Feather-edge board fencing ?

[Jonno2001]

Hi All

I'm in the process of buying the bits necessary to replace all of my dated exterior fencing. I'm looking to build a simple but rigid frame arrangement from 3" posts in the ground (some 6' apart) and 3"x2" rails top and bottom, running some 40' along the garden perimeter.
However, my question is, what is the best way to fix the overlapping feather-edge board to the rails ?? Galvanised clout nails or screws ??

Obviously a pro-nail-gun with some hefty nails behind it would be quickest, but to be fair i've got plenty of time and not really prepared to pay the hire costs of the gun.

Thanks for all responses in advance
John

 

[foxhole]

You cannot screw, will split timber and looks awful.A ridged nail will hold best.

 

[tuck8r]

Hi, ideally you want galvanised 50mm x 2.65 mm nails
nail heads will show up with normal clouts...would be ok tho as long as there 50mm

 

[Jonno2001]

Ah, thank you guys.

I guess by the galvanised 50mm x 2.65 nails you're pointing to something like the Screwfix 12408 http://www.screwfix.com/p/round-wire-galvanised-2-65-x-50mm-1kg-pack/12408

Quick trip down there then sometime this week.


Any other useful advise re, affixing feather-edge board ?


Regards
John

 

[Deluks]

See the fixing detail here: http://www.viridianwood.co.uk/Timber_Weatherboards/timber-weatherboards-fixing-guidelines.html

One nail per board, close to the overlap but making sure it doesn't go through the board beneath, as this will cause splitting.

Min 25mm overlap. Find a supplier that does 125mm boards (that way you know you need 10 per metre, using a 25mm overlap)

I use 40mms of the above nails, which hold just fine. Place the nail upside down on a flat surface and blunt the point by using a single whack with your hammer, this will prevent the wood from splitting

When you get to the last board, fit it back to front (thin edge overlapping thin edge) that way you don't end up with a single thin edge, which might get damaged.

Only fix nails through the top rail first of all, then straighten them all up and fix the ones below. As sometimes you get to the end and find that the last one doesn't run straight in line with the post, and you get a wonky featherboard or a big gap at the bottom against the post.

 

[Jonno2001]

An excellent reply thanks deluks, as are the others earlier.
The boards i've ordered are 125mm specifically for the 25mm overlap and i'll be picking up the nails and bits from Screwfix this weekend.