Is it better to use nails or screws when building a shed?

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You’re all set to build your shed but what should you use to put it together? Even after completing several DIY projects I’m still confused about when is it best to use nails or screws and what size fastener is best?

So, what is better for shed building, screws or nails? The quick answer is to use nails for framing and screws for finishing – sheathing and subfloor. Screws have the grip strength to keep plywood tight. But nails have the shear strength to keep structural members where they belong. I’ve gone through box stores and my local hardware stores, I’ve asked some pros, and surfed the net trying to find an answer. Do you know how many different sites there are about nails and screws? A lot more than I cared to look at! So I decided to put all the information in one place, so next time I’m unsure, I can come back to this guide and check.

Hope you find it helpful too!

What is Better, Screws or Nails for Shed Building?

The old saying screws for grip strength, nails for shear is a good recommendation. Use nails for framing and screws for finishing – sheathing and subfloor. Although screws can be used for framing, the Building Inspector may not agree – most building codes still identify 10d and 16d nails as the norm, not screws. When using nails or screws for construction, my preference is hot-dipped galvanized spiral nails, or ACQ rated deck screws. Less concern about rusting out, and they hammer or drive in easier. Also, spiral shank nails are easier to remove than ring shank nails when I make a mistake. Pro Note: Ensure nail diameter is equal to the common nail diameter for the length needed. The screw diameter is often greater than the typical nail diameter it is replacing. Use rated structural screws, not drywall or interior grade screws.

For joists and plates, beams and headers:

16d common hot-dipped galvanized spiral nails

#10×3½” deck screws

For framing construction:

10d common hot-dipped galvanized spiral nails

#9 x 3 inch Torx or deck screws

For sheathing, subflooring, and decking:

8d common hot-dipped galvanized spiral nails

#8 x 2½” deck screws

Cost : nails are less expensive than equivalent screws, but collated nails may not be. : nails are less expensive than equivalent screws, but collated nails may not be. Quicker to drive : with a good hammer and accurate swing, a 16d common hot-dipped galvanized spiral nail will sit flush with 3 good strikes. : with a good hammer and accurate swing, a 16d common hot-dipped galvanized spiral nail will sit flush with 3 good strikes. Greater shear strength : correctly sized nails will handle structural movement through bending or backing out. Whereas non-structural screws will more likely shear off. : correctly sized nails will handle structural movement through bending or backing out. Whereas non-structural screws will more likely shear off. Meet Code: many building codes still recognize 10d common and 16d common nails as the only acceptable fasteners for building. Structural Engineers have recognized structural screws as acceptable. So the next code edition may include these screws.

Disadvantages

Nails bend easily : if your hammer swing isn’t accurate, or the nail encounters a knot, they’ll bend. Lack of space to swing the hammer or squeeze the power nailer in can also cause nails to bend. : if your hammer swing isn’t accurate, or the nail encounters a knot, they’ll bend. Lack of space to swing the hammer or squeeze the power nailer in can also cause nails to bend. Impact vibration : striking the nail or firing it into the wood can cause studs or joists to jump or move out of alignment or square. : striking the nail or firing it into the wood can cause studs or joists to jump or move out of alignment or square. Difficult to remove: we all make mistakes, or change plans as great ideas surface in the sweat of the moment, pulling out a well-set nail, or nails, is grunt work.

Pros and Cons Using Screws

Pros

Greater grip strength : screws hold or pull wood together better and prevent them from lifting : screws hold or pull wood together better and prevent them from lifting Easier to remove : it’s a lot easier to remove a screw than a nail, and causes less damage than removing a nail. : it’s a lot easier to remove a screw than a nail, and causes less damage than removing a nail. Structural screws exist : Simpson Strong-Tie screws and Torx #9 and #10 are recognized as structural screws. Other brands are working to have products recognized by Engineers as structural nails too. : Simpson Strong-Tie screws and Torx #9 and #10 are recognized as structural screws. Other brands are working to have products recognized by Engineers as structural nails too. Placement accuracy: it’s much easier to be accurate with the placement of a screw than a nail; they don’t change direction if hit off center.

Cons

Cam out : the torque of the driver and angle of drive can cause the bit to slip or cam out and strip the recessed screw head. Torx and Simpson drivers minimize this occurrence. : the torque of the driver and angle of drive can cause the bit to slip or cam out and strip the recessed screw head. Torx and Simpson drivers minimize this occurrence. More time to install : a power nailer is presently the fastest way to fasten material together, but a power driver vs a hammer is a more even match – much depends on the skill of the user. : a power nailer is presently the fastest way to fasten material together, but a power driver vs a hammer is a more even match – much depends on the skill of the user. Wood splitting : screws are thicker than nails and may cause dry wood to split, or you may need a pilot hole for hardwood. : screws are thicker than nails and may cause dry wood to split, or you may need a pilot hole for hardwood. Code breaker: out of date building codes require revising to recognize screws as structural fasteners. Pro Note: the quality of the fastener, whether screw or nail, depends on the manufacturer and the warranty of that manufacturer. There are a lot of cheap, poor quality fasteners out there. I’ve had screw heads break off while driving, and nails actually bend like an ‘S’ with a good strike. Good quality may be more expensive, but much less frustrating!

Brief Comparison of Nails vs. Screws

Nails and screws are made from pieces of a metal rod that are pressed or squeezed to form their three different parts. Although similar, there are unique differences.

The nail consists of the head, the shank, and the point.

Nail parts:

The larger often flattened part is the head which makes it easier to hit with a hammer. The long narrow part is the shank. The friction between the shank and the wood hold the pieces together. The point is the tip of the nail that enters the wood first. It is tapered to separate the wood fibers and make it easier for it to penetrate the wood. The screw consists of the head, the threads, shank diameter, root diameter, and the pitch.

Screws parts:

The cone-shaped (bulge), raised, or rounded/dome head of the screw has a sunken or depressed area that allows a tool, such as a screwdriver, to twist it. The threads on the narrower section are spiral ridges that create friction and grip to hold pieces together. The shank diameter is the smooth section between the head and the threads.

The root diameter is the thinner shaft between the threads.

The distance between the ridges or threads is the pitch. The pitch indicates the number of threads on the screw.

What are the Main Differences between a Screw and a Nail?

The main differences between a nail and a screw are what they are designed to do. A nail is designed to hold things together and have a strong shear force. The shear force means sliding forces applied against the two pieces the nail is holding together. The screw has a powerful grip force due to its threads. The grip force is the force needed to pull the two pieces apart. Grip strength of the screw is based on the pitch, the number of threads. The greater the pitch, the greater its gripping power. A nail’s grip strength is based on the character of the shank. A smooth shank has less grip strength than a ring or spiral shank. Check it yourself. Hammer a nail halfway into a piece of wood, and screw a similar size screw halfway in next to it. Use the claws on your hammer to pull them out. Which comes out easier? The nail slides out, but the screw rips the wood when pulled out, and requires more force. This gripping force holds pieces together or pulls them together. Shear strength is determined by the diameter of the nail’s shank; the greater the diameter, the stronger the shear strength. The shear strength of a screw is based on the same principle. However, due to the twisting force applied when driving the screw, it can be more brittle than a nail. To see for yourself hammer another nail halfway into a piece of wood, and drive a screw in halfway too. Turn the board on its edge and hit the shaft of the nail, it bends sideways but stays held in the wood. Do the same to the screw and it either breaks or bends and is loose in the hole. This demonstrates the greater functional shear force of the nail as it stays tight in the hole. For example, a 16d box (nail gun) has a grip force of 33 pounds, while a comparable #8 screw has a grip force of 168 pounds! That 16d’s shear force is 95 pounds, and the #8 screw is slightly less at 90 pounds. The diameter of the 16d is 0.131″, and the #8 has a diameter of 0.164”. For comparable shear strength, a greater diameter is required for the screw.

Pro Note: Pressure treated lumber and galvanized fasteners

The copper (copper azole and alkaline copper) used in the treatment of pressure treated lumber causes a real problem when building. It is corrosive to untreated nails, screws, bolts, and structural brackets causing them to fail. Ensure you protect the brackets and use properly treated nails and screws that won’t corrode. Hot-dipped galvanized brackets, nails and screws are the recommended.

Most Common Nail Types Used in Shed Building

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Smooth Shank

Easier to drive into wood, and to remove. Work well with a hammer or nailer. They have good shear strength, but not much grip strength. Good for framing.

Ring Shank

More difficult to drive and to remove from wood. The wood fibers pop back into the channels between the rings to help hold it in place. However, once they break free of the holding fibers, they’re fairly easy to pull. Work well with a hammer, but require more pressure and PSI on a nailer to sink flush. Often used for plywood, roofing, siding, and underlay.

Spiral Shank

A similar drive to ring shank, but more difficult to pull until almost out, so have a good grip force. They turn like a screw as they go into the wood. Work well with a hammer, or nailer. Great for most construction uses.

Paper Tape Collated

Paper collation is more expensive than plastic or wire welded. Bits of paper go into the wood with the nail and don’t fly around the job site or make flags that prevent the nail from seating properly. This makes them safer to use, and they penetrate properly but need to be kept dry.

Wire Weld Collated

Two thin wires are welded to the nails to keep them aligned. They handle the weather and job site abuse better than paper collated nails but can bend and cause the nailer to misfire or jam. Although good at any temperature, the wire does cause flagging which prevents the nail from seating properly. It also creates dangerous flying metal pieces. Different nailers require nails connected with paper, wire weld, or plastic to keep them correctly angled and spaced to feed. Available in a variety of nail lengths and finishes, including double hot-dipped galvanized with a smooth, spiral or ring shank. You can also get plastic collated nails. While cheaper, they are more easily damaged and cause more jamming, flags and flying plastic; so they may not be as great a savings. Common: a smooth shank bright steel nail with a round flat head; it has a larger diameter than a similar “d” box nail. a smooth shank bright steel nail with a round flat head; it has a larger diameter than a similar “d” box nail. Box: a coated smooth shank bright steel nail with a round flat head. Galvanized nails are made of steel or iron and have a coating of zinc. However, how thick the zinc is, and how it is melded to the metal determines how resistant it is to corrosion. Hot-Dipped Nails: certified hot-dipped galvanized nails resist ruts for a long time. Double dipped have a more uniform and thicker coating of zinc, so are more resistant to rust. Best for pressure treated material. certified hot-dipped galvanized nails resist ruts for a long time. Double dipped have a more uniform and thicker coating of zinc, so are more resistant to rust. Best for pressure treated material. Hot-Galvanized Nails: nails are tumbled with hot zinc chips that leave zinc on the metal they contact; coverage is spotty at best. nails are tumbled with hot zinc chips that leave zinc on the metal they contact; coverage is spotty at best. ElectroGalvanized Nails: electricity is used to fuse the zinc in a thin layer to the metal. Very shiny, but will rust quickly. Pro Note: Only use a smooth-faced hammer as the milled face can damage the zinc coating and cause oxidation. Stainless Steel Nails: a more expensive nail. They are ideal for coastal watercraft, cedar or redwood, or buildings that contain highly corrosive products – like salt or fertilizer, or animal barns.

What Does the Letter “d” in Nail Sizes Mean?

Historically, nails have been identified by a number followed by the lower-case letter ‘d’; they are also sold by length. The ‘d’ is the abbreviation for the Roman “Denarius” which means penny. So a 16d or 16 penny nail is 3½” long. It’s believed that in old England 1000 hand forged nails 3½” long cost 16 pennies, a 1000 nails 1” long, or 2d, would cost 2 pennies by this explanation…thoughts for another article.

Nail Measurement Guide

The nail size is used by engineers and architects when they design buildings. It is used to meet code specifications, which are based on the wood connection strengths using a common nail. The names and sizes also allow different trades to determine what nail will work best for various tasks. The length and diameter of a nail determine its shear strength against lateral forces. The greater the diameter and length, the more wood contact, the stronger will be the connection. If a plan calls for a 16d common nail at 12-inch centers (16d’s @ 12” o.c.) for beam or header, then that is what should be used. The common nail is thicker than a box nail, so it creates a stronger shear strength connection. A 16d common nail is 3½” long and 0.162” in diameter – shear strength is 134 pounds A 16d box nail is 3½” long and 0.135” in diameter – shear strength is 93 pounds The shear strength of the 16d common is 30% greater than that of the 16d box nail, so size does matter. It is important to use the correct nail for the task. The most frequently used nails in construction are 16d, 10d, 8d and 6d.

16d nails: 3½” long used for headers and beams

10d nails: 3” long used for framing, truss construction, and overlapping or doubling joists or studs

8d nails: 2½” long used for furring strips, wooden sheathing, and subfloors

6d nails: 2” long used to attach thinner wood to other wood

The label on the box usually is full of useful information. I’ll use 4 different labels examples to highlight what they tell you.

Examples:

Framing nails – use for wood

– use for wood Hot dipped galvanized – for exterior use with treated and untreated wood – for exterior use with treated and untreated wood Ring shank – better grip strength – better grip strength Paper tape – how the nail strips are held together – how the nail strips are held together Full head – easier to hammer into or withdraw from wood – easier to hammer into or withdraw from wood 30° – the angle of feed for the nailer – the angle of feed for the nailer 2000 QTY – the number of nails in the box – the number of nails in the box 3”x .120” – the length and diameter – so a 10d nail of thinner diameter than a box or common nail; has a better grip but 20% less shear strength than a 10d common nail

Framing nails – use for wood

– use for wood Hot dipped galvanized – for exterior use with treated and untreated wood – for exterior use with treated and untreated wood Ring shank – better grip strength – better grip strength Paper tape – how the nail strips are held together – how the nail strips are held together Full head – easier to hammer into or withdraw from wood – easier to hammer into or withdraw from wood 30° – the angle of feed for the nailer – the angle of feed for the nailer 2000 QTY – the number of nails in the box – the number of nails in the box 2”x .113” – the length and diameter – so a 6d nail of the same diameter as a common nail; has a better grip and equal shear strength to a 6d common nail

Framing nails – use for wood framing

– use for wood framing Brite/Interior – a nail without a protective coating, recommended for interior use and untreated wood only – a nail without a protective coating, recommended for interior use and untreated wood only Smooth shank – low grip strength – low grip strength Paper tape – how the nail strips are held together – how the nail strips are held together Full head – easier to hammer into or withdraw from wood – easier to hammer into or withdraw from wood 30° – the angle of feed for the nailer – the angle of feed for the nailer 2500 QTY – the number of nails in the box – the number of nails in the box 3”x .131” – the length and diameter– so a 10d nail a smaller diameter than a common nail but greater than a box nail; similar grip but less shear strength than a 10d common nail 10d5HDG – 10d is a 3” nail, the 5 is the weight of the package, and HDG stands for hot dipped galvanized; so for exterior use with treated and untreated wood – 10d is a 3” nail, the 5 is the weight of the package, and HDG stands for hot dipped galvanized; so for exterior use with treated and untreated wood Common – type of nail, including standard diameter and length – type of nail, including standard diameter and length QTY:250 – the number of nails in the box – the number of nails in the box The label also recommends different connectors (joist hangers, hurricane brackets, etc) the nails can be used with

Common Types of Screws Used in Building Sheds

Screws are more frequently used when grip strength is needed; you need to pull two boards together or prevent a piece from lifting or separating from another – for example deck boards to joists. As with nails, there are thousands of screws to choose from, but only some that will do the shed building task you have before you. Ceramic coated Screw – Deck Screw: Screws specifically designed and treated for use in ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary) and other chemically treated lumber. Screws specifically designed and treated for use in ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary) and other chemically treated lumber. Rugged Structural Screw (RSS): hardened steel fasteners that can be used instead of lag screws. High tensile torque with greater shear strength gives an RSS with a diameter of 5/16” the equivalent strength to a ½” lag screw. Good for treated lumber too. hardened steel fasteners that can be used instead of lag screws. High tensile torque with greater shear strength gives an RSS with a diameter of 5/16” the equivalent strength to a ½” lag screw. Good for treated lumber too. Multi-purpose Framing Screw: hardened steel screws with higher torque and shear strength. Good for interior or exterior use with hard, soft, or brittle wood and won’t cause splitting hardened steel screws with higher torque and shear strength. Good for interior or exterior use with hard, soft, or brittle wood and won’t cause splitting Galvanized With Zinc: hot-dipped screws should be G-185 coated (1.85oz of zinc/sqft of steel), good to use in pressure treated material and exterior use. ACQ rated. hot-dipped screws should be G-185 coated (1.85oz of zinc/sqft of steel), good to use in pressure treated material and exterior use. ACQ rated. Stainless Fasteners: good screws for resisting corrosion and ACQ compliant, but expensive. Don’t use with galvanized connectors as the zinc will cause corrosion.

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good screws for resisting corrosion and ACQ compliant, but expensive. Don’t use with galvanized connectors as the zinc will cause corrosion. Polymer-Protected: screws with a thin zinc layer covered with a plastic-like coating to protect it from moisture and dissolved copper.

Common Types of Screw Drives

There are a variety of different recessed drive shapes on the market. The most commonly used are the slotted, the Phillips, the square or Robertson, and the Pozidriv. Slotted: The oldest style of drive and very common; unfortunately easy to strip (or cam out) the drive if using high torque. The oldest style of drive and very common; unfortunately easy to strip (or cam out) the drive if using high torque. Phillips: The recessed “X” or cross-improved the torque application, but it is still easy to slip and strip if using a high-speed driver. The recessed “X” or cross-improved the torque application, but it is still easy to slip and strip if using a high-speed driver. Square: The more deeply recessed square drive has become more common as it more difficult to strip; the screw can also fit on the drive more securely so good for hard to reach spots and one hand driving. The more deeply recessed square drive has become more common as it more difficult to strip; the screw can also fit on the drive more securely so good for hard to reach spots and one hand driving. Phillips/Square (Quadrex): A combination drive head that works independently with a Phillips or square driver, or a combination driver. Improved high torque drive capability means less chance of stripping the drive head with the combination driver. A combination drive head that works independently with a Phillips or square driver, or a combination driver. Improved high torque drive capability means less chance of stripping the drive head with the combination driver. Star (Torx): A recessed six-pointed star improves the drive torque capability. Ideal for torque drive. A recessed six-pointed star improves the drive torque capability. Ideal for torque drive. Polydrive: More common in Europe, it has the crosshead of the Phillips with 4 extra smaller slots for extra drive grip. Screws are usually labeled by the gauge or diameter of the smooth shank between the head and the tread; so #8 would be 8 gauge or 5/32” or 0.164” in diameter. The bigger the number, the larger the head and shaft diameter, but not the length. Many non-imported boxes of screws now actually list the shear and grip strength on the label – more expensive but better quality. Screws are sized by gauge and length, so a “#6×2” means a 6-gauge screw that is 2-inches long. Sometimes screws will also be labeled with the gauge, pitch, and length – “#6-12×2” would have 12 threads per inch and be 2-inches long. The pitch for wood screws is fairly standardized. It refers to the threads per inch and is often known as Type AB screws. However, some have a faster or steeper pitch and are referred to as fast threads or Type A screws; they have fewer threads per inch. Three common screw sizes for use in shed construction are below. I’ve identified the stardrive, but it could be any of the available drive styles. A flat-head means it will sit flush and wood deck screw means it is ACQ rated.

#8 x 2 in. Star Flat-Head Wood Deck Screws

Most 2-inch long screws have an initial diameter of 0.164”, but an average diameter of 0.112”. The equivalent 6d common nail has a diameter of 0.113”. A good screw for attaching sheathing to walls and subfloors to joists.

#9 x 3 in. Star Flat-Head Wood Deck Screws

3-inch long screws commonly have an initial diameter of 0.177”, and an average diameter of 0.122”. The equivalent 10d common nail has a diameter of 0.148”. A good screw for framing, truss construction, and overlapping or doubling joists and studs.

#10 x 3-1/2 in. Star Flat-Head Wood Deck Screws

3½-inch long screws usually have an initial diameter of 0.190”, and an average of 0.130”. The equivalent 16d common nail has a diameter of 0.162”. Can be used for headers and beams.

What Do the Numbers Mean?

The “T-25” identifies the drive type as a Torx or star head and the size of the driver that will fit is 25. or star head and the size of the driver that will fit is 25. There are T-1 through T-100 available. Coated screws mean ACQ rated , and the screw length is 3-inches. 9 ga. is the shank diameter, so 0.177”; equivalent to a 10d common nail. , and the screw length is 3-inches. 9 ga. is the shank diameter, so 0.177”; equivalent to a 10d common nail. It’s a 5 pound box containing 309 screws…approximately. This manufacturer also includes a drive bit.

What Fasteners to Use in Different Parts of Shed Construction?

I tend to use longer nails than the code may typically require – I usually have 10d and 16d common spiral (ardox) hot-dipped galvanized nails in my tool belt when building sheds. If the nails could get wet or damp, use galvanized. Floor Frame – use 16d common spiral hot-dipped galvanized nails or #10×3½” deck screws

Joist Hangers – Can I use roofing nails for joist hangers? Can I use screws?

If using joist hangers there should be 6 -10d common nails connecting the hanger to the plate or band board. An additional 4 – 10d common nails should be driven diagonally through the hanger and joist into the plate/band board. Make sure your 10d common nails are 3-inches long; otherwise their bearing ability is compromised. Although there are some products that state they are a construction connector or joist hanger screw, most codes don’t recognize screws due to the lower shear force rating. Simpson Strong-Tie does produce a structural hex-head fastener that is recommended for some of their brackets, but not all. If someone is going to stand on it, stay safe and us 3-inch 10d common nails. Pro Notes: For outdoor or pressure treated wood, only use joist hangers with the letter “Z” at the end of their model number. at the end of their model number. Never use roofing nails for joist hangers! The head can actually separate from the shank when driving into the wood through the hanger.

– use #8 x2½” deck screws or 8d common spiral nails

Band Boards to Floor Joists – use 16d common spiral hot-dipped galvanized nails or #10×3½” deck screws Attach Floor Frame to Skids – use 16d common spiral hot-dipped galvanized nails or #10×3½” ACQ rated screws Wall Framing – 10d common spiral nails or #9 x3 inch ACQ rated screws Wall Panels to Studs – 6d or 8d common spiral nails (depending on panel thickness) or #8 x2½” ACQ rated screws Rafters to Ridge – use 16d common spiral nails or #10×3½” screws (toenail 4 or face-nail 3) Rafters to Walls – use 16d common spiral hot-dipped galvanized nails or #10×3½” ACQ rated screws (toenail with 3 to the plate, or end-nail with 3)

Roof Sheathing to Rafters – 8d common spiral nails

Siding

T1-11 – use a 12d hot-dipped galvanized nail or #8 1-5/8” deck screw Vinyl – use 1¼” – 2” galvanized roofing nails depending on material thickness you’re nailing into. Some say you can use screws, but use an exterior #8 1-5/8” rounded/domed head screw Wood – 1¾” 5d to 2½” 8d spiral or ring shank galvanized nails, depending on wall material thickness. Alternatively, #8 x2½” ACQ rated screws (may need to predrill)

Shingles

Asphalt – use 1¼” – 2” galvanized roofing nails depending on sheathing thickness Cedar – 316 stainless steel ring shank 1¼” nails manufactured for cedar shingles and shakes. They’re expensive, but then you chose cedar shingles.

What Type and Size of Fasteners to Use with structural Brackets?

Simpson Strong-Tie fasteners are designed for many different construction applications. They are widely available and backed by a guarantee – provided the manufacturer’s instructions for use and installation are followed.

Fasteners:

Simpson Strong-Tie Seismic and Hurricane Tie H/TSP or H1.81Z

An 18-gauge zinc galvanized bracket for securing rafters or trusses to walls.

Use 8d or 10d hot-dipped galvanized nails or Simpson Strong-Tie strong-drive SDS screws or 2-3/4 inch Titen (concrete) screws

Simpson Strong-Tie H2.5A 18-Gauge Hurricane Ties

An 18 gauge galvanized twist strap like bracket for connecting rafters or joists to a wall, or a joist to a beam. Use 8d or 10d hot-dipped galvanized nails or Simpson Strong-Tie strong-drive 1½” to 3” SDS screws or 2-3/4 inch Titen (concrete) screws

Simpson Strong-Tie LUS28 2×8 Joist Hangers

(also LUS26 – 2×6 and LUS24 – 2×4 hangers)

An 18 gauge galvanized 2×8 double shear design joist hanger for deck or floor joists. Use 16d hot-dipped galvanized nails. Simpson Strong-Tie strong-drive hex-head SD9212 and SD9112 SDS screws.

Is it better to use nails or screws when building a shed?

Do curtains stop condensation?

What are the problems with composite doors?

Can I build my own shed?

You’re all set to build your shed but what should you use to put it together? Even after completing several DIY projects I’m still confused about when is it best to use nails or screws and what size fastener is best?

Hope you find it helpful too!

What is Better, Screws or Nails for Shed Building?

For joists and plates, beams and headers:

16d common hot-dipped galvanized spiral nails

#10×3½” deck screws

For framing construction:

10d common hot-dipped galvanized spiral nails

#9 x 3 inch Torx or deck screws

For sheathing, subflooring, and decking:

8d common hot-dipped galvanized spiral nails

#8 x 2½” deck screws

Disadvantages

Pros and Cons Using Screws

Pros

Cons

Brief Comparison of Nails vs. Screws

The nail consists of the head, the shank, and the point.

Nail parts:

Screws parts:

The root diameter is the thinner shaft between the threads.

What are the Main Differences between a Screw and a Nail?

Pro Note: Pressure treated lumber and galvanized fasteners

Most Common Nail Types Used in Shed Building

Can you put a bathroom in a she shed?

How much does a 20x20 paver patio cost?

Can I build my own shed?

Smooth Shank

Ring Shank

Spiral Shank

Paper Tape Collated

Wire Weld Collated

What Does the Letter “d” in Nail Sizes Mean?

Nail Measurement Guide

16d nails: 3½” long used for headers and beams

8d nails: 2½” long used for furring strips, wooden sheathing, and subfloors

6d nails: 2” long used to attach thinner wood to other wood

Examples:

Framing nails – use for wood

Framing nails – use for wood

Framing nails – use for wood framing

Common Types of Screws Used in Building Sheds

Should I pour a slab for my shed?

How close to property line can I build a shed?

Common Types of Screw Drives

#8 x 2 in. Star Flat-Head Wood Deck Screws

#9 x 3 in. Star Flat-Head Wood Deck Screws

#10 x 3-1/2 in. Star Flat-Head Wood Deck Screws

What Do the Numbers Mean?

What Fasteners to Use in Different Parts of Shed Construction?

Joist Hangers – Can I use roofing nails for joist hangers? Can I use screws?

– use #8 x2½” deck screws or 8d common spiral nails

Roof Sheathing to Rafters – 8d common spiral nails

Siding

Shingles

What Type and Size of Fasteners to Use with structural Brackets?

Fasteners:

Simpson Strong-Tie Seismic and Hurricane Tie H/TSP or H1.81Z

An 18-gauge zinc galvanized bracket for securing rafters or trusses to walls.

Simpson Strong-Tie H2.5A 18-Gauge Hurricane Ties

Simpson Strong-Tie LUS28 2×8 Joist Hangers

(also LUS26 – 2×6 and LUS24 – 2×4 hangers)

Simpson Strong-Tie HGQU Joist Hangers

HGQA are galvanized double or triple joist hangers.

Use 16d hot-dipped galvanized nails or Simpson Strong-Tie strong-drive 3” SDS screws.

Related Questions:

Can I Use Screws Instead of Nails for Framing?

Can I Use Screws to Install Joist Hangers?

Joist Hangers vs End-Nailing

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