nailing prefinished hardwood floor - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Handyman Jay · 03-13-2006, 09:11 PM

have been told by a prefinish hardwood floor tech person that I can nail 3/4" prefinish flooring with a power finish nailer if I use #15 gal or greater nails at 11/2" lenghts. Has anyone done this and are there any long term problems? i realize I have to have the T&G tight before nailing.

Need feed back before I try. I have a 400 sq.ft job coming up the end of the month.

Handyman Jay

**Teetorbilt** · 03-13-2006, 09:19 PM

I have done this before with a 16ga. nailer. Make sure that the flooring is acclimated, I hit about every 6-9 ins. Max out the pressure but the heads will usually stand proud, you will need a tapping block to tighten the gap.

Not what I would recommend on a big floor but you are talking about an oversized closet.

Mike Finley · 03-13-2006, 10:21 PM

I would just rent the flooring nailer. You're sure to take an extra 2 hours using your nail gun. The first hour will pay for the rental and you certainly won't be sorry. Don't under estimate the benefits of the floor nailer pulling boards tight for you, it's a major bonus.

Glasshousebltr · 03-13-2006, 10:28 PM

I've used a finish nailer before as well. Takes a little longer but like Teetor said, it's an over sized closet. I didn't see or have any ill effects from this type installation.

Bob

IHI · 03-13-2006, 10:30 PM

Hopefully you get good wood, freinds just had their 3/4" pre finsihed hardwood installed by the local hacks and the entire kitchen had to be removed since that batch was severly dry and the nails cracked it from the under side up and it shadowed through terribly. Hacks installing it were going to town with sandpaper and little vials of top coat from the manufacturer trying to band aid the situation. Got more stories about this same job...floor store that makes my floor installs look like gawd himself laid it. Man those guys sucked!! LOL, but I warned 'em

Mike Costello · 03-14-2006, 05:50 AM

Rent the nail gun or buy one.
They invented the tool for a reason, finish nails are not enough nail to hold the floor together. Staples or cleats are the ONLY way to go.

PrecisionFloors · 03-14-2006, 09:41 AM

Yeah Mike hit it on da head... finish nails have nowhere near the holding power of a 2" staple or cleat nail. As soon as that floor starts to move (and it will, I can gurantee you that) you will have an ugly result.

Donedat · 03-15-2006, 12:09 PM

Yep, rent the nail gun. You will be glad you did.