I've just received some samples of 5" x 9/16 engineered walnut. I plan on laying 550 sq feet down (3 rooms). I have a std noname 15.5 gauge stapler I changed the shoe (to be honest I'm not sure if the shoe is for 5/8 or 1/2 inch either way 9/16 is right in the middle. I fired a couple of staples in. I thought at first all was good the crown seated nicely with no tear out. I fired 3 staples in a 14" sample I only have 5/8 osb (I plan on laying another 3/8 cdx on top for the install, I was surprise that the staples didn't break through the bottom of the osb.

Then I remembered from this site about the dreaded dimples or was it pimples ?lol I could see them on the sample with the glare coming in from the window - 3 dimples right there infront of my eyes and you couldn't even feel them.

This is what I assume:
Walnut being soft is probably more prone to dimpling. I also tried stapling 1/2 engineered santos mahogony and it seemed to damage the tounge a little more and top layer was dimple free..

15.5 gauge is to heavy. Other posts suggest using 18 gauge 1/4 crown x 1 1/4.

I've looked around for a gun desinged for a 9/16 th floor. No tool rental place has them and the big box stores don't carry them. I will try investigate further with specialty stores

What other options do I have (besides glue down). Someone mentioned to predrill and handnail it. That seems like a lot of work and Im not sure doing that to a whole floor would void warranty.

What about using a good standard 18 guage 1/4 crown stapler and just be precise as possible to nail in on 45degree. Any thoughts?


(the reason i'm using engineered is because I'm able to get for just under 5 bucks a sq foot cdn$)

By the way awsome forum.

Thanks
Anthony

Also as a follow up what are your thoughts regarding 5" wide planks in a 20 x 12 foot room. Planks are lying parallel to 20' wall.

We use a Primatech Q550 engineered nailer using an 18 gauge cleat with no dimpling.
There is no real need to dwell on width of room, width of board, etc. It is not as esthetically important as you may think; unless the room is going to remain unfurnished.