I attempted to search for my exact situation, but could not find a straight answer.

I am prepping my subfloor for a solid 3/4 inch pre-finished hickory install.

House was built in the late 70s in North Florida. Off grade 2x8 joists 16 inches on center. spacing is 10 foot I beleive.

Original floor: 1/2 inch plywood subfloor with a 5/8 inch particle board underlayment, with carpet on top.

I have removed the the particle board/carpet and replaced it with 5/8 inch CDX plywood which is glued and screwed (6 inches around perimeter, 8 inches in field).

What size cleat nail should I be using?
If I go with a 2-inch, it will slightly penetrate through the underlayment into the 1/2 inch subfloor. What are the pros/cons to this? could this increase squeaking in the future?

If I go with a 1.5 inch, it should be just long enough to stay fully in the the 5/8 inch underlayment. Is this the route I should go?


Thanks a bunch.

either one is fine

So no reason to go one way or the other? Interesting. Well, if I do not have to worry about length, are there brands of cleats I should avoid?