Where should nails be positioned when installing wood paneling?

When installing wood paneling, it is essential to ensure that the nails are strategically positioned to provide maximum stability and to minimize the risk of defects such as warping or splitting. Positioning nails at the butt joints and spacing them evenly along the edges distributes the load effectively and reinforces the joints between the panels.

Nailing at the butt joints helps to secure the panels together, preventing movement that could lead to gaps or misalignment. This is particularly important at the seams where two panels meet. Moreover, by spacing nails evenly along the edges of the panels, you ensure that the panels are held firmly in place without encouraging bending or lifting at the ends.

This method contributes to a more professional finish and ensures that the paneling remains securely attached over time. The other options either do not provide adequate fastening for the structure of the paneling or would not support the necessary hold to withstand the forces acting upon the wall surface.