Hello all. I preparing to install approx 300 sf Bellawood Brazilian Teak 3/4" flooring. One piece of advice that I read in the Bellawood promo brochure said that for exotic hardwoods I should pre-drill and nail manually. That a nail gun might crack the grooves. That is pretty discouraging to me. It that in fact true? Thanks much.

LOL!!!! Hehehehehe.


Ya, that is about par for Lumber Liquidate your walletor's.

But what the hay, lets get back to basics... Hand saw and a hand crank drill.

Well, thanks for taking the time to respond to my question. I didn't find your answer very informative, but it probably meant something to you. Thanks again.

Drill and hand nail it.

Thanks. A direct answer. I get the feeling that you (Austin) don't think much of LL. I flat out don't know. Are all "exotic" hardwoods the same regarding having to pre-drill and hand nail? Or is it something about LL's goods? The reason I came to this board is that I haven;t installed a hardwood floor before and I don't want to walk into it blind. Any advice on selecting a Brazilian or a golden teak? Something similar in looks? Much appreciated.

OK, Ken, the host here, sells hardwood floors. So I would recommend buying them from him here. LL has a spotty reputation. Many pro installers have "issues" with LL materials. I have never used it so I cannot personally comment on it. Exotic hardwoods that are very hard can be difficult to nail down. Some of the issues are tongues splitting, fasteners not setting or bending and breaking, and so on. Just plan on spending more time installing harder exotic floors, whether you're hand nailing or pneumatic nailing. Brazilian teak? I think that maybe also called Cumaru, and it's very hard. About 3500+ on the janka scale

Well, once I get a handle on what I'm going to install, I'll certainly consider that suggestion. Can anyone tell me what ballpark maximum on the Janka scale can be handled by a pneumatic nailer. That may help with my choice. Thanks...Guy