Using Roof Nails To Install Deck Joist Hangers

Hang the joist with a bent over nail.

Using roof nails to install deck joist hangers.

This part of your deck construction is labor intensive. Long galvanized joist hanger nails. We re using a scrap of wood screwed to the joist as a brace to hold the joist in position while we fit the hanger but you can also use a nail bent over to form a hook. To install start by aligning the top plane of the joist with the top of the rim joist.

Start driving a nail near the top end of the joist then bend it over. For standard joists you will use the 1 1 2 inch galvanized hanger nails to attach the joists using standard joist hangers. Roofing nails are not made to withstand the structural forces that are required for joist hanger connectors. The 16d nails will fasten your hanger to the wall ledger while the 10d nails will be nailed through the side flange of the hanger into the joists.

The use of roofing nails as structural attachments for joist hangers is not uncommon however it should be avoided. For standard joist hangers secure the joist hanger to the joist using only 1 1 2 in. Now you can slip the joist into the hanger and drive the nails that go into the joist. Nail to the joist standard hanger.

The precise type of nail varies according to the project s characteristics and the make and model of the joist hanger. An explanation and demonstration of how to install joist hangers and what type of nail to use. Avoid longer nails that would poke through the joist and splay out the other side of the hanger. Remove the guide and drive nails to attach the hanger.