Stumped with Hardwood Floor.

[Deere Dude]

I am installing a hardwood floor in the dining area, or trying to. 3/4"x 2-1/4" unfinished oak. Other stuff may be easier but I want this down.

The question I have, and googling many sites don't answer this, the nailing procedure. I know there is a fancy air nailer where you smack it with a hammer and it pushes the board tight and drives a staple in at the same time. I don't have one of those and the small 11 x 12 area doesn't seem to warrant buying one, even though I have a coupon from HF for $100.

All the sites seem to say to drill a pilot hole and countersink a finishing nail for nailing.

My question is. I have a good finish air nailer that drives in nails up to 2" #16 nails. Will that be satisfactory to nail those in the tongue part of the mating surface. I have a block to hammer the boards tight, but was wondering about the nailing procedure.

 

[kennyd]

Most rental places will rent the proper nailer, including most Home Depot stores. I'm afraid using a regular finish nailer will lead to a failed installation.

 

[lescarpentier]

The boards need to be drawn together tight.That is why a hammer is used to activate the nailer,whether it is pneumatic or manual.It also requires a special kind of ribbed nail deigned to keep things together permanently.Rent the nailer so you can use the proper nails.GL!

 

[prichard]

Not sure how far you are but I've got a nailer I could sell or lend to you if you want to come down and get it.

 

[Shaneard]

Rent a nailer as suggested above, if you can't afford to buy one you can't afford to redo this project. Do it right the first time and you will have peace of mind for years to come. When the temps change your floor will swell and contract no matter how tight you get the boards so they need good nails and to be very tight to begin with.

 

[downsizingnow48]

This is the tool, some of them are air assisted. Does the job perfectly, snugging up board and nailing at same time. Rental places have them.

 

[ustmd]

As others have said, rent the nailer. Also, the flooring board is likely to work loose over regular finish nails. You need to used either special flooring nails or flooring staples.

Good luck

 

[prichard]

I bought this one cheap

Professional Flooring Kit (2-Piece )

Freeman Professional Flooring Kit (2-Piece )-P2PFFK - The Home Depot

 

[Shaneard]

We have real hardwood oak flooring in our house, it's been there for a while (was there when we moved in). It creaks and cracks no matter where you are. It is very hard to be a ninja in our house, almost impossible and our house is less than 1,000 sq. feet total.

 

[/pine]

Also...flooring nails/staples etc. are made to punch through hardwood so it does not split...
before pneumatic nailers were so common hardwood floors were put down with cut nails similar to masonry nails...