Need advice...had a bad 3" plank hardwood install job with large gaps and exposed staple heads in many areas (preventing planks to be tight before stapling). Installer finally agreed to re-install but says that he can re-use 60% of the wood if he is careful ripping it out.

Should all be replaced? Or is the installer correct? 3" planks installed on 3/4" plywood subfloor. I am afraid that the tongues will be damaged in the process, regardless how careful installer is.

Help...

No way to save it, staples will rip the tongues apart or at the very least they will be weakened.. If it was cleated it may be possible but I would not allow that option one way or the other.

That is garbage about not being able to pull the gaps in before stapling... boards like that don't get stapled, they are either tight or tossed.

It really depends on the damage done during removal. Staples do hold really well but if time is taken, the wood can be reused, or at least most of it, but not all will be salvageable.

Since they are basically redoing it for free, they are going to be in even a bigger hurry. Will they take the time to prevent damage????

i agree with the floor guy , and if they cant do it right the first time and see the damage what will make it right the second time ,