Fasteners

WRCLA Cedar Outdoor Hot-dipped galvanized, aluminum and stainless steel fasteners are all corrosion-resistant and can be used to fasten Western Red Cedar. Other types of nails are not recommended. They can rust and disintegrate and react adversely with the natural preservative oils present in cedar resulting in unsightly stains and streaks. Copper nails also react with cedar and should not be used. Stainless steel nails are the best choice, especially if trim boards are to be finished with transparent or semi-transparent stain. Use No. 304 stainless for general applications and No. 316 for seacoast exposures.

For best results use splitless fasteners designed for siding installation. This type of nail has a thin shank and blunt point and is available with a ring or spiral shank. Fastener length should be adequate to provide a minimum penetration of 1 1/4” into solid wood.

Large members require timber connectors other than nails. Bolts, lag screws, split rings and shear plates, and custom made hardware are commonly used in heavy timber structures where the joint’s strength must be greater than that which could be achieved with nails. These types of connectors should be corrosion-resistant or suitably coated to prevent corrosion and staining. Generally, the design of mechanically fastened joints must take into consideration a variety of factors such as end- and edge-spacing distances, moisture content, service conditions, and the effect of the number of connectors used. Because the cost of fabricating and installing connections may amount to a large percentage of the cost of a heavy timber structure, it is important to engineer the details of a structure before designing the timber members.

Screws can be used to fasten decks. Double hot-dipped galvanized screws can be used, however, stainless steel screws are recommended. For most applications a 304 (18-8) grade provides adequate corrosion resistance. For decks exposed to salt air, use 316 grade. Screws must be long enough to penetrate 1”. (25mm) into support members. Penetration of 1 ¼” is required for structural components.

Blind fastening systems create an attractive, fastener-free deck surface. They employ metal clips and/or joist top brackets that fasten the sides or bottom of the deck board to the joists so that no fasteners are visible. Blind fastening systems are the ideal complement to the beauty of Western Red Cedar decking.

Cedar Outdoor Products

Cedar Outdoor

Quotes

For optimum performance, the WRCLA recommends that Western Red Cedar is preprimed or pre-finished prior to job site delivery.
Western Red Cedar produces fewer greenhouse gases, generates less water and air pollution, requires less energy to produce than alternatives and comes from a renewable and sustainable resource.
Western Red Cedar from WRCLA members is independently certified as legal and sustainable.
Western Red Cedar requires significantly less energy to produce than fibre cement or wood composite materials.
Unlike man-made alternatives, Western Red Cedar is biodegradeable.
Western Red Ce¬dar has the lowest environmental impact when compared with other materials such as brick and fibre cement.
The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (WRCLA) is non profit association representing Western Red Cedar producers, distributors and retailers throughout North America.
Western Red Cedar is one of the most durable coniferous species and can be counted on to give long and trouble free service under most conditions.
Western Red Cedar is light weight, easily worked and ideal for almost all types of finishes.
Western Red Cedar has centuries of proven performance which cannot be said of new man made products.
Western Red Cedar produces fewer greenhouse gases, generates less water and air pollution, requires less energy to produce than alternatives and comes from a renewable and sustainable resource.
The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (WRCLA) is non profit association representing Western Red Cedar producers, distributors and retailers throughout North America.

For exterior home siding information visit www.cedar-siding.org|For wood decking information visit www.cedar-decking.org