I just purchased around 1000 sq ft of 3/8” x 3” Brazilian Walnut to install on a plywood floor (which is over a finished basement). The tongue is ~1/8” thick and also sticks out a tad further than 1/8”. I’m planning on nailing the boards in place.

1. Would 1 1/2” nails suffice to nail these in?
2. I was thinking of using a 1/8” plywood or hardwood to create a spline. Is splining 3/8” HW acceptable?
3. Would you recommend gluing and face nailing with a finishing nailer the final couple of pieces?
4. I’ve read on here to use #15 felt, butt the ends and use minimal staples at the beginning and ends. Do I have this correct?

Any other tips/suggestions for 3/8” HW

Thanks in advance,
Topaz

Sounds like a Bellawood Isn't that a gluedown only?

1 inch 18-19 gauge staples/ fasteners are recommended for 3/8

1½" 18-19, for 7/16- 5/8 and some 3/4
1½" 15 gauge, for some 5/8 and most 3/4

2" 15 gauge, for 3/4 to 33/32



Why not use some culled flooring to make your splines?




Gluing and face nail if you wish. I usually do either or.




Use side seams, or the overlap can and usually will show.

No closer then 2" from ends, and every 4-6 " along the board.

Hey Floorguy,

Yes it is Bellawood, but according to the manufacture I can glue or nail this wood. Couple more quick questions:

I found a trigger actuated nailer at HD that shoots 1” staples, but they’re 22 gauge. Is this OK?

Maybe this goes without saying, but when I glue and face nail the last few pieces I’m assuming I remove the tar paper for that section to glue?

What size nails should I use for face nailing 3/8” wood? I have 18 gauge 1 ¼” brad finish nails that I use for putting up baseboards. Will these work?

Can anyone else answer my last few questions? I'm getting close to installing and I want to make sure I'm on the right track.

OK, sounds like some great advice... But I'm a newbie, so I'd appreciate these terms in plain english

"Why not use some culled flooring to make your splines?"

Please define "culled"

"Gluing and face nail if you wish. I usually do either or."

"Use side seams, or the overlap can and usually will show."

Explain what this is? side seams?

"No closer then 2" from ends, and every 4-6 " along the board."


Also, in another post, I'm looking for advice on nailers for a similar installation of Brazillian Cherry. The retailer's tech help recommended a glue-down installation. Should I be going with glue-down? or stick with the stapler? Again, over an inch thick ply subfloor.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Please don't forget about my nailer questions

Thanks

"Culled flooring" means flooring that has been picked out because it's damaged or ugly.
I'm guessing they are refering to installing the flooring paper underneath? Simple answer is to use Fortifiber Aquabar B.
They're referring to where to place the staples. Within 2" of EACH end butt and every 4-6" along the tongue (side seam)

Obviously, an imported product with instructions written by someone attempting to use English.

On nailers. You MUST use a stapler designed specifically for hardwood flooring. Any of the models we listed will work IF used properly.

Thanks again for the response and patience (newbie here).