long as the thickness of the wood being fastened in place. Countersinking finishing nails and applying wood filler will completely hide the nails once the paint or stain is applied to the wood.

  1. Drive the finishing nail into the wood until the top of the head is flush with the surface of the wood.

  2. Set the pointed end of the nail set against the head of the finishing nail.

  3. Tap the other end of the nail set with a hammer until the nail head is below the surface of the wood.

  4. Fill the hole over the nail head with wood filler.

  5. Lightly sand the spot with fine sandpaper before staining or painting.

Tips

Don’t overdrive the nails with the hammer, as this can cause damage to the wood around the nail head. This damage will defeat the purpose of countersinking the nail.

Use a nail set that is no larger than the head of the nail.

Warnings

Wear safety glasses.

Follow wood filler instructions. Some wood fillers will not take paint or stain once they dry and set up.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images

Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.