What type of fastener is most commonly used for framing?

Nails are the most commonly used fasteners for framing because they provide the necessary strength and flexibility required in wooden structures. When framing walls, floors, and roofs, nails are favored for their ability to quickly bind materials together while allowing for slight movement without splintering the wood. This is crucial during the drying and settling of the structure, as it helps maintain the integrity of the framing over time.

Another reason for the predominance of nails in framing is their installation speed; using a nail gun significantly accelerates the construction process. Nails also have a unique capacity to hold the wood together under stress as they can accommodate expansion and contraction better than many other fasteners.

While screws offer superior holding strength and are beneficial in applications that require tighter connections, their installation time is generally longer. Bolts are used in heavier construction where higher strength or secure connections are necessary, but they also require drilling holes and are typically not practical for standard framing. Staples are more suited for lighter materials or temporary connections rather than structural framing. Thus, for the requirements of framing, nails are the ideal choice.