I just bought 800 sf. of 3/4" prefinished Brazillian Cherry for my remodel and want to install this friday and don't want to screw it up. I have a few basic questions.

1. Nails or Staples? I'm planning on renting or buying a Bostich III, Should I use staples or nails for this hardwood. It will be installed over 3/4" OSB, 18 year old house with A/C running. I've heard staples hold better, but wood is so hard that nails might be easier and more reliable to install.

2. Layout. Design seems complicated with large kitchen (no cabinets)/bullnose around steps down/powder bathroom all connected with about 35' long hallway. The 3" planks will run parallel to long hall/wall. About 10' of the long hallway edge meets carpet. Should I install from the long hall carpeted edge toward the outside wall or from the outside wall and work back toward the long hall and carpet? It seems it would be easier to finish nailing against some carpet, but the long-hall seems to be the place to start a straight line to align all the rooms.

3. Finish nailing against walls. Can I just use 2 1/2" finish nails face nailed and filled with putty?

Thank you.