This has probably been asked, although I did bit of a search first?

I am installing 3/4 X 3 1/4 brazilian cherry on a 45-old 3/4 plywood subfloor.

I am choosing a nailer, and have been given some conflicting advise. Based on the hardness of this wood, I am told that I should use an 18 gauge cleat nailer, such as a PowerNail 50P. However, I have also been told that the somewhat standard Bostitch 16 gauge cleat nailer will work just as well, but will likely split the tongues a little more readily.

I'm all for less splitting, but will the 18 gauge hold as well?

I know both would worke just fine just make sure your nailing pattern is to manufactor recommendations,and due to that type of wood dencity you may get small cracking to tongue. tom wentzwood

Check with the manufacturer, but I myself wouldn't use the 18 gauge.

Manufacturer says to use cleat nails, and not staples. They say 16 gauge will work, but likely will get occasional tongue splitting, and 16 gauge will be less likely to do that.

I question what the trade-off, if any, there is for holding strength? And, is tongue-splitting really that big of a deal, if it is only minor?

A lot of pro installers use the 18ga 50P and swear by it. I'm with Jeff..feel more comfortable with the holding power of 16 over 18, ( just comparing the stoutness of 18 to 16 ga ). 16 has been proven over many years. Also, one way or the other your going to get a certain amount of seasonal movement, I think the heavier gauge will hold better for the long haul,( less creaks/squeakers ).

As far as cracked tongues...Really have had minimal problem with that, including exotics. But you gotta go with cleats...forget staples.

When you think about it...Although a cracked tongue is considered tabu...I dont think a cracked tongue every once in a while is going to affect the installation. The tongue really isn't the "meat" of the plank, being secured by the fastener.

I'd like to get me a 18 ga, so if anyone don't like it just fire me off an email.

Looking at samples of the two PowerNail cleats, I can see why the 16 is likely to split tongues. Besides being a thicker gauge, it is also wider, thus displacing wood in two greater in two directions when it is driven. The 18 is more 'nail-like', however it's barbs are not as pronounced as the 16. It looks plenty strong.

One thing that I need to consider is that on a small 50 sq ft. hallway (that is separate from the balance of the installation), I am installing on a 3/4 subfloor topped with a 1/4 underlayment. So, the longer nails available for the 16 gauge might be advantageous?

Actually the displacement of wood is less using a staple. Yet a 16 gauge staple will split tongues in a dense specie, where as, I haven't run into that problem with a 16 gauge cleat. Infact in your previous post...You mentioned your installing Braz. Cherry...I have installed plenty of that with 16 gauge cleats with no tongue splitting problem. Not to mention denser species, with the same result.


Yes, I would go with a 2"cleat in the hall.

Probably the wider drive of the stapler, acting like a chisel, accounts for splitting the tongues?

Thanks for all of the help, talking this through with me. Although, I was planning to buy a nailer for this project, I think I will rent a PowerNail 445 16 gauge nailer from Home Depot, to try on the hallway portion. Then I can decide which to buy for the larger floor, which will take me a lot longer than an economic rental will allow.

tongue splitting will be worse in real dry material and if you have the air pressure jacked up real high. otherwise the 16ga is fine, but in all honesty I think the 50p with the flex foot and wheels is a great nailer and would work just as well. either one should do a fine job.

I use the 50P when called for, thinner engineered, and bamboo. What brand of flooring are you installing?

Bellawood 3/4 X 3 1/4 Brazilian Cherry. Just under 600 sq. ft, including 7 steps.