Cedar Lap Siding Installation Blind Nailing

Wall construction like all siding materials western red cedar performs best when installed properly on a suitable frame.

Cedar lap siding installation blind nailing.

Siding up to 6 inches wide can be blind nailed with one siding nail per bearing toe nailed through the base of each tongue. For horizontal applications start with the bottom course and work up with the channels pointing upwards. Do not reduce the siding overlap recommendations given in the installation sections of this publication. Nails must penetrate wood framing 1 1 2 in.

Bevel siding should be face nailed to studs with 1 1 4 inch penetration into solid wood using one nail per piece spaced at a maximum of 24 inches on center. Maximum nail spacing is 16 in. Do not use staples. Siding shall be installed with top blind nailing with the nails placed 3 8 inch 10 mm from either end and a minimum of 3 4 inch 19 mm from the top edge of the board.

Do not nail through overlaps. Use only approved methods to protect joints areas. Ensure joints meet on studs blocking or furring strips with the nail penetrating solid wood at least 1 1 4 inches. Nails must penetrate 1 1 4 inches into solid wood.

Apply siding over approved structural sheathing. This is particularly important for vertical installation. Wider siding should be face nailed using two nails per piece. 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. Lap siding can be installed horizontally or vertically. Gap at butt joints and ends. Use only the nails specified in these instructions.

Installing cedar siding planks requires at least three workers. Install a minimum 3 16 in. Allow a 1 8 inch expansion gap between pieces if the siding is air or kiln dried. 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.

In horizontal application start at the bottom and work up with the groove edges facing downwards. For siding up to 6 inches wide use one nail one inch up from the lap.