Simpson 2-1/2" Cedar and Redwood Decking Nail in Type 304 Stainless Steel is an 8d, 12-gauge exterior fastener engineered specifically for cedar and redwood deck board installations. With an annular-ring shank for superior grip and a compact checkered full round head that blends into natural wood grain, this deck nail delivers long-lasting, corrosion-resistant performance in outdoor living spaces. Designed by Simpson Strong-Tie, a trusted name in structural fasteners, this nail resists the natural tannins and oils in cedar and redwood while holding deck boards firmly in place over years of weather exposure.

Key Features

• Type 304 Stainless Steel material - provides strong corrosion resistance in outdoor environments, protecting against moisture, tannins, and the natural acids found in cedar and redwood wood species.
• Annular-ring shank design - dramatically increases withdrawal resistance compared to smooth-shank nails, helping prevent nail heads from popping up through deck boards over time and maintaining a cleaner finished surface.
• Compact full round head with checkered pattern - the small 7/32" head sits low and blends with natural wood grain, reducing visual impact on your finished deck and minimizing glare from sunlight.
• Slender 0.113" shank diameter - allows nailing near board ends with reduced risk of splitting, giving you more flexible placement options even in narrower decking stock.
• Diamond point tip - makes driving easier and more consistent, reducing the effort needed during installation and helping the nail track straight through hardwoods and dense decking species like cedar and redwood.
• 12-gauge wire, 8d penny size, 2-1/2" length - sized specifically for standard cedar and redwood deck board thickness, providing the right penetration depth for a secure wood-to-wood connection.
• Made in the United States - manufactured domestically, reflecting Simpson Strong-Tie's commitment to quality control and consistent product performance.

Why This Product

• Purpose-built for cedar and redwood decking - this nail is specifically engineered for the unique demands of cedar and redwood installations, where the wood's natural oils and tannins can accelerate corrosion in lesser fasteners. The Type 304 stainless steel construction stands up to prolonged contact with these reactive species.
• Stays flush over time - the annular-ring shank grips wood fibers aggressively, resisting the seasonal expansion and contraction that causes smooth-shank nails to work loose and pop above the deck surface - a common and frustrating problem on wood decks.
• Virtually invisible installation - the compact 7/32" checkered head blends with wood grain and sits low, producing a cleaner, more professional-looking finished deck without the unsightly large nail heads that can detract from natural wood aesthetics.
• Reduces end-grain splitting - the slender shank diameter of 0.113" lets you fasten near board ends without pre-drilling in many applications, saving labor time and keeping the structural integrity of each deck board intact.

Specifications

• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Material: Type 304 Stainless Steel
• Finish: Type 304 Stainless Steel
• Gauge: 12
• Penny Size: 8d
• Length (in.): 2 1/2
• Head Diameter (in.): 7/32
• Shank Diameter (in.): 0.113
• Shank Type: Annular-Ring Shank
• Head Type: Full Round Head
• Head Pattern: Checkered
• Point Type: Diamond Point
• Approx. Count per Lb.: 145
• Country of Origin: United States

Available Pack Options

• S8CRD1: 1 Lb (145)
• S8CRD5: 5 Lb (725)
• S8CRDB: 25 Lb (3625)

Approved Applications

• Fastening Wood-to-Wood
• Decks - Deck Boards Wood

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Type 304 stainless steel recommended for cedar and redwood decking?

Cedar and redwood contain natural tannins and acids that accelerate corrosion in standard steel or galvanized fasteners, causing unsightly rust staining on deck boards. Type 304 stainless steel resists these corrosive compounds, keeping the fastener and the surrounding wood looking clean throughout the life of the deck.

What is an annular-ring shank and why does it matter for deck nails?

An annular-ring shank features a series of ridges along the shank that lock into wood fibers as the nail is driven. This significantly increases withdrawal resistance compared to smooth-shank nails, which means the nail resists being pulled back out by seasonal wood movement - helping keep deck boards flat and preventing nail heads from popping up over time.

Is this nail appropriate for seaside or coastal decking applications?

Type 304 stainless steel offers solid corrosion resistance for most outdoor decking environments. However, for seaside or coastal applications where salt air and saltwater exposure are factors, Type 316 stainless steel is recommended for superior corrosion resistance in those more demanding conditions.

What does the checkered head pattern do?

The checkered pattern on the compact full round head is designed to blend with the natural wood grain of cedar and redwood, reducing visual contrast between the nail head and the deck surface. It also reduces glare from sunlight, producing a cleaner, more finished appearance on completed deck board installations.

Note: Product dimensions may differ from picture.