I am about to install my first hardwood floor. 1700 sqft of 7" wide 5/8" acacia engineered hardwood. Can anyone recommend a stapler gun for the job. LL sells this 4 in 1 gun which looks okay http://t.lumberliquidators.com/ll/c/in- ... R/10025081

Any thoughts on this style compared to the pneumatic ones with the mallet?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

that's the wrong nailer. Its only good for floors up to 1/2 per that link description. You need their 18g nailer with a mallet http://t.lumberliquidators.com/ll/c/ga. ... L/10024938

Are you buying this wood from LL? And did they recommend this nailer?

Not buying from LL. Just doing my own research.

Manufacturer of hardwood recommends using 18 gauge staple. I've seen several posts where people recommend a cleat over a staple. Should I stay with manufacturers guide or use a cleat. What's the difference?

Also, for guns. Anyone ave experience or comments on
http://www.lowes.com/pd_89403-355-EHF18 ... facetInfo=

http://t.homedepot.com/p/Porta-Nails-Po ... 202046401/

Is there an advantage having a mallet type over these styles?

cleat is steel and the design allows the fastner to flex with the floor as it moves. Staples have a higher holding power and will not flex , they hold the floor really tight with no movement. All floors move, some more than others of course but the manufacture is the one who warranty's the floor so If you want that to be valid you should follow their guidelines.

The asnswer as to why you use an 18ga cleat vs stapler is that they penetrate easier and there is less splitting of the T&G in a dense brittle product like acacia and stranded bamboo. A 16ga is to big and will split T&G's. An 18ga staple is like a wire and will bend.

For engineered flooring wouldn't only the wear layer be Acacia and the T&G be just regular ply? If so does it make a difference between staples and cleats?

Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't. If the man says use a certain size cleat, use a cleat.

A cleat is looking pretty good for the thickness of floor you're going for.

I think bostich will be best for you; it is the most popular gun for solids. Available in cleats and staple. This fits for your project.