We will be top nailing 3/4" reclaimed douglas fir planks (not t&g) over 23/32" plywood over concrete. Based on the thickness, we are planning on a 1.25" ring shank nail. Our framing nailer only goes down to a 2" nail so I have the following options:
1) Purchase a roofing or siding nailer.
2) Hand drive the nails.
3) Use screws instead of nails.

This is a rustic application so we will not be covering the fastener heads.

Do you have a preference between a siding nailer and a roofing nailer? Are the heads on a roofing nail too weak for this application?

Please let me know your thoughts.

Thank you.

I don't think using a roofing nailer or a siding nailer qualifies as being a "rustic application".

I used to work with an old timer of Swedish descendent and he hand nailed an entire gym floor with spiral nails. It was amazing to watch. He would drive one nail in and set it with the head of the next nail and then drive in the nail he used as a set. He was extremely fast.

I would recommend hand nailing myself. If you really want a rustic install use a drill and maple dowels dipped in carpenter's glue. I have done that and it works really well but takes a lot of time.

We've used steel cut nails on a few Pine (wide plank floors). I like them because they have a rather large head, easier to hit, less hammer dents. They've been around forever, so that's about as rustic as it gets.

I would agree cut nails would be great for a rustic installation. They also have tremendous holding power and are atheistically pleasing to the eye.

The reason I didn't mention that as an option is that Wolfgang80 is installing over 23/32" plywood over concrete.

Where would you get inch or 1.25 inch long cut nails? I can't recall ever seeing them that short.

Thanks for your tips.

I looked at Tremont steel cut nails and they have some that are 1.25" long, so I will consider that option. By rustic, I meant that I am okay seeing the nail heads. Hand driving the nails is quite a committment.

Our flooring is about 9" wide. What nailing schedule would you recommend?
Do you recommend a layer of 15# roofing felt between the plywood and the finished flooring?

Thanks again.