Can you use a nail gun for composite decking?
Yes, you can use a nail gun on composite decking. The nail gun would be more than capable of penetrating through the composite decking.
The issue is not whether the nail gun can pierce composite decking, but rather the composite decking’s lack of anchoring capabilities.
Although composite decking appears to be a high-end product, it has critical qualities that make it unsuitable for nailing.
If you nail your decking boards, you should expect a lot of sagging. A nail gun would be a good choice if you had a lot of decking planks to nail. However, if you only have a little decking area, wood decking is a better option.
Table of Contents
Should I Use Nails Or Screws For My Deck?
When it comes to putting up a deck, many people are wondering whether to use nails or screws. So, let’s figure out which one is better for you.
You can build a deck with either screws or nails, but there are advantages to utilizing nails over screws.
Nails:
Nails are the most basic of the two kinds of fastening. They can be pushed into the wood with a nail gun or hammered into it with a hammer.
Nails are resistant to shearing forces but not to tension or torsion. If nails are not exposed to moisture, they have a stronger holding strength and can last longer.
Screws:
Screws are more difficult to install than nails because a screwdriver is required. Screws withstand shearing and tension or torsion forces well, but not as well as nails withstand bending pressures.
When you need to attach boards and don’t want them to detach, screws are a better solution. They are also easy to remove when repairs or maintenance are required.
How Do You Screw Down Composite Decking?
When installing composite decking, you need to use screws when attaching the boards with joists.
You will want to drill pilot holes first before using the screws.
There are different types of screws that you can use for this project.
The most common are hex head screws which are best for wood or metal and flat head screws which are best for driving into composite materials like plastic or fiberglass.
What Kind Of Nails Do You Use For Composite Decking?
Many various types of nails can be used for composite decking, but some are superior to others.
A galvanized nail is the most frequent type of nail used for composite decking. These nails will last longer since they are zinc-coated, which keeps them from rusting as quickly as other types of nails.
Galvanized nails also offer a greater grip on the wood, so they won’t come out as readily, which is vital to consider when utilizing composite decking.
What Kind Of Nail Gun Is Best For Decking?
There are several nail guns available in the market that are specially designed for decking. They are also called framing nailers. They can be used to install deck boards and joists.
A framing nail gun is a device that uses air or gas ignited by an electric charge to drive a round-headed nail into wood.
For large jobs that require large nails, framing nail guns are usually a good investment. The best framing nail guns on the market now are:
1. METABO HPT FINISH NAILER
The Metabo HPT finish nailer is cleverly built with a 360-degree integrated air duster to remove debris from the work surface.
The nailer additionally includes an actuation switch for switching from continuous to contact nailing.
The lightweight nailer weighs only 4.2 pounds and has an adjustable drive dial for flash fastening to clear paper jams without the use of additional tools.
The pneumatic rivet requires the use of a compressor (sold separately). The purchase includes a 5-year warranty.
The Pros:
- It contains a magnetic tip for connecting to steel studs, a depth stop for consistent fastener depth, and a safe dry fire lockout.
- It has an aluminium magazine that allows it to fire 2.5-inch nails.
- The nailer comes with a 100-nail magazine.
- The nailer is lightweight (4.8 pounds) and has an operating pressure range of 70-120 PSI.
The Cons:
- The air compressor is not included in the kit and must be purchased separately.
- The air hose is too short to connect the nailer and compressor, so an extension cord will be required.
2. MAKITA AN924 21 DEGREES FULL ROUND HEAD FRAMING NAILER
The Makita AN924 is a framing nailer that can be used in either right-handed or left-handed models. It has a sequential operating mode and a contact actuation mechanism for precise, consistent nail implantation.
The AN924 is a full round head frame nailer with a quick speed. It features one of the fastest nail driving speeds, allowing you to drive nails more quickly and efficiently than ever before.
This nailer has a lightweight design that makes it easy to handle even the most difficult applications. Its large-capacity air chamber allows it to drive nails 3-1/2″ X.148″ in diameter and nails up to 2.5″ long using its 21-degree plastic collation bevel shooting technology.
The Pros:
- It is the air-driven nail gun that provides consistent precision performance.
- It is suitable for a wide range of projects.
- Because the AN924 is driven by an air compressor, it consumes little to no electricity.
- It is straightforward to operate due to its simplistic design.
- It can work in all kinds of weather situations, making it an invaluable addition to any job site.
The Cons:
- It does not come with a battery, so you will have to buy one separately.
- It does not have the same power as some of the other drills on the market today.
- It lacks an LED light, making it difficult to operate in low-light environments or gloomy locations.
3. [NUMAX] SFR2190 PNEUMATICS 21 DEGREES FULL ROUND HEAD FRAMING NAILER
The powerful [NUMAX] SFR2190 Pneumatic Framing Nailer is capable of handling a wide range of activities, including furniture and framing construction, deck construction, and underlay floor installation.
The SFR2190 is a full-size pneumatic nailer capable of driving 2 to 3-1/2 inch 18 gauge nails into wood. Because of the SFR2190 Pneumatic Nailer’s adaptability, you can use a variety of nails. It is capable of driving 2 to 3-1/2 inch 18 gauge nails as well as 2-inch 16 gauge nails.
The pneumatic nailer (which requires a compressor) has a dual-mode trigger for switching between bump and sequential firing, a one-piece drive blade, and a pullback pusher for simple reloading.
The nailer’s body is built of lightweight magnesium and features a comfortable grip handle. In addition to a one-year limited guarantee, the purchase includes an air connector, air tool oil, and adjustment tools.
The Pros:
- It has a locking trigger and a short trigger pull.
- It can go forward and backwards.
- It features a large frame and a lot of surface contact with the material.
- It has an airtight seal and an adjustable exhaust system.
- It’s got a big bur on the end.
- It has a simple reload mechanism.
The Cons:
- It requires a compressor to function, which is offered separately.
How Long Do Composite Decks Last?
The composite decking material can last up to 50 years, but the lifespan is dependent on the location where it is installed.
The lifespan of composite decking material depends on factors like the outdoor conditions where it is installed and the quality of the installation process.
The durability of composite decking material varies depending on different factors like the type of wood used, whether or not it was properly sealed, and how often it was maintained over time.
Composite decks are made from a combination of plastic and natural fibres which are compressed together to form boards that are durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions for many decades.
Is A Composite Deck Worth The Money?
This is a question that many people ask themselves when they are about to invest in a new deck. There are many factors to take into consideration and the answer is not always clear.
One of the main factors to consider is the type of deck that you are installing. The composite decking market has grown significantly in recent years, which means there are now more options available for homeowners than ever before.
There are three major types of composite decks:
- Solid Decking
- Semi-Solid Decking
- Hollow Decking
It is important to know what type of composite deck you want to decide if it is worth the money or not.
Final Note on Can You Use A Nail Gun For Composite Decking?
The answer is yes! A nail gun is a great tool to have on hand when installing composite decking. It may take a little bit of practice to get used to using it, but the finished product will be a professional-looking deck with very few problems.
The nail gun is a very fast way to install decking that requires very little effort. Once you have mastered using it, you will be able to quickly install decking like a professional.