I am sure this has been asked before. Nails or Staples?

I will be installing 9/16 Strand Woven Bamboo flooring over a plywood subfloor. The manufacure sugests using - 1 ¼” minimum length, 15-gage nails, or staples. Which is best? And are thier any sugestions. This is my first attempt at installing T&G flooring.

I'm about halfway through my installation of 1500 sq ft of 9/16" carbonized strand bamboo. I used 2" hardwood flooring cleats and have been very happy with the results. I face nailed the last couple of rows near the walls due to the size of the nailer.

Mark

What size nailer shoe are you using? All I see is 3/4, 1/2 & 5/8 shoes and no 9/16.

Have you had any splits while nailing?


Mark B.

It is funny how they word the fastener requirements.

15 guage flooring staplers don't have 1¼" staples. The shortest they have is 1½"

The 15 guage staples will show pimples at every staple head!!!!

Use the Spotnail, floor runner, that shoots 18 guage, 1¼" and you will be fine.

I used a 3/4" shoe shimmed with a bit of cardboard to make it line up with the 9/16" flooring. I would have an occassional split tongue, but nothing that couldn't be dealt with.