What Kind Of Nail Gun To Use For Hardwood Floors

When installing hardwood floors, the type of nail gun you use is essential for a successful and professional-looking finish. Choosing the right nail gun will ensure that the nails are driven in correctly, securely, and without damaging the wood.

There are two main types of nail guns used for hardwood flooring: cleat nailers and flooring nailers. Cleat nailers drive specially designed cleats into the tongue of the flooring, while flooring nailers drive T-nails through the face of the flooring into the subfloor.

Cleat nailers are typically used for solid hardwood flooring, as they provide a more secure hold and are less likely to damage the wood. Flooring nailers are commonly used for engineered hardwood flooring, as they are faster and easier to use, and the T-nails are less visible on the face of the flooring.

When choosing a nail gun for hardwood floors, consider the following factors:

The type of hardwood flooring you are installing
The thickness of the flooring
The subfloor material
Your budget

Once you have considered these factors, you can choose the best nail gun for your project. Here are some recommendations for the best nail guns for hardwood floors:

Cleat Nailers:

Bostitch F33PT Flooring Cleat Nailer
Paslode IM350 Impulse Cleat Nailer
Senco Fusion F-18 Cleat Flooring Nailer

Flooring Nailers:

Hitachi NV83A Flooring Nailer
Bostitch N88RH Half-Inch Flooring Nailer
DeWalt DCN692M1 18-Gauge Flooring Nailer

No matter which type of nail gun you choose, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully before using it. This will help you ensure that you are using the nail gun safely and effectively.