What Size Nail Gun For Fence Pickets

If you want to build or repair your fence, using a nail gun of the right size will do the job correctly and is manageable. You have come to the right place if you want to know what size nail gun for fence pickets you should use. We'd love to share with you our thoroughly researched answers.

Suppose you have the standard size fence pickets of 5/8 inches to 2x4 inch rails. The nail size you must utilize is 2 inches. So, the nail gun you should use is the one that can handle that nail size and adequately deliver it to every picket without damaging or splitting them; it is either a coil siding nail gun or framing gun.

Fixing or building a fence shouldn't be taken lightly, so we suggest you keep reading throughout this post to know more about the proper tools you should use to achieve a nice and sturdy fence.

Nail And Nail Gun Size For Fence Pickets

Using the right size of nails and nail guns will secure the fence pickets correctly. Most fence pickets don't vary in size, so the most recommended nail size is 1-1/2 inches to 2 inches ring shank, 6d to 8d nails.

And for you to secure and fasten the nails correctly, you should use a coil siding or framing nail gun since it is for fencing or any more extensive projects.

Most homeowners use the 2-3/8 inches long nails for their fence pickets, but you must avoid that since they will go across the rails.

On the other hand, 1-1/4 inches to 1-3/4 inches long screws are also possible to use for securing the pickets. However, expect that you will apply it longer than usual. In addition, if you don't want the nails or screws to rust, we suggest you use galvanized types.

Nail Guns That Are Best For Fencing

The best size nail gun for your fence is a nail gun that can deliver the right size of nails onto the wood you will use for fencing.

Coil Siding Nail Gun

A coil siding nail gun can deliver up to 2-1/2 inches of ring shank nails. That's why it performs best for fencing projects. Especially if you are going to use galvanized 1-1/2 inches ring shank nails for your fence pickets, undoubtedly, it is the best to use.

The coil nails are advantageous in securing the pickets or paling since they have a large head, and you can push them easier. In addition, always ensure that you are using galvanized nails to avoid them rusting quickly.

The downside of a coil siding nail gun is it's pretty pricey and has a limited application, and you might consider using another type of nail gun for your fencing project. But if you will use this nail gun often, it would be best to buy one.

Framing Gun

A framing gun costs less than a coil siding nail gun. It also works well for fence pickets and paling. You should use less than 2-inch sized, galvanized nails.

The issue in using this nail gun is the blow-through on the pickets or palings. But you don't have to worry too much since you can avoid it by using it carefully and correctly. Another problem is it's hard to find this nail gun type that can fit short nails.

Can You Use Different Size Of Nails In A Nail Gun?

There are some nail guns that you can use with different sizes of nails. Let's say you have a regular brad nailer; with that, you can utilize a nail with a size of 3/8 inch up to 1-1/4 inch. And a framing nail gun can handle 2 inches to 3-1/2 inches nails.

Is It Okay To Use Finish Nailer For Fencing Projects?

Our thorough research shows that it is wise not to use finishing nailers and even brad nailers for fencing.

The dimension of both finish and brad nails are too small for a fencing project, even though they are excellent for putting the wood in place.

Screws or Nails: Which Is Better For Fencing?

Screws and nails can fasten materials together. However, if we are to compare which fastens better, it is the screw of the correct size. The main reason is that it prevents the board from deforming. In addition, nails keep on moving around, unlike screws that always remain in position.

The most significant aspect to screws is removing them quickly and reworking them undemandingly. Nails, on the other hand, can last long, so replacing them rarely happens.

Stainless Steel and Galvanized Nails and Screws

You can choose between galvanized or stainless steel nails and screws. Galvanized screws or nails are suitable for non-pressure treated wood. In contrast, you can utilize stainless steel nails and screws for pressure-treated or cedar fence pickets.

Types Of Pickets

A picket fence is a favorite choice for homeowners since it is excellent if you want to protect your yard, mark your boundaries out, beautify your property, and improve your privacy. Below are the types of pickets that you can choose from:

Wooden Pickets

Wood fences are so adaptable that they can provide an aesthetic appearance in your outdoor area with any finish you prefer.

A wooden fence gives numerous design options. It can offer rustic, formal, minimalist, contemporary, or mainstream design. The typical wood materials used to make fence pickets are spruce, cedar, redwood, cypress, and treated pine.

Another material used is bamboo. Although it is grass, it is categorized as wood type. The bamboo poles are rolled in panels, fastened rigidly to provide solid walls.

Vinyl Pickets

If you don't want to use wood for your fence pickets, you can utilize vinyl as an alternative. It also provides the same as what wood offers. The most significant benefit it can give is its durability, and it is suitable for any landscape and hardscape design.

Metal Fence Pickets

If you opt to have a made with metal fence, expect that you won't be maintaining it regularly. It will need less to no maintenance. In addition, it is solid and durable enough to sternly keep children and unknown people from entering your area.

Metal fences are famous for their durability, safety, security, and capacity to match most home designs.

Ornamental Fence Pickets

You may have all of the benefits of a traditional picket fence plus some extra flair by opting for a decorative picket fence. If you want to make an ornamental fence, you can utilize wood and metal. But it will not limit to that only; you can still use any other materials to create one.

An ornamental fence is an excellent choice to achieve a more attractive fence.

PVC

Another versatile fencing choice, PVC fence pickets come in various styles. You can use this fence type to put partitions or perimeters on your garden area.

FAQs on Picket Fence

We have gathered some FAQs that might also answer some of your additional questions.

How much is a fence picket?

The price of fence pickets will vary depending on what style or type you would choose. For instance, a wood picket with a height of 3-1/2 feet costs $3.45 to $52 per linear foot. And that doesn't incorporate the installation cost. On the other hand, a vinyl picket costs $6 to $12.70.

Can you DIY fence pickets?

Yes, you can perform a DIY process on installing a fence. But only if you have enough knowledge or training and if you will place it on a flat lawn. We highly suggest hiring a professional if you plan to place it in a sloped area.

How Tall Should The Fences Be?

If you want to achieve a fence with a pleasant appearance near the street, build one with a height of three to four feet. And if you plan to place one on the poolside, it would be best to put a minimum of four feet of fence.