Staples or nails and brand recommendations

mnp13 · 11-11-2012, 10:42 AM

I am looking for advice on what to use to install my flooring.

I have about 600 square feet of maple (inch thick, not 3/4) and will eventually have another 350 sq ft of floor as well. The 350 will be modern stuff, so will be 3/4 most likely. I will be getting unfinished hard wood, not pre-finished.

All of the wood will be going down onto t&g wide plank pine.

I've read lots of opinions on staplers vs nails. I'm curious to know what people here like. I have a compressor already. I'll be purchasing a nailer for the job. I'm not big on cheap tools because usually that's exactly what they are - cheap. However, I'm ok with inexpensive.

If you have an opinion, the "why" of it is just as important as the opinion itself so please be sure to include why you feel the way you do!

Thanks!

Michelle

tacomahardwood. · 11-12-2012, 10:38 PM

for non proffessional use the cheap ones will work , But not for a lot of floors ,

mnp13 · 11-12-2012, 10:43 PM

So far we're looking at 2000 sq ft. I have two family members who have claimed it after I'm done. lol

**oh'mike** · 11-12-2012, 11:58 PM

2000 feet---an inexpensive flooring nailer will be fine---I've got a nice one from Harbor Freight----dandy gun and very reasonable price---

I've used 'good' ones and that 'cheap' one---I like the cheap one just fine---

It wouldn't hold up to tens of thousands of feet like the good ones---but will do just fine for a project like your family is embarking on---