Attaching Cedar Siding

Go back and nail subsequent nails along the top edge of this cedar shake siding piece.

Attaching cedar siding.

Using the nail gun drive a single nail at one end of a cedar shake piece of siding and then carefully align it along the snap line attaching another nail at the opposite end. This will guard against splash back rain water hitting the ground and splashing back against the siding which can cause a finish failure. For cedar siding over wood sheathing nailed at studs for application over foam sheathing add the thickness of the foam to the tabulated nail length. When butt jointing siding cut ends at 45 degree angles to form an overlapping joint.

Step 4 choices of design. Drive the heads flush with the wood but don t allow them to penetrate. Attach the shingles with 1 inch roofing nails. Cedar is a material that needs to be allowed to flex once installed.

Splash back water damage. It is best that the siding slats be kept six to 12 inches off the ground so that the exposure to water is limited. This is particularly important for vertical installation. We see a lot of people installing their wood siding all the way to the ground.

The fastest and most thorough method to apply stain to cedar siding is with a thick natural bristle brush. It is important to keep siding at least 18 inches off the ground if possible. The brush bristles distribute the stain evenly into the wood grain reaching into the small undulations on the surface of the cedar planking. Ensure joints meet on studs blocking or furring strips with the nail penetrating solid wood at least 1 1 4 inches.

Let cedar siding flex and breathe. When you come to the last space in a row use a utility knife to cut a shingle to fit into it. Cedar siding should be securely nailed to framing members. Use an air nailer if possible to speed nailing and minimize damage to siding surface from hammer dents.

Also placing spacers between the slats will help to ensure a straight piece of siding.