Wood flooring gives your home a classic look and improves comfort and market value. When it comes to installing wood flooring in your home, however, you will find that the expense of hiring a professional is nearly comparable to the cost of flooring supplies. Therefore, the easiest way to save money is to do it yourself.
If you opt to install your flooring yourself, you can either use a hammer or a pneumatic flooring nail gun to secure it.
If you want to use a hammer, at least two to three blows will be required to drive a nail. Hammering is also risky to you and the floor tiles. But you’ll be able to finish the job more quickly, precisely, and economically if you use flooring nailers. Therefore, purchasing a flooring nailer will not be in useless if you intend to install your floors yourself (as renting will not always be cost-effective).
Once you made the decision to buy a flooring nailer, you started to wonder about a few things. Which flooring nailer on the market is the best? What factors should you take into account when selecting a flooring nailer for do-it-yourself projects? Is it appropriate for all kinds of floors that are sold today? Which power supply will work best for you? so forth.
Don’t worry! All of the answers may be found in our flooring nailer buying guide. In addition, we’ll share our picks for the best flooring nailers for DIY projects. Let’s have a look.
A Quick Summary Of Our Favorites
1. Editor’s Choice – NuMax SFL618 3-in-1 Flooring Nailer
Numax SFL618 comes with 3-in-1 functionality to support you in doing a wide range of tasks from the installation of floors to upholstery. It is a durable and lightweight tool.
2. Best Value Flooring Nailer – Freeman PFL618BR Pneumatic 3-in-1
The Freeman PFP618BR is an excellent tool for installing hardwood and other flooring types. It’s easy to use and intuitive. It’s inexpensive and ideal for do-it-yourself projects.
3. Best Budget Flooring Nailer – WEN 61741 18-Gauge Floor Nailer
If you’re looking for a versatile, low-cost all-purpose tool, WEN 61741 is a good option. You can easily manage finish carpentry, upholstery, and hardwood flooring installation with this fantastic flooring nailer.
4. Best Professional Flooring Nailer – DEWALT DWFP12569
The Dewalt DWFP12569 flooring nailer is designed to provide you with the best balance and control for a professional finish. The long handle, easy grip, and lightweight body provide the necessary adaptability for DIY flooring projects. It’s excellent for a wide range of hardwood floors thanks to the three removable base plates.
5. Best Floor Nailer For Hardwood Floor – Bostitch BTFP12569
This is a good flooring nailer stapler combo that can drive 15.5 ga staples and 16 ga L-cleats with a range of 1-1/2 to 2 inches. It also comes with three interchangeable base plates for quick and easy installation of engineered and solid hardwoods of various thicknesses.
6. Best Cleat Nailer For DIY – 3PLUS HFSNSP Nailer/Stapler Combo
If you want to avoid renting a flooring nailer without sacrificing any of the benefits of a high-end flooring nailer, the 3PLUS HFSNSP is the tool for you. It’s tough and adaptable, and it works well on a variety of surfaces.
7. Best Palm Nailer For Flooring – Powernail PowerPalm
The Powernail PowerPalm is a great tool for blind nailing, top nailing, and working in tiny spaces that other flooring nailers can’t reach. It sports a swivel magnetic nose for a firm grip and precise nail positioning.
Flooring Nailer Vs Stapler: Which One Is Perfect Fit?
When it comes to flooring installation tools, two options come to mind: the flooring nailer and the flooring stapler. We are frequently perplexed as to which one to choose because they appear to be extremely similar. Both tools, on the other hand, can be used to install flooring. However, there are some distinctions between them that help us determine which is more appropriate for our purpose.
Flooring nailers, also known as cleat nailers, are meant to drive cleats. They are of two types: manual and pneumatic. A manual flooring nailer demands greater muscle work than a pneumatic flooring nailer to drive cleats. Pneumatic flooring nailers, on the other hand, just require a single hammer hit to have many pounds of power. Despite the fact that the pneumatic flooring nailer provides more force, both nailers require some hammering force to drive.
Staplers, on the other hand, are available in both manual and pneumatic versions. However, in the case of flooring, the manual option is not viable. The pneumatic flooring stapler’s operation is quite similar to that of the flooring nailer. Instead of cleats, you have to insert staples here. As a result, there will be no clear answer as to which is better for flooring installation. We need to look at the cleat or nails and staples design for it.
There are two types of cleats available: L-head and T-head. Regardless of the kind, both cleats provide a firm grip on the flooring. A portion of the cleat nails (the upper part) has a smooth shank, which allows the floor to compress or expand in response to seasonal changes.
Floor staples, unlike cleats, have two extended legs that provide a solid grip on hardwood flooring. Staples have greater gripping strength than cleats. Staples, on the other hand, will prevent the floor from expanding or contracting as the seasons’ change. Furthermore, if the tongue is less than 3/4″ thick, it has a probability of breaking.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you can’t amalgamate cleats and staples in the same project. You must either use cleats or staples.
Key Note: As a result of the preceding debate, we can conclude that the cleat, and thus the flooring nail gun, are the best tools for floor installation. However, nowadays you can purchase a flooring nail gun that can perform both jobs, which will save you money on buying two pieces of equipment.
Read Also: Screws Vs Nails: Which Is The Preferred Fastener?
What Features Should You Look For In A Flooring Nailer?
Once we’ve determined that the greatest option for flooring is a flooring nail gun, the following step is to identify the best floor nailer for our job.
However, while there are many flooring nailers on the market today, they are not all built the same. The easiest method for homeowners to determine which flooring nailer is the best is to read reviews and buy depending on the characteristics that are most important to them. When purchasing a flooring nailer, keep the following points in mind:
Power Source: Manual Vs Pneumatic
Because there are two types of flooring nailers on the market (manual and pneumatic), you may be unsure which one will provide you with the most leverage. And it’s a crucial factor to consider before buying a floor nailer. To find out the solution, let’s go over the advantages and disadvantages of both options.
Manual Flooring Nailer
You would guess from the name that the manual floor nailer relied on muscle power to drive nails. To drive nails in position, you must forcefully strike the nailer’s head with a rubber mallet. In most cases, two strokes are required to sink the nail.
Because there are no built-in filters or an external power source, a manual flooring nailer is less expensive and requires less maintenance. However, because it requires more energy, it raises the risk of erroneous nail placement or tongue splitting.
Pneumatic Flooring Nailer
Drive nails with pneumatic flooring nailers must be struck with a hammer, just as manual flooring nailers. However, because the compressed air force handles the majority of the work, you only need to exert a minor amount of effort to get it started. A pneumatic floor nail gun not only saves you time and effort but also ensures that your nails are straight and accurate.
You’ll need an air compressor to run it, even though it’s simple to use and lightweight. As a result, it will be more expensive and require more maintenance than its manual counterpart.
Key Note: Despite the fact that they are more expensive and need more upkeep, pneumatic floor nailers are a popular choice among floor contractors. They’re smaller, lighter, and better suited to working in confined spaces.
However, nothing wrong if DIYer chooses the manual option because of the low cost.
Read Also: Engineered Wood Flooring Vs Real Hardwood For Flooring
Types Of Fastener
After you’ve decided whether to use a manual or pneumatic floor nailer, it’s time to pick the right fastener. The prior section – flooring nailer versus stapler – went into great detail about this topic. If you want to use cleats as a fastening, be sure the nail gun you chose supports them.
Length Of Fastener
The length of the fastener is determined by the sort of flooring you’ll be installing. If you choose hardwood that is 3/4 inches thick, you may need a fastener that is at least 1-1/2 inches long. All flooring nailers, in general, allow for the use of 1-1/2″ to 2″ fasteners. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For greater adaptability, consider a nailer that can accommodate a wider choice of fasteners.
Gauge Of Fastener
We can tell how thick a fastener is by looking at its gauge number. The higher the number, the thinner it is. Fasteners with a gauge of 18 to 15 are commonly used for flooring. It is preferable to choose a floor nailer that can accommodate a variety of fastener gauges.
Weight, Ergonomics, And Construction
The flooring nailer must frequently be moved from one row to the next. As a result, having a nailer that is easy to transport and provides the necessary balance while working is preferred.
The length of the handle is an important factor in user comfort. It should be designed so that you just have to bend a bit or not at all while nailing. It should also have a comfortable grip.
Avoid purchasing a plastic floor nailer if you want to utilize it project after project. Instead, go with an aluminum or steel floor nailer.
Mode Of Operation
The majority of flooring nailers have two or more modes of operation. It’s fantastic that you can use your flooring nailer to drive cleats and staples with one tool. It enables you to work on various projects without having to purchase separate tools for each one. As a result, the more modes of operation your flooring nailer has, the better.
Safety Features
Pneumatic floor nailers without having a dry-fire lockout can destroy your flooring materials as well as hamper the tool life itself. So, check whether your nailer has this feature or not.
Extra Tools And Accessories
If the flooring nailer you intend to purchase comes with all of the essential accessories, you can save yourself from buying them separately and will be able to use the equipment right away.
A flooring nailer should usually come with –
- A mallet
- Carrying case
- Safety goggles
- Lubricant
- Hex wrenches
Price And Warranty
The cost of every tool is determined by its quality and the worth of its brand. Our goal, however, should be to obtain the highest quality at a fair cost.
A tool’s warranty tells us how long it will last. Typically, the longer the warranty, the longer it will last. As a result, get a flooring nailer with a lengthy warranty.
Read Also: Siding Nailer Vs Roofing Nailer: Are They The Same Or Different?
Flooring Made Easy: The Top 7 Flooring Nailers For DIY Projects Reviewed
At this point, we have a good notion of what we should look for when purchasing a flooring nailer. Now it’s time to see which flooring nailer is the best on the market.
Our staff spent a significant amount of time researching and ranking the best floor nailers from across the world. We hope you’ll find them to be the perfect fit for your needs. Let’s have a look at some of the feedback on them.
1. Editor’s Choice – NuMax SFL618 3-in-1 Flooring Nailer
If you’re looking for a high-quality flooring nailer, the NuMax SFL618 pneumatic stapler/nailer should be at the top of your list. This nailer is lightweight and simple to operate. You don’t have to worry about batteries or muscle power because it’s powered by an air compressor. It can be used on many types of flooring, including hardwood and engineered wood.
In fact, the NuMax SFL618 pneumatic stapler/nailer can be used both as a stapler and as a nailer. This makes it simple to get fast, straight, professional-looking results from your flooring projects. This nailer can nail and staple up to ½ – ¾ inches of hardwood flooring and carpeting. We used this nailer to install new flooring in one of our test rooms, and the results were amazing.
Specifications
- Operating Pressure: 70-110 PSI
- Fastener Range: 1-1/2″ – 2″
- Fastener Gauge: 15.5 – 16 gauge
- Magazine Capacity: 100 T & L cleats, 90-120 staples
- Weight: 12 pounds
- Dimension: 15.13″ x 3.5″ x 21.38″
- Warranty: 1 Year
Why it’s great
- Three-in-one functionality allows for a wide range of applications.
- Compatible with 16ga T & L cleats as well as 15.5ga 1/2″ staples.
- The base plate for 1/2″ and 3/4″ hardwood is easily replaceable.
- Die-cast aluminum and heat-treated steel pieces provide strength for longer use.
- For long-day use, it has a comfortable rubber grip and an ergonomically contoured handle.
- With quick access to the driving blade, it’s easy to clear a jam.
- The magazine cover has been improved to allow for easier nail loading.
- It’s cost-effective and can save you money on three tools.
Keep in mind
- It takes significant expertise to strike with a mallet on its head.
- There is no dry fire control system.
Good for
If you are a homeowner who is thinking about reinstalling your hardwood floor, you can go with this option. It is both long-lasting and cost-effective. You may get a new Numax SFL618 flooring nailer for the price of three or four days of renting.
2. Best Value Flooring Nailer – Freeman PFL618BR Pneumatic 3-in-1
The Freeman PFL618BR provides convenience as well as adaptability. Without changing the magazine, this 3-in-1 pneumatic flooring nailer can drive three different types of fasteners. It can be used on a variety of wood floors, including hardwood, laminate, engineered wood, and bamboo.
It’s our most popular flooring nailer since it’s simple to use and affordable. The Freeman flooring nailer is great for DIYers because it can fasten tongue-and-groove flooring.
The PFL618BR flooring nailer features a comfortable power lever that makes advancing and retracting nails simple. Even when loaded with nails, it’s easy to operate and manage because it only weighs a little over 11 pounds. It has a rubberized grip to prevent sliding and is well-balanced. The handle has multiple finger grooves and is shaped in a way that makes it pleasant to hold for long periods of time.
Specifications
- Operating Pressure: 70-110 PSI
- Fastener Range: 1-1/2″ – 2″
- Fastener Gauge: 15.5 – 16 gauge
- Magazine Capacity: 100 T & L cleats, 90-120 staples
- Weight: 11.46 pounds
- Dimension: 16.75″ x 3.5″ x 22.75″
- Warranty: 7 Years
Why it’s great
- It works best with solid hardwood flooring.
- L-cleats, T-cleats, and staples are all acceptable fasteners.
- Lightweight tool that is ideal for extended use.
- Made of high-strength aluminum.
- For trouble-free use, the drive blade is comprised of a single piece of hardened steel.
- It comes with a no-mar base to assure scratch-free nailing.
- A built-in air filter protects the internal components from dust and grime.
- To drive nails, you only need a small amount of strike on the bumper.
- For ease of use, it has a long 23″ handle.
Keep in mind
- Its ability to function in tight spaces is limited.
Good for
We discovered that Numax and Freeman are identical in terms of features and quality. Despite the fact that the PFL618BR model from Freeman comes with a long warranty and a carrying case. So, if you don’t mind spending a little more, this nailer is a good option.
3. Best Budget Flooring Nailer – WEN 61741 18-Gauge Floor Nailer
Wen’s all-in-one flooring stapler and nailer is an all-around winner, especially for those on a tight budget. It can fire 18-gauge brads ranging from 5/8 to 2 inches in length, as well as 1/4-inch narrow crown staples ranging from 1/2 to 1-5/8 inches in length. It has a spring-loaded flooring head that allows you to angle your fasteners at a 45-degree angle, making it ideal for floor carpenters and DIYers who need versatility on the job.
It also has an 11-inch thin body that allows it to fit into tiny spaces. It also has built-in depth adjustment wheel controls to control how far the fastener penetrates your workpiece, as well as a quick-release nose for clearing jams easily in the middle of the task. While it’s not up to the standards of the pricier models we tested, it’s versatile, comfortable to use, and gets the job done.
Specifications
- Operating Pressure: 60 – 100 PSI
- Fastener Range: ¾’’ – 2’’ brad nails, ½’’ – 1-⅝’’ staples
- Fastener Gauge: 18 Ga
- Magazine Capacity: 100
- Weight: 3.4 pounds
- Dimension: 11’’ x 10.5’’ x 4’’
- Warranty: 2 Years
Why it’s great
- Extremely light and inexpensive.
- It eliminates the need to purchase four different tools because it can be used as a stapler, brad nailer, and floor nailer.
- It contains a spring-loaded flooring shoe that is easy to remove and replace, allowing the nails to be angled at a 45-degree angle.
- You can drive nails quicker and more precisely with the dual trigger option.
- It’s simple to operate, and the rubber grip handle makes it comfortable to hold for long periods of time.
- You can direct the released air away from you using an adjustable air exhaust.
Keep in mind
- Some buyers have expressed dissatisfaction with the flooring nailer shoe’s tight fit.
- It occasionally discharges two nails in a single pull of the trigger.
Good for
If you’re looking for a tool that can go from staples for the underlayment to nails for hardwood without spending a lot of money, the WEN 61741 is the best option.
4. Best Professional Flooring Nailer – DEWALT DWFP12569
The Dewalt DWFP12569 2-in-1 Flooring Tool is the best of the nail guns and staplers we’ve tried. It’s not just because of the well-known name; it’s also because it’s Dewalt’s best-in-class flooring tool. The DWFP12569 nailer is comparable to the DWFP12568, but it is more powerful and ergonomically designed. It is a professional-grade tool that comes with three adjustable base plates (1/2 in., 5/8 in., and 3/4 in.) to adapt to a wide range of floor thicknesses.
The DWFP12569 nailer is a pneumatically powered mallet operated nailer that can fire nails or staples continuously. It also required a very low CFM, implying that the air compressor would run for a shorter period of time.
The DWFP12569 nailer is quite lightweight and has a slim body, making it easier to maneuver through confined locations when compared to other nail guns. Because the handle is adjustable, you can change it to your favorite height. As a result, even after a long day of use, you will not be exhausted.
Specifications
- Operating Pressure: 70 – 100 PSI
- Fastener Range: 1-½’’ – 2’’
- Fastener Gauge: 15.5ga ½’’ staples and 16ga L-cleats
- Magazine Capacity: 100
- Weight: 10.6 pounds
- Dimension: 20.35’’ x 3.2’’ x 22.1’’
- Warranty: 7 Years
Why it’s great
- Versatile accommodates the most common solid flooring fasteners.
- Compact design easily fits into tight spaces.
- Base plates are easily interchangeable and work with various types of flooring.
- It has a long, ergonomically constructed handle that allows for prolonged use without fatigue.
- The non-marring base plate ensures that neither the floors nor the workpieces are scratched.
- The rubber grip on the handle makes it comfortable to operate.
- Longevity is ensured by a specially designed hardened driving blade.
Keep in mind
- You have to apply exactly the right force during hitting by a mallet, otherwise, it may split the floor tiles or the nail will not drive properly.
Good for
When we compared the DEWALT DWFP12569 to the Freeman PFL618BR flooring nailer, we discovered that the DWFP12569 is somewhat more expensive, but it is more user-friendly and compactly made, making it ideal for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
5. Best Floor Nailer For Hardwood Floor – Bostitch BTFP12569
The Bostitch 2-in-1 flooring tool is worth a look if you require a tool that can perform a lot. The Bostitch BTFP12569 flooring tool, like our last candidate, the Dewalt DWFP12569, comes with three interchangeable base plates (1/2″, 5/8″, and 3/4″) to support a wide thickness of flooring installation. As a result, it’s an ideal tool for installing engineered or solid hardwood floors for any homeowner.
The Bostitch pneumatic flooring nailer is designed to drive 16 gauge flooring cleats and 15.5 gauge flooring staples from 1-1/2″ to 2″. You’ll also find a simple depth adjustment system for exact nail insertion, sequential actuation, and a tool-free jam release system to cut down on downtime. It’s lighter than our previous pneumatic flooring nailers, and it’s ergonomically engineered for long-term comfort.
Specifications
- Operating Pressure: 70 – 100 PSI
- Fastener Range: 1-½’’ – 2’’
- Fastener Gauge: 15.5ga staples, 16ga L-cleats
- Magazine Capacity: 100
- Weight: 10.2 pounds
- Dimension: 20.35’’ x 3.2’’ x 22.1’’
- Warranty: 7 years
Why it’s great
- It can be used as a stapler and a flooring nailer at the same time.
- With its easily replaceable base plates, it can support a variety of flooring thicknesses.
- Long handle with ergonomic design for fatigue-free use.
- Design that is both light and compact.
- It’s suitable for both engineered and solid hardwood floors.
- Required a very low airflow to run, 3.7 SCFM only.
Keep in mind
- Jams can develop when more than a clip of a nail is loaded.
- It is more capable of driving cleats than staples.
Good for
The Bostitch BTFP12569 is the finest pick if you’re a homeowner seeking for an easy-to-use, versatile, and lightweight flooring nailer for your hardwood floors.
6. Best Cleat Nailer For DIY – 3PLUS HFSNSP Nailer/Stapler Combo
The 3PLUS HFSNSP is another affordable flooring nailer and stapler combo that will be a great alternative for DIYers. You’ll discover that it’s half the price of renting a hardwood nailer for 3/4 days. Furthermore, it has all of the necessary functions of a high-end flooring nailer.
It can drive 15.5 ga staples and 16 ga L-cleats with a range of 1-1/2″ to 2″, and its long-reach detachable handle makes it comfortable to use all day. It’s also quite simple to use; all you have to do is set the pressure to 70 to 100 PSI and give the bumper a light tap with the mallet. When you purchase the instrument, you will receive a lovely white rubbered mallet. Its removable base plate allows you to nail down hardwood and engineered wood flooring of various thicknesses.
Specifications
- Operating Pressure: 70 – 100 PSI
- Fastener Range: 1-½’’ – 2’’
- Fastener Gauge: 15.5ga Staples and 16ga L-Cleats
- Magazine Capacity: N/A
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Dimension: 20’’ x 14.5’’ x 5.25’’
- Warranty: N/A
Why it’s great
- Aluminum construction makes it simple to use and dependable.
- No more back pain while nailing with this tool because it has a long handle.
- Comes with two 1/4″ and 5/16″ base plates to fit 3/4″ and 1/2″ hardwood floors, respectively.
- It can be used on a variety of flooring types, including bamboo, laminate, and others.
- It’s comfortable to use because it’s covered in rubber.
- It comes with two removable handles, one long and one short, which you may use depending on your height.
- It is very rarely misfired or jammed.
- The price is quite low.
Keep in mind
- Because the interchangeable plates lack a non-marring pad, avoid dragging them across the tongue of the flooring to avoid scratching.
Good for
It is a good alternative for contractors and homeowners to accomplish flooring installation jobs effortlessly due to its easy-to-use features and low cost.
7. Best Palm Nailer For Flooring – Powernail PowerPalm
The Powernail PowerPalm isn’t as large as the other flooring nailers we’ve mentioned; instead, it fits in the palm of your hand while nailing. It can, however, assist you in doing blind nailing close to the wall, which is tough with other tools. As a result, if you have PowerPalm, tongue and groove flooring at the beginning, end, or tight location will no longer be an issue while installing hardwood or engineered wood flooring.
It includes a specifically designed magnetic nail tip that can securely hold the cleats in place while rotating as needed. It can effortlessly drive 16 or 18 gauge 1 to 2 inches long L-head and T-head cleats. It’s a compressed air-powered pressure-activated nailer that requires very little hand pressure to operate.
Specifications
- Operating Pressure: 70 – 110 PSI
- Fastener Range: 1’’ – 2’’
- Fastener Gauge: 16 to 18 gauge
- Magazine Capacity: Single
- Weight: 1 pound
- Dimension: 3.86’’ x 2.95’’ x 2.48’’
- Warranty: 1 year
Why it’s great
- Compact design allows for access in confined spaces and the driving of blind nails.
- The 360-degree swivel tip allows for precise nail insertion.
- Magnetic tip for firmly holding the L or T cleats in place.
- Versatile can be used as a flooring tool as well as a standard nail gun.
- Simple to use.
Keep in mind
- Can shoot only one nail at a time.
Good for
Powernail PowerPalm will be a good option if needed for blind nailing, top nailing, transitions, doors, and corner installations.
Powernail PowerJack 100 Hardwood Floor Positioning Tool
Despite the fact that Powernail’s PowerJack model 100 is not a flooring nailer, it is a valuable tool for positioning hardwood floors and freeing up our hands while nailing. It also saves our floors from being scuffed by removing the need for pry bars or crowbars.
Powernail PowerJacks are mostly used to push or pull tongue-and-groove flooring strips into place and hold them in position. It may be used on practically any thickness of flooring without causing damage to the surface. They can be utilized against a wall, near studs, or anywhere else on the floor.
It’s an easy-to-use tool with a straightforward design. You’ll need to use the lever to rack the tool’s faceplate against a stationary surface or a closer wall. Continue to ratchet until the floor catch pulls the floor taut and secures it in the desired position. It’s as simple as that. Now get out of the PowerJack, free your hands, and start nailing. Simply push the tool forward in the full phase of the lever to release it, and you’re done.
Specifications
- Weight: 6.7 pounds
- Dimension: 16.85 x 6.5 x 4.69 inches
Why it’s great
- It helps to speed up the floor installation works.
- Provide necessary leverage while placing floors in tight corners.
- It allows freeing your hands during nailing by holding the floors tightly in place.
Good for
For a professional floor carpenter, it is an excellent tool. DIY homeowners, on the other hand, can gather it to ensure a perfect flooring position while nailing.
Read Also: The Ultimate Hardwood Guide: Benefits, Uses, and Selecting the Best?
FAQ
Q. What kind of nail gun do I need for hardwood flooring?
On the market, there are a variety of nail guns to choose from. For a beginner, deciding which nail gun is best for flooring installation is a tricky issue. When you already have a type of them, it becomes much more perplexing.
In most cases, a flooring nail gun is an ideal alternative for flooring installation. However, if you have a finish nailer in your garage shop and want to do some little floor installation, you can use it.
Because finish nailers shoot practically headless nails, they won’t leave a mark on the hardwood floor and will give it enough room to expand and contract as the seasons’ change, which is a positive thing.
When using a finishing nailer, however, you must ensure that the nail shoe is positioned correctly on the tongue of the floor strip, inclined at roughly a 15-degree angle inward and downward to the board. Also, use a longer nail that is enough to go through the subfloor and can penetrate at least 1/2″ into the joist.
Q: Do you need anything other than a flooring nailer for installing hardwood floors?
Installing hardwood flooring usually only requires a flooring nailer or stapler. Depending on your preference, you’ll use a stapler or a nailer. We went over this topic in-depth in this article for your benefit.
You can save time and money by using a pneumatic flooring nailer instead of a manual while laying hardwood floors. Pneumatic flooring nailers can’t always reach tight corners and can’t always conduct top nailing. For convenience, a finish nailer or a palm flooring nailer can be used in certain situations.
You’ll also need several other tools to finish hardwood flooring, in addition to a flooring nailer or stapler. A hammer, a miter, or a table saw, as well as a pry bar or floor positioning tool, are required. A sander, vacuum, or other finishing equipment will be required if the floor is unfinished.
Read Also: What is the Best Circular Saw Under $100?
Q. What gauge floor nailer do I need?
The gauge of floor nails or cleats gives us an idea of how thick the wire is. The narrower the cleats are, the higher the gauge number. Typically, 15 to 18 gauge floor nails are used. Whereas staples are 15 gauge, cleats or finish nails are 16-18 gauge. For hardwood flooring, most professional carpenters prefer to use cleat nails.
The gauge number chosen, on the other hand, is fully dependent on the hardness of the wood floor, its thickness, the type of subfloor, and the type of flooring – engineered, solid, or laminate. For best bonding, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when selecting floor nails.
Q. What size nails should be used for 3/4 inch hardwood flooring?
The flooring nails should be long enough to penetrate the subfloor and into the joist by at least 1/2 inches. You can, however, use 1-1/2-inch nails for 1/2-inch-thick flooring and 1-3/4-inch nails for 3/4-inch-thick flooring as a rule of thumb. Before selecting a fastener, it is a good idea to consult the flooring manufacturer’s recommendations.
Q. Can you use a brad nailer for engineered hardwood floors?
Yes, engineered hardwood floors less than or equal to 1/2″ thick can be installed using a brad nailer. However, installing solid hardwood floors that are 3/4 inch or thicker using a brad nailer is not a smart idea.
Read Also: Can You Use A Brad Nailer For Roofing?
Q. What size air compressor do I need for a hardwood floor nailer?
Typically, flooring professionals recommend using a 6-gallon, 1-hp air compressor capable of producing 60-100 PSI pressure. As a result, an air compressor with a capacity equal to or greater than this will suffice for flooring installation. You can order either a pancake or a twin side. Click here to see some of the most popular air compressors for nail guns.
Final Words
We hope the above reviews and shopping guidance are useful in your search for the best flooring tool for your next DIY project. We make every effort to give reviews that are based on our own honest research and expertise. Once you’ve chosen a tool from the list above, you’ll be able to see its benefits and drawbacks, as well as our opinion on it, which may be very useful.
In conclusion, we would strongly suggest the Bostitch BTFP12569 for both DIY and commercial applications. Because it is a versatile tool that pushes nails through the floor rather than into it, this is one of the best flooring nailers on the market. It will also last a long time because it is made in the United States using high-quality materials.
If you’re on a tight budget, though, WEN 61741 is the way to go. Since it is the most cost-effective flooring nailer with all of the high-end capabilities, it is an excellent choice for weekend warriors or complete beginners.
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