Should I nail or glue PVC trim?

When installing PVC trim, you have two main options for fastening it in place – nailing or gluing. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, so choosing between them often comes down to personal preference and the specifics of your project.

Pros and Cons of Nailing PVC Trim

Nailing is the more traditional installation method for trim. Here are some of the main pros and cons to consider with this option:

Pros

• Provides strong, mechanical fastening – Nails physically hold the trim in place by penetrating the substrate.
• Allows for expansion/contraction – PVC expands and contracts with temperature changes. Nailing gives it room to move.
• Faster/easier for simpler jobs – Quickly tack trim in place by nailing every 12-16 inches.
• Lower upfront cost – Buying nails is cheaper than purchasing tubes of construction adhesive.
• Easier to remove/replace – Pulling nails out is simpler than scraping off old adhesive.

Cons

• Risk of cracking over time – Overdriven nails or seasonal expansion/contraction can split PVC.
• More difficult installation overall – Precisely pre-drilling holes takes more time/care.
• Visible fasteners – Nail holes are visible unless you use special nails and plugs.
• Not as strong bonding – Nails hold well initially but may loosen over time.

Pros and Cons of Gluing PVC Trim

Gluing PVC trim with construction adhesive offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages:

Pros

• Clean look – No visible fasteners when installed correctly.
• Extremely strong bond – Adhesive forms a permanent, waterproof bond when cured.
• Reduced chance of damage – No nail holes to crack or split from expansion.
• Works well for curved/detailed trim – Adhesive conforms to intricate shapes.
• Great for window/door trim – Secures trim tightly to prevent air/water leaks.

Cons

• Permanent installation – Removing glued trim is difficult and causes damage.
• Messier process – Adhesive can get messy if you aren’t careful.
• Takes longer – Applying adhesive and letting it cure adds time.
• Upfront cost – Buying tubes of construction adhesive is pricier.
• Limited adjustment time – Trim must be precisely positioned before adhesive cures.

Recommendations for Nailing vs. Gluing

So when should you choose nails vs. adhesive for installing PVC trim? Here are some general recommendations:

When to Use Nails

• Installing long runs of straight trim – Nailing is faster for basic boards.
• If you may need to remove/replace trim later – Nails allow easier removal.
• On jobs where appearance isn’t critical – Nail holes are more visible.
• For DIYers on a budget – Buying nails is cheaper upfront.
• If you don’t have much experience – Nailing is a more foolproof installation.

When to Use Adhesive

• For window, door, and corner trim – Glue forms an airtight, waterproof seal.
• On curved/intricate trim shapes – Adhesive conforms to detailed profiles.
• For high-end, finished look – Gluing leaves a clean, hole-free surface.
• In extreme hot or cold climates – Glue allows for greater expansion/contraction.
• For experienced installers – Gluing takes more skill to execute perfectly.

Choosing the Best Nails for PVC Trim

If you decide that nailing makes the most sense for your project, it’s important to choose the right type of nails. Here are some things to look for:

• Stainless steel or galvanized – These won’t corrode over time like standard nails.
• Ring shank – The rings grip the trim better and reduce pullout.
• Small gauge – Thinner nails around 16-18 gauge reduce the chance of cracking.
• Smooth shank – A smooth shank prevents friction and binding when driven in.
• Length – Pick a length that will penetrate the substrate 1-1.5 inches.

Some of the best nails for PVC include:

• 16 or 18 gauge stainless steel finish nails
• 16 or 18 gauge stainless ring shank nails
• Stainless steel brad nails
• Galvanized roofing nails

You’ll also need to pre-drill holes in the PVC before nailing. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the nail shank to prevent cracking. Nail approximately every 12-16 inches along the length of the trim.

Selecting the Right Adhesive for PVC Trim

If your project calls for gluing the trim in place, use a high-quality adhesive specifically designed for PVC:

• PVC primer & cement – Provides an extremely strong chemical weld between materials.
• Multipurpose construction adhesive – Look for formulas that specifically say “PVC-safe”.
• Exterior panel adhesive – Waterproof adhesives made for bonding trim outdoors.

Avoid all-purpose glues and interior adhesives which lack the strength or water resistance for exterior PVC applications.

When working with adhesive, use a caulk gun to fully extrude the product into the trim channel. Press trim firmly in place and use mechanical fasteners like nails or tape to hold the piece while curing. Wipe away any excess squeeze-out with a damp rag.

Nailing vs. Gluing: Which Method is Better?

Now that we’ve compared the pros and cons of each method, which one generally provides the best result for PVC trim?

For maximum strength and weatherproofing, gluing is usually the preferred approach. The adhesive forms a permanent, water-resistant bond that won’t loosen or crack over time. The finish is seamless with no visible fasteners.

However, nailing has its merits in certain situations. It’s a practical option for large jobs where time and upfront costs are a concern. For DIYers, it’s also more forgiving to work with.

Ultimately, there’s no definitive answer that applies across the board. Evaluate each installation project individually and choose nails or glue based on your specific needs. Both methods can produce professional quality results when done properly. Combining the two techniques is also an option on some jobs.

Tips for Successfully Nailing PVC Trim

Follow these tips to get the best results when nailing your trim:

• Use the recommended nail type and length for PVC.
• Pre-drill holes slightly smaller than the nail shank.
• Set the nail gun depth to avoid driving nails too deep.
• Nail every 12-16 inches along the trim length.
• Nail into a solid substrate like wood blocking.
• Apply sealant between trim and wall for a waterproof seal.
• Fill visible nail holes with colored putty that matches the trim.

Take your time driving the nails to avoid cracking the plastic. Don’t overdrive nails or hammer in crooked. Leaving a small 1/16 inch gap between trim boards allows room for expansion.

Recommendations for Gluing PVC Trim

Follow these best practices when gluing PVC trim in place for best results:

• Choose the right adhesive for PVC.
• Prep materials by cleaning the back of the trim and substrate.
• Apply adhesive into the channel or to the back of the trim.
• Press trim firmly in place within 10 minutes.
• Use nails, tape, spacers, or clamps to hold while curing.
• Allow at least 24 hours for adhesive to fully cure.
• Fill any gaps in the joint with exterior sealant.

Take care not to use too much adhesive – a thin consistent bead is ideal. Thoroughly wipe up any excess before it cures. Being precise in your application ensures optimal bonds and a professional finished look.

Comparing the Costs of Nails vs. Adhesive

One potential advantage of nails over glue is the lower material cost, especially for large jobs. Here’s a look at sample costs:

Nails

• 16 gauge stainless finish nails – approximately $8 per pound
• 16 gauge stainless ring shank nails – approximately $25 per pound
• A standard pneumatic trim nailer costs $100 – $350

For example, trimming a small 10′ x 12′ shed would use around 2-3 pounds of nails, costing $16 to $75 just for fasteners.

Adhesive

• PVC primer and cement – approximately $15 per pint container
• Exterior panel adhesive – approximately $6 per 10oz tube
• Caulk gun – $5 to $20 basic models

That same small shed would require 1-2 tubes of panel adhesive, costing $6 to $12. So gluing can provide notable material savings on big jobs.

However, the more specialized PVC cement would be pricier at $15 to $30. Labor costs also factor in – nailing is generally faster than gluing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While both nailing and gluing seem straightforward in theory, beginners often make mistakes that result in a subpar finish. Avoid these pitfalls:

Nailing issues

• Not pre-drilling holes – can crack/shatter PVC.
• Using the wrong nails – corrosive or oversized nails damage trim.
• Overdriving nails – causes visible cracks.
• Not filling holes – leaves an unfinished, spotted look.
• Nailing off-stud – leads to loose, unsupported trim.

Gluing problems

• Wrong adhesive – interior glue won’t withstand weather.
• Messy application – causes drips, unclear bonds, ugly squeeze-out.
• Not securing trim – allows movement before adhesive cures.
• Gaps in joints – enables water intrusion behind trim.
• Too much glue – slows cure time and makes excess removal hard.

Mastering proper techniques for both installation methods prevents amateurish results.

Combining Nailing and Gluing for Optimal Security

The strongest possible attachment of PVC trim combines both mechanical and adhesive fastening. Here are two ways to integrate nails and glue:

Nail first, then glue

This approach provides immediate grab from the nails to hold pieces in place, then the adhesive permanently bonds everything once cured. It allows you to fine-tune the positioning before the glue sets.

Toenail while gluing

With this method, you run a bead of adhesive in the joint, position trim, then toenail through the bottom edge into the substrate while the glue remains workable. It adds extra shear strength at the vulnerable bottom part of the trim.

In both cases, use adhesive sparingly – just enough to create a continuous bond line. Avoid excessive squeeze-out. Nails should hit solid backing and penetrate PVC without cracking it.

Combined nailing and gluing takes a little extra time but provides the security of both permanent adhesive and mechanical fastening. The result is trim that can withstand heavy use and severe weather exposure.

Top Brands of PVC Trim

For exceptional performance and appearance from your PVC trim, choose products from reputable brands known for quality. Here are some of the top manufacturers:

Brand	Price Range	Notable Features
Royal Building Products	$$$	Wide assortment, cellular PVC
Azek	$$$$	Durable capped polymer
Versatex	$$$	Low-gloss natural wood looks
Kleer	$$	Affordable PVC profiles
Fortress	$$$	Rigid cellular PVC

These top PVC trim suppliers offer stylish profiles, superior weather resistance, and great workability. Carefully nailing or gluing their products creates durable, long-lasting finished trims.

Matching PVC and Wood Trim

Many projects combine wood framing with PVC trim for aesthetics and performance. Here are tips on blending them seamlessly:

• Choose PVC trim with a woodgrain texture.
• Use similar widths on PVC and wood pieces.
• Stain wood to match tone of PVC.
• Miter joints neatly at perfect 45 degree angles.
• Align all trim boards evenly along walls.
• Maintain consistent reveal depths on framing.

Mimicking traditional woodwork details on the PVC pieces creates a cohesive blended trim style. Take care in your carpentry for smooth transitions between materials. Finishing both using the best nailing and gluing practices keeps the trim uniform.

Safety Tips

Both nailing and gluing PVC come with certain safety concerns. Be sure to:

• Wear safety goggles when nailing or cutting to prevent eye injuries.
• Work in a well-ventilated area when using adhesives.
• Follow manufacturer safety instructions for tools and chemical products.
• Keep nails covered and adhesive capped when not in use.
• Dispose of waste properly rather than leaving debris scattered.

With routine care and attention to safety protocols, PVC trim installation can be accomplished smoothly and securely using nails, adhesive, or both. Just focus on quality workmanship and the details.

Conclusion

Installing PVC trim typically involves choosing either nails or adhesive for fastening it in place. Nailing provides a quick, budget-friendly mechanical attachment. But gluing forms a tighter, cleaner looking bond.

In the end, there’s no universally superior method. Evaluate each job independently and use nails, glue, or both where appropriate. With good prep work and care taken during installation, you can achieve professional, lasting results with either approach. Just be sure to follow best practices to avoid common mistakes. Paying close attention to details like neat joints and proper fastener spacing will get your trim looking its best.