I'm putting together some new wood cabinets, and it's time to attach the back fiberboard. They provided a bunch of tacks for this purpose, but from my experience with older furniture, both staples and tacks tend to pull out because the fiberboard warps over time (it always seems to!). Can I replace the tacks with small screws, or is the use of tacks a strategic choice to avoid causing more damage?
3 Answers
Keep in mind that any 'warping' you see might actually be moisture damage rather than the fiberboard itself flexing. None of the fasteners can prevent that issue; they just hold things together for a while. If moisture is the culprit, you’ll need to tackle that rather than just changing your fasteners.
I've actually had success using small screws before. They can hold pretty well, but just remember that they take up more space, which matters if you're close to the edges or in tight spots—risk of splitting the material is real! I usually go for a mix of screws and nails depending on how sturdy I need it to be.
Honestly, I think they stick with tacks just because they're cheaper. Also, based on what you've described, I assume you're working with engineered wood products like particle board or MDF. Those back panels support against racking, and while fiberboard doesn’t technically warp like solid wood, it can sag under weight. This sagging can lead to the fasteners tearing through the fiberboard, regardless of what you’re using. Tack nails are easier on the material compared to screws, which can cause more damage if overtightened, so I’d stick with the tacks unless you’re looking to reinforce with something stronger, like flipping to plywood or adding some wood reinforcements for support.