Staples vs. Nails

[Unregistered]

I'm in the process of installing another hardwood floor and created a few questions as I was preparing. It's a 3/4" thick tongue-groove hardwood floor for a den...and I think I've decided on the 3" wide planks. As you can see, I'm still working out the specific material requirements. Anyway, when I was at my local home store...I inquired on the availability of a blind-nailer as I usually do. To my surprise, the person made the comment that they only have blind staplers instead, since they had the nailers out for repair. He also mentioned the pros commonly use these blind staplers. I know they work the same as the blind-nailers (they even look the same), but is there any issue with firing a staple at a 45-degree angle into the tongue vs. doing the same with a nailer (wood splitting?, strength?, etc.?). I've never used staples when working on a floor before. It's always been nails. Any input on this issue would be great. Input on the length of staple and distance apart would help too. Is it just the same as nails?...Thanks.

[mdshunk]

I don't know much about installing wood floors, but I have ripped up a few. The narrow crown staples that they've have used as far back as the late 70's are a real son-of-a-gun to rip out when compared with the regular T-Nails that are otherwise used. That's my 2 cents.

[Unregistered]

thanks for the input!......if anyone else has more info, that would be great!!!!!!! I'm curious if this a no-no in terms of the installation.

[bmwpower]

I used a PortaNailer (which uses the T style nails) to install my floor. After using nails, I, too, would question whether a staple would have the same holding power as the "barbed" PortaNails.

[Roger]

I'm no flooring expert either but I have put a few down over the years most recently using Bruce hardwood flooring. I think its a toss up between the two types. Do a search "installing hardwood floors" if you want some of the different opinions I found this one advocating staplers.

http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/flooring/hardwood/wh_oak1/stapled.htm

[Unregistered]

Thanks for the input!!! I checked out that website (I actually read the entire article on preparing the floor and installing the floor as well). It's pretty well written. He brings up very common problems and how to fix them as you're working along. I'm stating to get a warm and fuzzy for the staples. I guess it really just comes down to making sure the staple petatrates the subfloor. From a fastening standpoint....I think staples and nails may be created equal. If anyone wants to expand on this....feel free.......

[Wgoodrich]

I believe it also to be a toss up thinking you are getting a pretty clear picture of the subject. It is very hard to teach an old dog new tricks. Proof of that is finding a 70 year old electrician that does not use the strong steel boxes as receptacle boxes using plastic instead. Them steel boxes served me well for 50 years I AIN'T CHANGIN statement.

If you asked that question to 100 old time builders you would get an answer advising nailers because they are big, strong and cleated, If you asked the same question to 100 progressive builders up on the times you would get an answer advising staples because they are two smaller nails penetrating the wood on each hit with cleats making two better than one.

After you did the poll I think you would discover a tie vote.

Just my opinion

Wg

[Unregistered]

I've put down about 1000 sq ft of 4 '' maple tongue and groove with a bostitch stapler. Those staples hold like hell. Try to take up a board and it will be scrap . I've used the cleat nails for 3/8 tongue and groove and they hold well too. But I think its a given the staples hold better for the 3/4 inch material .

PS Go for the pneumatic stapler if renting. Otherwise better do some arm conditioning.

[Unregistered]

Thanks for the info. I'm beginning to see that it's almost a toss up on weather to use the nails or staples. it's true wg...i like to stick with what works (the familiar factor I suppose). But i've recently played around with these staples (on scrap in a subfloor) and they see to work great. Of course, over time (the long haul) is what i'm really interested in. i've polled a hanful of floor installers the get their take and I hear an awful lot more good than bad. Actually, I either hear, "use either-makes no diffenrence" or "they seem to have superior holding power - possibly outdoing a nail - but it's difficult to tell". the negative feedback has been almost non-existent. so honestly....it's truly a "toss-up" and that's coming from an old dog! Thanks again.

[GsKaWa]

I've been dooin floors for about 10yrs now and would have to say that if you were stapling into Plywood vs. Pressboard that would be OK but to staple into pressboard or partical board may not hold up unless the staple has a devergent(not sure if thats spelled right) tip, meaning that once it penitrates the wood the two ends go into different directions, that should be fine. Just be sure to use enough staples or T-nails and try not to get too close to the end of each piece causing it to split. Also make sure that the saple or t-nail that you use doesn't penitrate completely through the main subfloor, it could make it easier for it to work itself loose. Hope that helps.