Should I Use Screws or Nails With Cedar?

Fences

Western red cedar has long been used to build fences because it is resistant to rot and insect damage, particularly with higher grades of cedar. When attaching the rails and planks, either nails or screws could be used. The advantage of screws is they can be easily removed and reused if any part of the fence is damaged and requires replacement. If you select screws, drill pilot holes if necessary to prevent splitting the wood, but be careful not to make the holes too large; cedar is very soft, and oversize pilot holes can significantly diminish the fasteners' holding power.

Shingles and Clapboards

Because of its rot resistance and ability to accept both paints and stains, cedar is used for making both shingles and clapboards. Given the sheer number of fasteners shingling or clapboarding a structure will likely require, attaching them with nails is probably your best option. As you drive the nails, drive them just flush with the wood’s surface. Overdriving may crack the wood and ruin the piece you are using.

Furniture

Cedar is often used to build outdoor furniture. If you are building a bench, you might employ screws, nails or even bolts. Finish nails could be used to fasten the seat and back slats, and screws might be best for attaching the armrests and legs. For strong joints on table legs and other structural connections, rust-resistant machine bolts or carriage bolts may be appropriate. Set all nails slightly below the slat surfaces to avoid snagging someone or something. When attaching the arms and legs, consider drilling screw pockets into the wood and drive the screws in at their base. Then conceal the screw pockets with cedar plugs.

Preventing Stains

The chemical composition of cedar reacts with galvanized screws and nails, creating dark streaks that "bleed" from the fastener head onto the wood surface. The streaking can be noticeable on both stained and painted projects. So if appearance counts, your best bet is stainless steel fasteners. Some coated fasteners are designed to prevent staining on cedar, but if the fastener is stressed or otherwise damaged during installation or use, the coating may be breached, exposing the rust-prone metal of the fastener. This is not a concern with stainless steel. Stainless screws and nails are commonly sold in two grades: Type 304 and Type 316. The latter has more nickel and is recommended for areas near saltwater.