Hi, I recently just got done installing 400 sf of 3/4" x 3-1/4" prefinished hardwood floors in my dinning room. Plywood subfloor is 5/8" (I did screw down the plywood before starting installation). I used 2" staples for the hardwood floors. Looking below my floor I can see the staple sticking out about 1/2"-3/4". I tried to hit a joist where I could as well. I recently read that you do not want the staples going past your subfloor (because it will cause squeaks and loose holding power) and that it is not necessary to hit the joist. So far no squeaks and everything seems to be good to go. I have another 500 SF to do this weekend, so my question is:

1) Should I switch to a 1-1/2" staples so it does not protrude past the subfloor?

2) Is is necessary to hit the joist (I will not be able to do this with 1-1/2" staples)

3) Is is true that when the staple protrudes past the subfloor is weakens the holding power and causes squeaks?

I just want to seek your advice. I don't want to keep using the wrong size staples. Thanks for the help.

TS:

Looks like you've been on this project for awhile! Hope I'm not too late.

1- No. 2" are designed for your situation
2- No.
3- Sounds like some kind of internet spread myth.

Thanks. Yes I have been on this for awhile. I did the first half awhile ago, then the second half of the house just recently. I just ended up using the 1-1/2" staples. Hope that was ok. I had ceiling speakers and electrical wires throughout the basement ceiling (don't know how close they were to the floor) so that's why I used the 1-1/2". The 2" staples stuck out about 3/4". Didn't want to hit any of the low voltage wiring or equipment since the ceiling is drywall.