Hi all,

I am new to the forum and new to installing hardwood floors. I have installed tile floors but this is my first venture into hardwood flooring. I picked up some Ash Bellawood at Lumber Liquidators and before I start the installation I have a few questions.

My first question is: what is the best way to install the first few rows of boards. I have seen on a couple of websites (DIY, etc) that you face nail the boards through the top of the board, countersink the nail, and fill the hole with putty. The other way I have seen is to angle nail the boards with an angle nailer through the tongue of the board. Which way would you suggest?

My other question is since I am new to this what tools would you recommend...finish nailers etc and which brand of tools.

I would appreciate any help you could offer.

Thanks

I just installed 260 sq. ft. of this this wood; worked out very well.

Re. fastening first few rows - Many pros on this site will glue to avoid face nailing. Me - I face nailed and blind-nailed (what you describe as "angle nail") the first row (wood filler required if you cannot cover with baseboard or show molding); blind nailed the subsequent 2 rows with a finish nailer (not an angled nailer - that is personal preference) until I could utilize the flooring stapler.

Re. finish nailers, there are many on the market. I used a 16ga. Ridgid nailer from Home Depot; many pros here will advocate 15ga. Trick is to steady the nailer such that it will drive the nail flush to lightly subflush (takes a small amound of practice). Note that, while I have not used it, Duo-Fast manufactures a floor nailer with a 45 degree angled tip for easier/more accurate placement into the crease of the tongue. It is a relatively expensive gun, and I found that, despite the flat tip of a typical finish nailer, just a little practice makes for near perfect seating of the nail.

Good luck with the project.