Simpson 3-1/4" Cedar and Redwood Decking Nail in 316 Stainless Steel is purpose-built for exterior wood decking projects where long-term holding power and corrosion resistance are essential. Crafted by Simpson and made in the United States, this 12-gauge annular-ring shank nail is engineered specifically for cedar and redwood decking applications - materials known for their natural oils and tendency to split when fastened improperly. Whether you are building a coastal boardwalk, a backyard deck near saltwater, or a residential redwood patio, this nail delivers the combination of a slim profile, strong grip, and superior rust resistance that demanding outdoor conditions require.

Key Features

• Type 316 stainless steel construction - provides superior corrosion resistance in seaside, high-humidity, and chemically aggressive environments where standard stainless or galvanized fasteners may fail prematurely
• 12-gauge, 3-1/4" length (12d penny size) - delivers deep penetration and strong holding power suited for standard cedar and redwood decking thickness
• Annular-ring shank design - dramatically increases withdrawal resistance, keeping nail heads from popping up over time as decking expands and contracts with weather cycles
• Slender 0.113" shank diameter - reduces the risk of splitting when driving nails near board ends, protecting the natural integrity of cedar and redwood
• Compact full round head with checkered pattern - sits low and blends with wood grain texture, reducing visual prominence and minimizing glare from sunlight
• Diamond point tip - enables easier, more controlled driving and helps guide the nail straight through dense wood grain
• Approximately 110 nails per pound - allows for straightforward job-site quantity estimation when planning material needs for a decking project

Why This Product

• Specifically engineered for cedar and redwood - these naturally oily, resin-rich woods react with many metal fasteners causing staining and corrosion; 316 stainless steel resists these reactions and keeps the wood looking clean over time
• Built for coastal and seaside environments - Type 316 stainless steel offers a step up in chloride and saltwater resistance compared to 304 stainless, making it the right choice for marine-adjacent decking where corrosion is the primary long-term threat
• Annular-ring shank fights nail pop in dynamic wood - cedar and redwood naturally expand and contract with moisture and temperature changes; the ringed shank grips the wood fibers and resists the forces that cause fasteners to work their way back to the surface
• Unobtrusive head design preserves deck appearance - the checkered, compact full round head is less visible once driven, blending with the natural grain of cedar or redwood rather than standing out as a reflective metal dot on every board

Specifications

• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Material / Coating: Type 316 Stainless Steel
• Gauge: 12
• Penny Size: 12d
• Length: 3-1/4 in.
• Head Diameter: 2/9 in.
• Shank Diameter: 0.113 in.
• Shank Type: Annular-Ring Shank
• Head Type: Full Round Head
• Head Pattern: Checkered
• Point Type: Diamond Point
• Approx. Count per Lb.: 110
• Country of Origin: United States

Available Pack Options

• T12CRD1: 1 Lb (110)
• T12CRD5: 5 Lb (550)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose Type 316 stainless steel nails over Type 304 stainless for my deck project?

Type 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, which gives it higher resistance to chlorides and salt-laden air compared to Type 304. For decking projects in coastal or seaside locations where salt spray and moisture are constant factors, 316 stainless is the recommended grade because it better resists pitting and corrosion in those conditions.

What is the benefit of an annular-ring shank on a decking nail?

An annular-ring shank has ridges along its length that lock into wood fibers as the nail is driven. This significantly increases withdrawal resistance compared to a smooth shank nail. For cedar and redwood decking - which naturally expands and contracts with changes in moisture and temperature - this means the nail heads are far less likely to pop up above the deck surface over time.

Will the slender shank help prevent splitting in cedar and redwood boards?

Yes. The 0.113-inch shank diameter is intentionally slender so that nailing near the ends of cedar or redwood boards displaces less wood fiber. This reduces the stress concentration that causes end-grain splitting, which is a common issue when using thicker or full-gauge fasteners in these particular wood species.

What does the checkered head pattern on this nail do?

The checkered pattern on the compact full round head serves two purposes. First, it helps the nail head blend visually with the natural grain and texture of cedar or redwood, making it less conspicuous once driven. Second, the textured surface reduces glare from sunlight reflecting off the metal head, maintaining a cleaner aesthetic appearance on finished decking surfaces.