Cheap fasteners are the silent killer of beautiful wood fences. Using standard interior zinc-plated screws or smooth electro-galvanized drywall nails will result in ugly black streaks running down cedar pickets within six months, followed by rusted-through heads and fallen boards.
Stainless Steel: The Gold Standard for Cedar & Redwood
Western Red Cedar and Redwood contain high concentrations of natural tannic acids. When tannins contact ordinary steel or low-grade zinc, a chemical reaction creates black iron-tannate stains. For cedar, always specify Grade 304 or 305 Stainless Steel fasteners.
