Brads and finish nails in outdoor projects?

[stephen thomas]

Glue & clamp the stuff you can in the shop.
Design to use screws for assembly if possible.
When we used to do a lot or redwood and cedar 1/4" or 5/16" lattice, i used Bostic bronze staples, and made a compression foot for the gun that would fold/curl them up on the backside.
Not sure if bronze staples are still available, but they used to be kept for boatbuilders.

smt

smt_bentarch11 ready to ship.jpg

smt_bentarch at CCC.jpg

[Cameron Wood]

I got one job after the previous guys were fired. They installed siding with brad nails and it was coming off the walls after a few months in the sun.

1/4" staples aren't much better.

[Glen Huff]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm making a few birdhouses so I think I'll use SS brads and TB3 and that should last well.