Another newbie question:

When nailing hardwood, do you try to nail to joists / try not to nail to joists / or - it doesn't matter?

Your fasteners will not penetrate past the subfloor.

If your fasteners go through the subfloor, you lose holding power and create a squeak point.

The important thing is for the floor to run perpendicular to the joist. And Perry is correct about hitting the floor joist.

I was kind of thinking they wouldn't go thru after I posted. It is running perpendicular to the joists.

Thanks again!

Nice Perry! I never thought about the squeaking thing. Yet, how many times have I seen sites mention trying to hit the floor joists. If memory serves me a 2" blind nail does penetrate by about 3/8 or so? I can see the squeak possibilities now.

More tips for success!

Make sure you are nailing into a 3/4" cdx plywood, 3/4" Advantech subfloor, or 3/4" OSB and the flooring joist are about 16" on center. When floor joist are space over 19" you will need at least 7/8" of subfloor thickness unless you place blocks between the floor joist. Follow the NWFA nailing schedule recommendations. Also never install the flooring directly to particle board or similar materials as they don't have good nail holding power. I would also suggest reading the flooring manufactures installation instructions before installing the floor to make sure you are following their installation recommendations. Acclimation and moisture testing are very important especially when installing solid wood. Also document your moisture test results with pictures time and date.

I agree, and make sure you read them online (mostly for prefinished) even if in the box and vice versa. The ones some manufacturers put in the box are not necessarily the complete instructions although I think they should be. Then there are some that do not supply any instructions except online.

Plus, never take a salespersons input on installation to heart. Many will just say 2 weeks acclimation time when it may take much much more time and requires a meter with a thermohygrometer..

What?

Very nice tips. In nailing flooring it is important to the right material and the size of nail to be used on the flooring. Failing to know the right size of nail, will direct to low quality flooring. It is also important to review the manufacturer's notes about the material you are about to use.