Best Nail Gun for Decking

A cordless nail gun is a quick and easy tool to fasten trim. It fires the nail and sinks the fastener’s head below the surface in one operation, making it the ultimate mobile trim tool. Finish carpenters and DIY woodworkers love cordless nail guns. Not only is the tool an upgrade over a hammer, but it’s also more convenient than the pneumatic version of this tool. With a cordless nailer in tow, say goodbye to the days of lugging along a pancake air compressor with you or drag a hose behind as you work.

Cordless nail guns easily and rapidly nail up door and window trim and attach chair rails and baseboards. They also handle miscellaneous fastening on repairs and furniture projects. Cordless nail guns come in two types: brad nailers for attaching baseboards and trim and finish nailers that fire longer, heavier gauge nails for securing thicker molding setups or working with dense hardwoods. This buying guide tells you everything you need to know about both types and give you our top recommendations for the best cordless nail guns.

Click on the links below for a quick look at the best cordless nail guns from our test, then scroll down to read about our testing process as well as in-depth reviews.

Top 5 Best Nail Gun for Decking

1. Metabo HPT Finish Nailer

2. NEU MASTER Cordless Nail Gun

3. HCN45SP 11 Gauge 15 Degree 3/4" to 1-3/4" Coil Roofing Nailer

4. WEN 20V Max Cordless 18-Gauge Brad Nailer

5. KIMO 18 Gauge Nail Gun

1.Metabo HPT Finish Nailer

My finish nailer went south on me in the middle of a big project, needed a replacement quick, and had heard good things about Metabo nail guns. Still working on the projects but nailer has been problem free - no jams, no dead shots, seems easy to load. Well constructed, lightweight, and good balance! I think it's a great price point and takes any of the after-market nails I've fed it. Can't ask for much more - might be better ones but I'm a home project hack and needed something to see me through. I give it 2 drops of good oil before each use and hoping it lasts several more years.

2.NEU MASTER Cordless Nail Gun

Awful! I have only used the gun for two projects but it has proven to be completely useless. One was to nail some trim onto a dresser project. The second was to staple fabric onto a bench project. In both cases, the brads and staples did not fully enter the material / countersink. For the dresser, I finally just hammered the brads in the rest of the way because I was mid-project. If you have ever reupholstered anything, you know that it requires A LOT of staples. I was NOT about to hammer in each staple that this gun half installed. Unbelievable. I already have quarter round that I intended to install with this gun but no way. I just saw a review of this gun on YouTube where the gentleman staples into cardboard. Seriously? I can push a brad or staple into cardboard. I am looking for a proper nailer. This gun is absolutely useless. I want to return this completely useless nailer, but it’s been more than 30 days because it sat in waiting (unused) for my projects. DO NOT ORDER THIS GUN IF YOU ACTUALLY INTEND TO USE IT.

3.HCN45SP 11 Gauge 15 Degree 3/4" to 1-3/4" Coil Roofing Nailer

I like this new air nailer alot. Well packaged, complete with safety glasses , bottle of oil, wrenches.It was "shovel ready" from the minute I hooked it up to my compressor. It drives nails cleanly through heavy asphalt shingles. Quiet and easy to use. Fits my hand and my crews hands , with gloves on , perfectly. EZ adjuster.

I am a professional contractor, I select and buy all my tools. I bought this nailer, no "promo" or freeby from them.

Perfect. I give 5 GREAT STARS for this nailer for Value. Price point is important on my contracting jobs.I had a older yellow nailer that was leaking air and needed a rebuild. That meant 2 - 3 weeks out of service while repairs were conducted. No Way !!

I need a good working gun. So I bought this instead of frigging around.. Good choice to go new , and not wait for repairs to my old , heavy , clunky ,yellow gun. I am very pleased and am not afraid to bounce it around on the roof , orin back of the truck at days end.

TOOL FREE EZ depth adjuster , right on the front , is ideal. instant depth change!! Nice.I tried this gun from 80 psi to 110 psi , and it worked great in all settings. I like to use it at 80 psi. Runs a long time and the compressor doesnt have to breathe so hard.Yes, I am a happy roofer with this new nailer. Very satisfied and would buy another in a second. Great value.

3 PLUS tools has a great air nailer. Thank you 3 PLUS and AMAZON for fast , free shipping to myremote location on the Maine coast. Eastport , Maine

4.WEN 20V Max Cordless 18-Gauge Brad Nailer

Was looking at every box store for a lower price cordless brad nailer to finish some trim work after our basement flooded. I'm not about spending 4 or 500 dollars on a super expensive one. I did research and decided to get this one for the right price. I have a few dewalts/makita tools, but I just couldn't spend that much for the rare occasion i will be using it here and there. Now if you are professional maybe you would want to spend more but avg. homeowner this should be good for the price point and how much it will be used over its life. I've used it on a closet trim and it's perfect, even in tight areas. It has not jammed one time and not too heavy but does have some weight to it, but it should it's a nail gun. I've used with one battery and still has a full charge. Of course it's only had about a 100 nails through it. I gave it five stars totally worth the money for sure.

5.KIMO 18 Gauge Nail Gun

The KIMO was a helpful find and worked excellently for the project I worked on at home. Was putting up a board and batten wall at home and researched how to do it. Most installed called out installing backer board on the wall using crown staples and adding the horizontal and vertical MDF slats using 2” finishing nails. When I began looking for tools to accomplish all of this, I was disappointed to learn you had to buy two tools: a crown stapler AND a finishing nailer. Then I found the KIMO on Amazon and it would do BOTH! Plus it’s cordless. This was exactly the tool I needed for this job. It worked perfectly with both crown staples and finishing nails. I couldn’t be happier. Saved me a lot of money not to have to buy two separate tools too. Came with good instructions, a carrying bag, battery, charger and the tool itself. The battery charges quickly, has an on-board charging status display and lasted me all day. Finding great products like the KIMO has cemented me into searching for tools on Amazon. I would consider buying another KIMO tool in a heartbeat.

Best Nail Gun for Decking: A Complete Buying Guide

When it comes to decking projects, whether you're building a new deck or repairing an old one, having the right tools is essential for ensuring both quality and efficiency. A nail gun designed specifically for decking can help you complete the job faster and with more precision than using a hammer. This buying guide will help you choose the best nail gun for decking by highlighting key features to consider, types of nail guns, and our top recommendations.

Types of Nail Guns for Decking

1. Pneumatic Nail Guns (Air-Powered) Pneumatic nail guns use compressed air to drive nails. These are typically lightweight and provide consistent power and performance. They are a popular choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. However, they require an air compressor to operate, which adds to the overall cost and setup time.
2. Cordless (Battery-Powered) Nail Guns Cordless models are more portable and convenient since they don’t require a compressor or cords. Powered by rechargeable batteries, these nail guns are easy to use, though they may not provide as much power as pneumatic models. They are ideal for smaller jobs or projects in areas without easy access to an air compressor.
3. Corded Electric Nail Guns These models are less common but offer the advantage of continuous power without the need for a battery or an air compressor. They are easy to use but tend to be heavier and less portable than cordless or pneumatic versions.

Key Features to Consider

1. Nail Length Compatibility Decking often requires nails ranging from 2 ? to 3 ? inches in length. Make sure the nail gun you choose is compatible with the size of nails you plan to use for decking. Most decking nails are thicker, so it's essential to pick a nail gun designed for heavier-duty nails.
2. Nail Magazine Capacity A larger magazine capacity allows you to work for longer periods without needing to reload. Nail guns for decking should have a magazine that can hold at least 100 nails, which reduces downtime and increases productivity.
3. Adjustable Depth Control An adjustable depth control allows you to set the depth at which the nails are driven, ensuring they are neither too deep nor too shallow. This is particularly useful for decking, as it helps you achieve the right level of finish without damaging the wood.
4. Ergonomics and Weight Decking projects can be lengthy and physically demanding. Look for a nail gun that is lightweight and has an ergonomic design to reduce fatigue. A comfortable grip, low vibration, and a well-balanced tool are all essential for long hours of use.
5. Durability and Build Quality Decking requires a nail gun that can handle tough materials like pressure-treated lumber. Look for a model made from high-quality materials like magnesium or aluminum to ensure it withstands regular wear and tear.
6. Jam Clearing Mechanism A good nail gun should feature an easy-to-clear jam mechanism. This feature prevents delays during work, allowing you to quickly remove stuck nails and keep the project on track.
7. Safety Features Decking nail guns often feature safety mechanisms like a nose safety lock or contact trip trigger to prevent accidental firing. Safety features help ensure safe operation, especially on large jobs.

Top Nail Guns for Decking

Here are some of the best nail guns for decking, based on power, performance, and overall user satisfaction:

1. DEWALT DCN692B Cordless Framing Nail Gun

• Type: Cordless (Battery-Powered)
• Features: 20V lithium-ion battery for longer runtime. Dual-speed settings for different nail lengths and materials. Adjustable depth control. Lightweight (7.7 pounds) and well-balanced.
• Why It's Great for Decking: The DEWALT DCN692B is perfect for heavy-duty decking, as it can drive 3 ?-inch nails into tough materials. Its dual-speed settings make it versatile for various decking applications.

2. BOSTITCH N88WW Nail Gun

• Type: Pneumatic (Air-Powered)
• Features: Adjustable depth guide. Durable magnesium construction. Can handle nails up to 3 ? inches. Large magazine capacity (up to 300 nails).
• Why It's Great for Decking: Known for its durability and performance, the BOSTITCH N88WW is excellent for large decking projects. It delivers consistent power and precision, making it easy to drive nails into tough decking materials.

3. Hitachi NR90AE(S) Pneumatic Framing Nail Gun

• Type: Pneumatic (Air-Powered)
• Features: Drives nails from 2 to 3 ? inches. Tool-less depth adjustment. Lightweight and ergonomic design. High-capacity magazine.
• Why It's Great for Decking: This tool is known for its speed and precision. It’s an excellent option for larger decking projects, with the ability to quickly drive nails into thick decking boards.

4. Ryobi P320 AirStrike Cordless Brad Nailer

• Type: Cordless (Battery-Powered)
• Features: 18V lithium-ion battery. No compressor needed. Selectable drive switch for different nail lengths. Compact and lightweight.
• Why It's Great for Decking: Although it's not as powerful as a pneumatic model, the Ryobi P320 is great for light decking tasks. It’s easy to use and very portable, ideal for DIYers or smaller-scale projects.

5. Makita AF505N Pneumatic Brad Nailer

• Type: Pneumatic (Air-Powered)
• Features: Ergonomically designed handle. Adjustable depth control. Accepts 2-inch to 5-inch nails. Lightweight for extended use.
• Why It's Great for Decking: Makita’s AF505N is an excellent tool for more precise, decorative decking work. Its ability to handle various nail sizes makes it versatile for a range of decking projects.

Additional Tips for Decking Nail Guns

• Consider the Material: Make sure the nail gun is designed for the specific type of wood or composite materials you are using. Pressure-treated wood, for example, requires a more powerful tool.
• Maintenance: Regularly maintain your nail gun by cleaning it and lubricating the moving parts to extend its life and ensure smooth operation.

Conclusion

Choosing the right nail gun for decking can make a significant difference in the speed and quality of your work. If you’re a professional or have large-scale decking projects, a pneumatic nail gun like the BOSTITCH N88WW is ideal. For DIYers or those looking for portability, a cordless model like the DEWALT DCN692B offers great flexibility. Consider your specific needs, including nail size compatibility, power source, and ergonomics, to find the best tool for your decking project.