If you have an upcoming outdoor project that will require nails, like building a deck or tool shed, you're probably concerned with rust. The last thing you want is all of your hard work ruined when that ugly stains and streaks begins to creep across your wood. When two dissimilar metals touch, such as with the nail, it creates an accelerated corrosion. This reaction happens even faster when copper or steel are involved. Is the answer to buy stainless steel nails? Will these stay rust-free?

The name implies it won't stain. Does that mean it won't rust either? Before we answer that question, let's first look into exactly what stainless steel is. It is a big myth that stainless steel is a “pure” metal. Like many metals, including brass and bronze, steel is not in and of itself an element. It is actually an alloy, which simply means it is a mix of metals. Regular steel consists of iron and carbon, along with a few other elements added to achieve desired characteristics. The result is that steel is an incredibly strong material, but it’s also prone to rust.

In 1913, Harry Brearly discovered that adding a specific mix of chromium to steel made it resistant to the effects of certain acids. The element chromium is added (at least 10%) to regular steel to make it stain-resistant. The key word here is "resistant." That does not mean it is impossible for it to rust, but simply it is unlikely to do so.

Wait- does that mean stainless steel nails will rust? Stainless steel is your best bet for avoiding rust, but the truth is that it really depends on the quality. Nails from your average home improvement store are very likely to rust if used outside. Nails made out of type 304 stainless steel are made with chromium and nickel and are only rust-resistant. The only truly rust-proof nails are made from type 316 stainless steel with the polymer molybdenum. If you absolutely do not want rust on your outdoor project, this is the nail type of purchase and use. A 316 type can be used underwater, on the ocean, in salt waters, on all boats and any natural wood outdoors. That's how good these are! You will not find this type of nail at your local home improvement store; only in a specialty home building store or online in our catalogue.

When you are working on an outdoor project, you want the wood to maintain its beauty for years to come. Luckily, avoiding the mineral reaction that causes wood rust is easy. All you need to do is choose the right nail for the job. Stainless steel nails are the best type to use for outdoor work to reduce the occurrence of rust. In many applications, including the exterior construction project you have in mind, and in climates with humid, salty weather conditions, stainless steel is the optimal choice for your nails.