6 Best Staple Gun Staples For Cedar Siding Installation

Cedar siding transforms a tiny home or cabin into a rustic masterpiece, but its natural acidity makes it a challenging material to fasten securely. Choosing the wrong staple leads to unsightly bleeding, rust streaks, or boards warping away from the subframe over time. Selecting the right hardware ensures the structural integrity and aesthetic longevity of your exterior envelope.

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Bostitch S4 Stainless: Best for Durability

When coastal air or high humidity threatens the exterior of an alternative dwelling, stainless steel is the only reliable choice. The Bostitch S4 series offers superior corrosion resistance that prevents the dark, tannin-rich streaks often seen with lesser-quality fasteners. Because cedar reacts chemically with many metals, this specific grade of stainless steel acts as an insurance policy against premature degradation.

These staples are designed to hold tight under the expansion and contraction cycles common in wood siding. If the goal is a “set it and forget it” installation that won’t require maintenance or replacement for decades, this is the gold standard. While the price point sits higher than standard options, the long-term reduction in siding repairs justifies the initial cost.

Freeman Galvanized 1-1/2“: Best Budget Pick

For those working on a tighter budget, such as a DIY shed conversion or a smaller mobile structure, Freeman galvanized staples offer a functional alternative. These provide enough holding power for standard cedar boards while keeping project expenses manageable. They are reliable for dry, inland climates where heavy corrosion risk is minimized.

Be aware that galvanized coatings eventually lose their efficacy if exposed to harsh, salt-heavy environments. If the project is situated in a high-moisture climate, expect to keep a closer eye on the siding surface for early signs of oxidation. For short-term or budget-conscious builds, however, this remains the most practical path forward.

DeWalt DWSX16150G: For DeWalt Tool Users

Tool ecosystem compatibility often dictates the speed and efficiency of a build. The DeWalt DWSX16150G staples are engineered for seamless operation in DeWalt staplers, eliminating the jamming issues that often plague mixed-brand setups. This reliability is critical when working on high ladders or difficult angles where a tool jam could lead to a safety hazard.

These staples feature a high-quality galvanized coating that balances cost and performance well. Users invested in the DeWalt platform will find that the consistency of these fasteners improves the overall flow of installation. If a DeWalt stapler is already the primary tool in the kit, there is no reason to look elsewhere.

Paslode GS16 Galvanized: Best System Match

Paslode tools are industry leaders for a reason, and their GS16 fasteners are designed to capitalize on that precision engineering. These staples drive deep and flush every time, providing a consistent look across the entire wall surface. For builders who prioritize speed and precision, the Paslode system offers an unmatched level of mechanical synergy.

The galvanized finish is sufficient for moderate climates, ensuring the siding stays secure through seasonal temperature swings. Because they feed smoothly into Paslode magazines, the downtime spent clearing jams is virtually non-existent. This is the optimal choice for the professional builder or the serious hobbyist who values efficiency above all else.

Grip-Rite GRPS16150: Best for Large Jobs

Large-scale siding projects, like those on full-sized tiny houses or expanded cabins, require fasteners sold in bulk. Grip-Rite provides a reliable, high-volume solution that doesn’t sacrifice structural holding power. Their packaging ensures the staples remain organized and ready for the tool, reducing the time wasted on handling damaged strips.

These staples provide a sturdy connection that holds heavy cedar boards firmly against the sheathing. They strike a balance between cost and performance, making them ideal for the builder who needs to cover a lot of square footage without breaking the bank. For a project where volume is the primary driver, this is the most logical selection.

Stinger CS150B Caps: Best for High Wind

In areas prone to high gusts or extreme weather, standard staples may not provide enough surface area to keep siding from vibrating or pulling loose. Stinger cap staples solve this by adding a plastic disc under the staple crown. This creates a much larger footprint, effectively “locking” the cedar board against the sheathing.

This method is arguably the most secure way to install cedar siding in exposed or high-elevation locations. While the application process is slightly slower than using a standard staple gun, the peace of mind during a windstorm is invaluable. If the dwelling is located on an open plain or a coastal cliff, this is the only way to ensure the siding stays attached.

Stainless vs. Galvanized: What Cedar Needs

Cedar is naturally acidic, which accelerates the corrosion of many metal fasteners. Standard carbon steel staples will rust almost immediately upon contact with moisture, leaving dark stains that ruin the aesthetic of the wood. Galvanized staples offer a protective zinc coating, but this layer can still fail over time in wet environments.

Stainless steel is the only material that remains chemically inert when in contact with cedar’s natural tannins. If the siding is intended to last for twenty years or more, the additional cost of stainless steel is non-negotiable. Only choose galvanized if the project is in a very dry climate or is intended to be a temporary structure.

Setting Correct Staple Depth for Siding

Proper staple depth is the difference between a secure hold and a ruined board. A staple driven too deep will crush the wood fibers, creating a pocket that holds water and leads to rot. Conversely, a staple that isn’t deep enough leaves the crown exposed, preventing proper board overlap.

Always test your depth on a scrap piece of cedar before tackling the main wall. The crown of the staple should sit flush with the surface of the wood without indenting it. Adjust the air pressure on the compressor or the depth-of-drive dial on the stapler until the staple is perfectly level with the siding face.

Choosing Staple Crown and Leg Length

The “crown” of a staple is the width of the top bridge, and it dictates how much surface area the fastener holds. For siding, a wider crown provides better shear strength and reduces the risk of the staple pulling through the wood. A 7/16-inch or 1/2-inch crown is typically the industry standard for securing cedar boards.

Leg length is equally important; it must be long enough to pass through the siding and seat firmly into the structural framing. Aim for the legs to penetrate the solid wood framing by at least 1 to 1-1/4 inches. Using a staple that is too short will result in loose boards, while one that is too long risks hitting internal plumbing or electrical runs.

When to Use Nails Instead of Staples

Staples are excellent for speed and initial hold, but they are not always the best solution for heavy wood siding. Cedar boards that are particularly thick, dense, or prone to extreme cupping may require the superior withdrawal resistance of a ring-shank nail. Nails provide a tighter, more permanent bite into the studs that staples sometimes cannot replicate.

If the siding is being installed over a rain-screen system, the added thickness often makes nails the safer choice. Always consult the siding manufacturer’s installation instructions, as many require specific nail types to maintain the warranty. When in doubt, a stainless steel ring-shank siding nail provides the ultimate structural security.

Selecting the right fastener is a small but vital detail that dictates the lifespan of your exterior. By aligning your hardware choice with your local climate and project scale, you protect your investment from both the elements and the clock. Take the time to choose the correct material, and your cedar siding will remain secure and beautiful for years to come.