Nails for Wall Sheathing

The Nails Needed for Sheathing on a Wall calculator computes the approximate number of nails needed to nail 4x8 sheets to wall studs based on the dimensions of the wall, spacing of nails on the edges and field of the 4x8, and whether blocking or clips are use.

INSTRUCTION:  Choose units and enter the following:

• (L) Length of Wall
• (H) The height of Wall
• (eS) Edge Spacing of Nails
• (fS) Field Spacing of Nails

Number of Nails (N): The calculator returns the number of nails needed when using blocking or clips.  A typical box of nails may have 5,000 nails.

Related Calculators

1. How many plywood or OSB 4x8 boards do I need to cover a wall?
2. How many studs do I need for a wall?
3. How many nails do I need to put 4x8 sheathing on a wall?
4. How many nails do I need for my pneumatic nail gun for a roof?
5. How many nails do I need to put plywood or OSB on rafters or trusses?

4x8 sheets on a roof

Using the length and height, the calculator computes the square footage of the wall.  It then computes the number of 4x8 sheets required to cover the wall.  Modern construction techniques take advantage of the time saving achieved through using pneumatic nail guns.  Nail guns like the RHF9021NS Air Framing Nailer from BN Products are used to rapidly nail sheeting to wall studs saving time and money. 

Blocking or Clips

The number of nails that will be needed are determined by the pattern of nails.  There are two different patterns for nails based on whether there is blocking that allows continuous edges or if clips are used.  The diagram shows the two patterns.

Additional Resources

The following articles provide additional information:

• Installing Plywood Sheathing and House Wrap