Nail sizes for Your Shed Plans

The plans material list, list 16d coated nails. what lengths do you recommend? 3 inch. Same with 8d galv, 6d galv, 5d galv, what lengths would you recommend?

I bought plans for the 10 x 12 Barn. Also 1x4x8 cedars. Where on the wall do I use them? Sorry if these question sound lame.

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Johns Answer

I am glad you asked this question about nail sizes. The numbers you listed above stand for a particualar nail size, each one listed.

For example, a 16d nail is a common nail that is 3-1/2". 5d is 1-3/4", 6d is 2", 8d is 2-1/2".

When you go to purchase these at your lumber or hardware store, the boxes you get will actually list 5d or 6d, etc.

Galvanized will help insure that the nails do not rust, and typically anytime you are constructing any part of the shed that will constantly be exposed to the elements, I recommend using galvanized nails.

Roofing nails can come in sizes ranging from 1" to 2-1/2", so you have some variation there. I will always use 1" on a shed that has a low roof so the chances of impaling your head with a roofing nail are slimmer. Or on sheds with higher roofs, I will always use 1-1/4" nails on the regular shingles, and 1-1/2" to 2" on the ridge caps of the roof.

The 1x4 cedar boards are for the corner trim on the shed, and is listed as such in the plans.

Thank you for your question about nail sizes and for your purchase from shedking.net

Take care,
John