Should You Nail or Screw Feather Edge Boards?

For feather edge fencing, nails are the traditional fixing and are still widely used. Screws can also work, especially for small repairs or where you want easier removal later. The best choice depends on the type of fence, the scale of the job, the tools you have, the exposure of the site and whether speed or holding power matters most.

In most traditional closeboard fencing, galvanised nails or stainless steel ring shank nails are commonly used to fix feather edge boards to rails. They are fast, cost-effective and suitable for long fence runs. Screws provide a stronger mechanical fixing and can make future board replacement easier, but they are slower to install and can be more expensive across a full fence line.

This guide explains whether you should nail or screw feather edge boards, which fixings to use, how to avoid splitting boards, and what matters most when building a strong feather edge fence.

What are feather edge boards?

Feather edge boards are vertical timber boards used to build closeboard fencing. Each board is tapered across its width, with one thicker edge and one thinner edge. The boards are overlapped to create a strong, solid fence face.

Feather edge boards are commonly used for:

• Closeboard fencing
• Garden boundaries
• Privacy fencing
• Fence repairs
• Heavy-duty timber fencing
• Sloping gardens
• Custom height fencing
• Traditional timber fence lines

They are popular because they create a strong, private and traditional-looking fence when fitted correctly.

What is the difference between feather edge and closeboard fencing?

Feather edge boards are the individual boards. Closeboard fencing is the finished fencing system built from feather edge boards, rails, posts and often gravel boards and capping.

A typical closeboard fence may include:

• Fence posts
• Arris rails or cant rails
• Feather edge boards
• Gravel boards
• Capping rail
• Counter rails where needed
• Nails or screws

You can also buy ready-made closeboard fence panels, where the feather edge boards are already fixed into a panel frame.

Should you nail or screw feather edge boards?

For most full feather edge fencing jobs, nailing is usually the standard method. It is quick, cost-effective and well suited to long runs of closeboard fencing. Screwing is useful where you want a more controlled fixing, easier removal or extra holding power on specific sections.

A simple guide is:

• Use nails for traditional closeboard fencing and long runs
• Use ring shank nails for better holding power
• Use stainless steel or galvanised fixings for outdoor durability
• Use screws for repairs, small projects or areas needing easier future removal
• Use pilot holes if screwing near board edges or into thinner timber

The fixing choice matters, but correct board overlap, rail spacing and installation quality matter just as much.

Nailing feather edge boards

Nailing is the traditional method for fixing feather edge boards. It is fast and efficient, especially when building long fence runs from individual boards.

Nails are commonly used because they:

• Are quick to install
• Cost less than screws
• Work well with feather edge boards
• Are suitable for nail guns or hand nailing
• Allow efficient installation on long fences
• Are widely used by fencing installers

For a standard feather edge fence, nails are often the practical choice.

Best nails for feather edge boards

Use fixings suitable for outdoor timber. Ordinary indoor nails can rust, stain the fence and fail early.

Suitable nail types may include:

• Galvanised nails
• Stainless steel nails
• Ring shank nails
• Annular ring nails
• Outdoor-rated fencing nails

Ring shank nails are often preferred because their ridged shank improves holding power compared with smooth nails. This helps reduce boards loosening over time.

Galvanised nails versus stainless steel nails

Galvanised nails are commonly used for garden fencing because they resist corrosion better than plain steel nails. Stainless steel nails offer stronger corrosion resistance and may be preferred in more exposed or damp locations.

Consider stainless steel fixings where the fence is:

• In a coastal area
• Exposed to high moisture
• Highly visible
• Made from timber likely to stain around fixings
• Expected to have a long service life

For many domestic fences, galvanised ring shank nails are a common practical choice.

Advantages of nailing feather edge boards

Nailing is popular because it is efficient and proven. It suits the repetitive nature of closeboard fencing.

Advantages include:

• Fast installation
• Lower fixing cost
• Good for long fence runs
• Suitable for hand tools or nail guns
• Traditional fencing method
• Works well with overlapping boards
• Less time-consuming than screwing every board

For professional-style feather edge fencing, nailing is usually the more efficient method.

Disadvantages of nailing feather edge boards

Nailing can still cause problems if the wrong nails are used or if the boards are fixed badly.

Possible disadvantages include:

• Smooth nails can loosen over time
• Poor nailing can split boards
• Boards are harder to remove cleanly later
• Hammer marks can damage timber
• Rust can stain the fence if poor fixings are used
• Nail guns can overdrive nails if set incorrectly

Most nailing problems are caused by poor technique, wrong nail choice or placing fixings too close to board edges.

Screwing feather edge boards

Screwing feather edge boards is less traditional for full closeboard fencing, but it can be useful. Screws give strong holding power and are easier to remove than nails if a board needs replacing.

Screws may be useful for:

• Small feather edge projects
• Repairs
• Feature fencing
• Garden gates
• Awkward fixing positions
• Areas where boards may need replacing later
• DIY jobs where speed is less important

Screws should be suitable for exterior timber and should not be oversized for thin feather edge boards.

Best screws for feather edge boards

Use exterior-grade screws designed for outdoor timber. Avoid ordinary indoor screws, as they may rust and fail.

Suitable screw types may include:

• Exterior wood screws
• Stainless steel screws
• Timber decking screws where suitable
• Corrosion-resistant fencing screws

The screw should be long enough to secure the board into the rail, but not so large that it splits the feather edge board or damages the timber.

Advantages of screwing feather edge boards

Screws provide a firm fixing and are easier to remove than nails. This can be useful for DIY projects and repairs.

Advantages include:

• Strong holding power
• Easier board replacement
• Less risk of loosening when properly fitted
• More controlled fixing
• Useful for repairs
• Can reduce damage from hammering
• Good for small projects where speed matters less

Screws can be a good option when precision and future access matter more than speed.

Disadvantages of screwing feather edge boards

The main disadvantages are time and cost. A feather edge fence uses many boards, and each board may need multiple fixings.

Possible disadvantages include:

• Slower installation
• Higher fixing cost
• More visible fixing heads
• Greater risk of splitting if screws are too large
• Pilot holes may be needed
• Can look less traditional
• More labour on long fence runs

For a long closeboard fence, screwing every board can be noticeably slower than nailing.

Which is stronger: nails or screws?

Screws generally have stronger pull-out resistance than smooth nails, meaning they resist being pulled out of the timber. However, ring shank nails also have very good holding power and are commonly used in fencing.

Strength also depends on:

• Fixing type
• Fixing length
• Fixing diameter
• Rail quality
• Board thickness
• Timber moisture content
• Whether the fixing is placed correctly
• How exposed the fence is to wind

A correctly installed ring shank nail is often more suitable than an oversized screw fitted badly.

Which is better for long fence runs?

Nails are usually better for long feather edge fence runs because they are faster and cheaper to install. This is why traditional closeboard fencing is commonly nailed.

For long runs, consider using:

• Galvanised ring shank nails
• Stainless steel ring shank nails in exposed areas
• A nail gun if used correctly
• Consistent board spacing and overlap
• Strong rails and posts

For long fences, installation speed and consistency matter. Nailing is usually more practical.

Which is better for small repairs?

Screws can be better for small repairs because they are easier to control and easier to remove later. If you are replacing one or two feather edge boards, screws may be more convenient than nails.

Screws are useful if:

• The board may need adjusting
• The repair area is awkward
• You want to avoid hammering an old fence
• The rails are sound but older
• You may need to remove the board again

For repairing fragile fencing, screwing may cause less impact than hammering.

Which is better for windy gardens?

For windy gardens, the fixing type matters, but the whole fence structure matters more. Feather edge boards need strong posts, rails, correct overlap and suitable fixings.

In windy locations, focus on:

• Strong fence posts
• Correct post depth
• Secure rails
• Good board overlap
• Ring shank nails or suitable exterior screws
• Enough fixings per board
• Gravel boards and capping where suitable
• Avoiding weak or rotten rails

A screw will not save a fence with weak posts or loose rails. The structure must be right.

Which is better for treated timber?

Both nails and screws can be used with pressure treated feather edge boards, but the fixings must be suitable for exterior treated timber.

Use corrosion-resistant fixings because treated timber and outdoor moisture can accelerate corrosion in unsuitable metals.

Good options include:

• Galvanised ring shank nails
• Stainless steel nails
• Exterior timber screws
• Stainless steel screws where needed

Do not use cheap indoor fixings on exterior fencing.

How many fixings per feather edge board?

Feather edge boards are usually fixed to each rail. The number of fixing points depends on the fence height and number of rails.

A typical closeboard fence may have:

• Two rails for lower fencing
• Three rails for taller fencing
• One fixing into each rail per board
• Additional care at ends, corners and exposed sections

Do not over-fix thin boards with too many large fixings, as this can increase splitting risk.

Where should fixings go on feather edge boards?

Fixings should secure each board into the rails while allowing the boards to overlap properly. The fixing should not be placed so close to the edge that the board splits.

Good fixing practice includes:

• Fixing through the thicker part of the board where appropriate
• Fixing into each rail
• Avoiding the very thin edge
• Keeping fixings aligned for a neat finish
• Not placing fixings too close to board ends
• Not overdriving nails or screws

Correct placement helps the boards stay secure and reduces splitting.

Should you fix through both overlapping boards?

A common mistake is fixing through both overlapping boards in a way that restricts natural timber movement. Feather edge boards expand and contract with moisture changes.

Fix each board so it is held securely to the rail, but avoid locking overlapping boards together unnecessarily. This reduces the risk of splitting as the timber moves.

Follow good closeboard fencing practice for the specific board size and overlap being used.

How much should feather edge boards overlap?

Feather edge boards need sufficient overlap to create privacy, strength and weather resistance. The exact overlap depends on board width and fence specification.

Too little overlap can lead to gaps appearing as timber shrinks. Too much overlap increases material use and can make the fence heavier than necessary.

When setting overlap, consider:

• Board width
• Timber moisture content
• Expected shrinkage
• Privacy requirements
• Fence exposure
• Visual consistency

Use a spacing guide or template to keep the overlap consistent across the fence run.

Can feather edge boards split when nailed?

Yes. Feather edge boards can split if nails are too large, placed too close to the edge or driven in too aggressively. Dry boards can be more prone to splitting.

To reduce splitting:

• Use the correct nail size
• Avoid fixing too close to edges
• Use ring shank nails rather than oversized nails
• Do not overdrive the nail
• Support the board properly
• Use pilot holes in risky positions if needed

A nail gun can also split boards if pressure is set too high or nails are misplaced.

Can feather edge boards split when screwed?

Yes. Screws can split feather edge boards, especially if they are too thick or fitted without pilot holes near edges or ends.

To reduce splitting when screwing:

• Use exterior screws of suitable size
• Drill pilot holes where needed
• Avoid the thin edge
• Do not overtighten
• Use a controlled drill setting
• Do not force screws into dry brittle boards

Screws give control, but they still need correct sizing and placement.

Should you use a nail gun for feather edge boards?

A nail gun can be useful for long closeboard fencing runs. It speeds up installation and reduces hand nailing time.

However, it must be set correctly. If the nail gun drives nails too deep, it can damage the board. If nails are proud, they can look untidy and catch on clothing or hands.

When using a nail gun:

• Use suitable exterior nails
• Check depth setting
• Test on spare timber first
• Keep nail placement consistent
• Wear eye protection
• Follow tool safety guidance

A nail gun is efficient, but poor setup can create repeated mistakes quickly.

Should you pre-drill feather edge boards?

Pre-drilling is not always necessary when nailing, but it can help in difficult areas. When screwing, pilot holes are often useful, especially near board ends or edges.

Pre-drilling may help when:

• Boards are dry
• Boards are narrow
• Fixings are near ends
• Screws are being used
• Timber is splitting
• Repairs are being made to older fencing

Pre-drilling takes more time but can prevent damage.

What size nails for feather edge boards?

The correct nail size depends on board thickness, rail thickness and fence specification. The fixing should pass through the feather edge board and hold securely into the rail without being excessive.

Use nails that are:

• Suitable for exterior use
• Long enough to grip the rail
• Not so large that they split the board
• Corrosion-resistant
• Compatible with treated timber

If using a nail gun, check that the nails are suitable for fencing and outdoor use.

What size screws for feather edge boards?

The screw should be long enough to secure the board into the rail but not unnecessarily thick or long. Oversized screws can split boards and look untidy.

Choose screws that are:

• Exterior-grade
• Corrosion-resistant
• Suitable for timber
• Appropriate for board thickness
• Not too large for the feather edge board

Use pilot holes if the timber is at risk of splitting.

Should fixings be hidden or visible?

Fixings on feather edge fencing are usually visible. The aim is to make them consistent and neat rather than completely hidden.

To improve appearance:

• Keep fixings in straight lines
• Use consistent spacing
• Avoid overdriven nails
• Use fixings with suitable heads
• Choose corrosion-resistant fixings to reduce staining
• Replace damaged boards neatly

Good alignment makes a closeboard fence look more professional.

Should feather edge boards be fixed tight together?

Feather edge boards should overlap consistently, but the fence should still allow for natural timber movement. Timber expands and contracts with moisture changes.

If boards are fixed badly or restricted too much, they can split, cup or move unevenly.

Use a consistent overlap and avoid fixing through multiple boards in a way that prevents movement.

Should feather edge boards touch the ground?

No. Feather edge boards should not sit directly on soil or wet grass. Constant moisture at the bottom of the boards can lead to early decay.

Use a gravel board at the base of the fence. Gravel boards help:

• Keep feather edge boards off the ground
• Protect the bottom edge
• Create a neat base line
• Close gaps under the fence
• Reduce strimmer damage
• Make the fence easier to maintain

Concrete gravel boards offer strong rot resistance, while wooden gravel boards give a more natural timber finish.

Should feather edge boards be capped?

Capping can help protect the top of the boards and improve the finished appearance of the fence. It is often used on closeboard fencing.

Capping can help:

• Reduce water sitting on board tops
• Create a neater finish
• Improve visual consistency
• Protect exposed end grain
• Add rigidity where fitted correctly

Use suitable fixings and treat cut ends when fitting capping rail.

Should feather edge boards be painted or stained before fixing?

It can be easier to treat boards before fixing, especially where overlaps will make access difficult later. However, pressure treated timber must be dry enough before painting or staining.

If treating before installation:

• Make sure the timber is dry enough
• Use an exterior timber product
• Treat cut ends after cutting
• Allow coating to dry before fixing
• Avoid sealing in moisture

If treating after installation, make sure you work product into visible edges and gaps where possible.

Nails or screws for feather edge gates?

Garden gates need stronger and more controlled fixings than ordinary fence boards because they move regularly. Screws are often useful for gate construction and repairs because they provide strong holding power and can be removed if hardware needs adjusting.

For gate boards, consider:

• Exterior screws
• Stainless steel or galvanised fixings
• Correct screw length
• Pilot holes where needed
• Strong braces and rails
• Suitable hinges and latches

A gate should be built to resist movement, sagging and repeated use.

Nails or screws for feather edge fence repairs?

For repairs, screws are often more convenient because they allow careful adjustment. This is useful when replacing a single damaged feather edge board or securing a loose section.

However, if the rest of the fence is nailed and the rails are sound, galvanised ring shank nails can still be suitable.

Choose based on the repair:

• Use screws for careful removable repairs
• Use nails for matching traditional installation
• Use pilot holes if the board may split
• Replace rotten rails before fixing boards
• Do not fix new boards to weak timber

What if boards keep coming loose?

If feather edge boards keep coming loose, the problem may not be the fixing alone. The rails may be rotten, the fixings may be too short, or the fence may be moving in the wind.

Check:

• Are the rails sound?
• Are the posts stable?
• Are the fixings corrosion-resistant?
• Are the nails or screws long enough?
• Is the fence exposed to strong wind?
• Are plants pulling on the boards?
• Are the boards badly warped?

Do not keep refixing boards to rotten rails. Replace the failed timber first.

Common mistakes when fixing feather edge boards

Many feather edge fencing problems come from poor fixing technique rather than the choice between nails and screws.

Common mistakes include:

• Using indoor fixings outdoors
• Using smooth nails where ring shank nails would hold better
• Fixing too close to board edges
• Overdriving nails with a nail gun
• Using screws that are too large
• Not drilling pilot holes where needed
• Fixing through overlapping boards incorrectly
• Not keeping board overlap consistent
• Letting boards touch the ground
• Fixing boards to weak or rotten rails
• Not treating cut ends
• Ignoring wind exposure

Correct installation matters more than simply choosing the most expensive fixing.

Feather edge fixing checklist

Before fixing feather edge boards, check:

• The posts are strong and secure
• The rails are correctly fixed
• The boards are pressure treated or suitable for outdoor use
• The board overlap is planned
• The fixings are exterior-grade
• Cut ends have been treated where required
• The boards will not touch the ground
• A gravel board is fitted where needed
• The fence line is straight
• The fixing position avoids splitting
• The fence is suitable for the site’s wind exposure

Frequently asked questions

Should feather edge boards be nailed or screwed?

For most full closeboard fencing jobs, feather edge boards are usually nailed with suitable galvanised or stainless steel ring shank nails. Screws are useful for repairs, small projects and areas where future removal may be needed.

Are screws better than nails for feather edge boards?

Screws usually give stronger pull-out resistance and are easier to remove, but they are slower and more expensive. Nails are faster and widely used for traditional closeboard fencing.

What nails should I use for feather edge boards?

Use exterior-grade galvanised or stainless steel nails. Ring shank nails are often preferred because they hold better than smooth nails.

Can I use normal nails for feather edge fencing?

No. Avoid ordinary indoor nails because they can rust, stain the timber and fail outdoors. Use corrosion-resistant fencing nails.

What screws should I use for feather edge boards?

Use exterior-grade timber screws suitable for outdoor treated wood. Stainless steel screws may be useful in exposed or coastal locations.

Do feather edge boards split when screwed?

They can split if the screws are too large, fitted too close to the edge or driven without pilot holes. Use suitable screws and pre-drill where needed.

Do feather edge boards split when nailed?

They can split if nails are too large, placed badly or driven too hard. Use the right nail size and avoid fixing too close to edges.

Should I use a nail gun for feather edge fencing?

A nail gun can be useful for long fence runs if it is set correctly and uses suitable exterior nails. Test the depth setting before fixing boards.

How much should feather edge boards overlap?

The overlap depends on board width and fence specification. Keep the overlap consistent across the fence and allow for timber movement.

Should feather edge boards touch the ground?

No. Keep boards off soil and wet grass. Use gravel boards to protect the bottom edge and create a tidy base.

Final thoughts

For most feather edge fencing, nailing is the standard and most practical method. Galvanised or stainless steel ring shank nails are fast, cost-effective and well suited to long closeboard fence runs. Screws are slower and more expensive, but they can be useful for repairs, small DIY projects, gates and areas where future removal is important.

The best fixing is only part of the job. A strong feather edge fence also needs solid posts, secure rails, correct board overlap, suitable gravel boards, treated timber and good installation. If the rails are rotten or the posts are weak, neither nails nor screws will solve the problem.

If you want a traditional closeboard fence installed efficiently, use suitable outdoor nails. If you want more control for a small project or repair, use exterior screws and pilot holes where needed. Either way, focus on corrosion-resistant fixings, correct placement and a fence structure strong enough for the site.