PVC trim looks like wood, and it even cuts like wood. It also lasts forever. It doesn’t rot or get bugs, and it doesn’t soak up water. It’s a suitable replacement for wood trim in places that get a lot of water, like corner trim boards and door trim that’s close to the ground or doesn’t have an overhang to protect it. Most people would use screws to do the job, but the question is whether you can use nails to fasten PVC trim if you don’t know how to put up PVC trim and are also not sure if it should be nailed on or not. Then the article is for you.
Can you nail PVC trim?
Plastic used to make PVC trims, also called “cellular PVC trims” (Poly Vinyl Chloride). PVC can last a very long time if it is correctly cared for. But they expand and contract when the temperature changes, which you should consider when choosing a fastener.
As a result, you can still use nails to secure PVC trim. But local people need to learn how to do many different things. To properly install PVC trim, you’ll need a coil nailer and stainless steel 8d nails with a full circular head. The 15-gauge finish nailer is suited for interior finishing work.
For the trim inside
You can use regular galvanized nails as long as the environment doesn’t change a lot. In other words, the nails will weaken over time if they are in hot, cold, or wet conditions for a long time. That means that it may expose PVC trim in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room to more heat or moisture than trim in other parts of the house.
For outdoor trim
Use 3160 stainless steel nails, or hot-dip galvanized nails for outdoor trim. These nails don’t rust, which is the most important thing to worry about when using metal fasteners. The stainless steel and galvanized surface won’t rust, so the nail itself won’t be damaged when it comes in contact with water.
– If the nails are too small, they won’t hold the trim well. When nails are too big, they can break or damage the PVC trim. You will have to fix or replace the rim, which takes time. So, to get the job done right, you’ll need to use the correct size of nails.
Correct Nails Size
The nail size for PVC trims will rely on where the trim is. Because the exterior and inside environments are different, the pins for the outside frame will be different sizes than those for the interior decoration. At least 1-1/4 inches of the nails should go into the surface (usually the studs). So, the length of the pin should be the trim’s width plus 1-1/4 inches.
That is important for trim exposed to heat, cold, and moisture, which can hurt the edge. Even though PVC trim is less likely to shrink or grow than wood trim, water can still get through the holes if they don’t seal properly.
Use 8d nails for PVC trim on the outside. For the best hold, use 8d nails with full, round heads. If they have ring-shaped threads, that’s even better because the pin will stick to the trim better and stay put. You can use a smaller nail to hang the PVC trim inside. Usually, you can use a 15-gauge finish nailer. Since the trim doesn’t get wet, you don’t need as big of a nail to hold it in place.
Always look at the instructions for making the PVC trim to ensure you’re using the right size nails.
Problems with PVC Trim
Most PVC trim is strong, durable, and lasts a long time. Poly Vinyl Chloride made it last longer than wood and other trim types in lousy weather. But there are still things you need to know about PVC trim before you put it in.
Cracking
Your PVC trim may also have a problem with cracks. The expansion of heat can cause damage to the edges on the outside. It can also happen if something hits the PVC trim. The Trim is usually thin and stiff, so it can break if struck.
Dent
Plastic is a flexible material, yet wood is hard and sturdy. Plastic can be damaged and scratched if hit with something hard. However, I wouldn’t be too concerned since these trims are used rarely.
Incompatible with Nature
Last but not least, PVC is a type of plastic that is harmful to the environment. Unfortunately, plastic waste doesn’t biodegrade quickly and ends up in landfills. Yet, I have a friend who insists that PVC can be recycled and that tree-cutting is unnecessary because plastic is created from other sources.
Eco-friendly materials are more of a matter of taste, I think.
Contraction
The temperature-related expansion and contraction are the most obvious. However, PVC expands when exposed to sunlight and contracts when it cools, so care must be taken while working with it outdoors in the sun. The nails used to secure the trim may loosen or rust as a result of the temperature changes. The nail heads may detach or the trim may crack at the nail holes as the wood expands and contracts over time.
FAQs
PVC trim: to nail or to glue?
When installing PVC trim, use a coil nailer and stainless 8d nails with a full-rounded head. The 15-gauge finish nailer is a good choice for indoor trimmings. But nails aren’t the most reliable fastening out there. As an alternative to nails, screws offer greater security and reduce the risk of splitting the molding.
Can you nail PVC trim inside a house?
PVC is not even close to being comparable to wood. In contrast to metal, its workability is more akin to wood. PVC Trim board can be worked using the same woodworking implements.
What nails do you use for PVC trim boards?
High-quality fasteners, such as stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized, are recommended by cellular PVC manufacturers. Nails made from Type 316 stainless steel are the best choice for use near the ocean.
When applied correctly, does Gorilla Glue hold PVC trim?
Use Gorilla Glue anywhere the temperature is above freezing and below 280 degrees Fahrenheit. Water is all needed to clean it, and it’s safe for the environment. This glue is fantastic because it can be used on pipes of varying sizes, from the littlest PVC pipe to a tube with a 6″ diameter.
Final Word
PVC trim is easy to work with as a material. PVC trim has become more popular as a new, modern alternative to wood trim. When it’s installed and fastened correctly, PVC trim is just as easy to work with and looks nice as wood trim. But it doesn’t have any of the problems that come with wood trim. You need nails of the right size. Small nails won’t hold trims in place.
On the other hand, if you use nails that are too big, it’s easy to damage PVC trim. In the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room, PVC trim could be exposed to more moisture and heat than in other parts of the house. So, to do the job right, you’ll need to use nails that are the right size.