Nailing ship-lap.

[Paul Saffold]

I'm making a bookcase with ship-lap boards for the back. They are 5" wide. Is seasonal movement going to be a problem if I use 2 nails each end? Or should I use 1 nail. I'll be using 4p or 6p finish nails through 3/8" rabbeted ends. Hand nailing, not pneumatic, if that matters.

Thanks.

[glenn bradley]

I keep my slats thinner, 3" or so, and use a single nail position. For longer slats like this dresser, I will stagger nail positions and let the lap do its job. These nails are oversized to go with the exaggerated G&G style. Other styles just get small brads.

244187 . 244185

[Paul Saffold]

Thanks Glenn. I was thinking probably 1 but wasn't sure.

[Sam Babbage]

Two brads are fine, they will bend with timber movement.