What Are Siding Nails — and Which Type Is Best for Your Home in Seattle?

14 Oct 2025

What Are Siding Nails?

Siding nails are specially designed fasteners used to secure exterior siding, such as wood, vinyl, or fiber cement, to your home’s structure. Unlike regular framing nails, siding nails are built to handle moisture, temperature changes, and outdoor exposure without rusting or loosening.

Because siding protects your home from rain, wind, and cold, the type of nails used during installation plays a big role in how long your exterior lasts and how well it performs.

Types of Siding Nails

There isn’t one universal type of siding nail. The best option depends on your home’s material and local weather conditions. Here are the most common types:

1. Galvanized Siding Nails

Galvanized nails are coated with zinc to prevent rust. They’re affordable, easy to find, and ideal for most wood and vinyl siding applications.
However, in constantly wet areas like Seattle, galvanized nails can still corrode over time—especially on older homes or near coastal air.

2. Stainless Steel Siding Nails

Stainless steel nails are the top choice for homeowners in the Pacific Northwest. They resist rust and corrosion even in damp, rainy climates, making them perfect for fiber cement siding (like HardiePlank) or cedar siding installations.

While they cost slightly more, they help you avoid long-term repair costs caused by nail stains or siding loosening.

3. Aluminum Nails

Aluminum nails are lightweight and corrosion-resistant but not ideal for hardwoods or dense fiber cement boards. They’re best suited for vinyl or aluminum siding in dry regions—not recommended for the Seattle area.

Siding Nail Length and Size

Choosing the right nail length is crucial to ensure your siding stays secure through every season.

For vinyl siding, nails should typically range between 1½ to 2 inches, allowing just enough flexibility for the panels to expand and contract with temperature changes. Wood siding requires slightly longer nails, around 2 to 2½ inches, and using ring-shank nails provides a tighter grip that prevents boards from loosening over time. When working with fiber cement siding, such as HardiePlank, the ideal length also falls between 2 and 2½ inches, but it’s important to drive the nails straight and flush rather than angled or overdriven to avoid cracks or damage.

In every case, each nail should penetrate at least 1¼ inches into the wall studs to guarantee a solid and lasting hold.

Nail Head and Shank Styles

Flat Head: Keeps the nail head even with the surface for a neat appearance.
Ring-Shank: Features ridges that prevent loosening over time , ideal for fiber cement or wood siding.
Smooth-Shank: Easier to drive but may loosen faster in humid areas.

When installing siding, always nail straight and avoid overdriving. A nail that’s too tight can crack the siding or cause warping as temperatures change.

Best Nails for Seattle’s Climate

Seattle’s weather—wet, cool, and often unpredictable—demands materials that can resist moisture and corrosion.
That’s why stainless steel ring-shank nails are widely considered the best option. They won’t rust, stain your siding, or loosen during heavy rains and seasonal shifts.

At F&M Construction, our team uses high-quality stainless or double-hot-dipped galvanized nails for every siding project in the region. This ensures a clean finish, long-term durability, and fewer maintenance issues down the line.

How F&M Construction Handles Siding Projects

Whether it’s a Redmond home upgrade or a Seattle exterior renovation, our siding process includes:

Careful material selection based on your home’s style and local weather.
Precision nail placement to ensure a secure, seamless finish.
Expert replacement of old or damaged siding with modern, durable panels.

Our goal is to deliver a long-lasting exterior that looks beautiful and performs in every season.

Final Thoughts

Siding nails might seem like a small detail, but they’re the backbone of your home’s exterior protection. Choosing the right fastener, especially in Seattle’s damp climate, can make the difference between a flawless finish and costly repairs later.

If you’re planning to replace your siding or upgrade your home’s exterior, reach out to F&M Construction & Remodeling. Our team specializes in full siding installation, window replacement, and exterior remodels across the Greater Seattle and Eastside area.