Hello all - I have a few questions I'm hoping someone can answer.

I am installing 3/4" Birch tongue & groove plank flooring nailed over a plywood sub-floor - first floor, above a full basement. The area (500 sq feet) had carpet which was removed and the sub-floor has been cleaned, tack strips removed and even the baseboard molding has been removed. The house is about 13 years old.

1) The flooring manufacturer recommends 8d or 9d nails for installation. When calling the local rental places about flooring nailers, they seem to rent only staplers like the Bosch MIIIFS. Is a stapler a substitute or do I need to make sure I use a nailer?

2) Do I need an underlayment? I seem to be reading conflicting opinions on this. If so, what type is recommended (cork, etc)? My concern would be creaks and sqeaking over sound deadening.

Thanks!
M

The Bostitch stapler will work great for your floor. It's what most of us use to nail/staple down 3/4" solid flooring. You should test your subfloor with a moisture meter to be sure it is dry enough. An average reading would be about 10% + or - 2 %. Anything over 12% is problematic. A underlayment is not needed if you subfloor is sound and solid enough. It should be a minimun of 5/8" plywood or 3/4" OSB. 3/4" plywood is preferred. Use 15 lb. asphalt felt under the floor on top of the subfloor. Be sure to flatten the high spots in the subfloor by sanding and shim up any low spots. After allowing the floor to acclimate (1 to 2 weeks), install at 90 deg (right angle) to the floor joists. The floor should not sqweek if installed properly. No cork is required.