Should I put a small space between my dog ear pickets during install?

Question

I'm installing a dog ear stockade picket fence. I've set the posts and hung the 2x4 straps. Now I need to nail/s***w all the pickets on. I'm going to put the pickets on one side of the strap (as opposed to switching back and force on both sides of the strapping). My question is - Do you think I should nail or s***w the pickets? Also, should I put a small space (1/4") between each picket for expansion considerations? Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, wood expands an contracts in different temperatures so use a picket sideways as a gage to space them that way it will look uniform. Good luck