Flooring — FAQ
Can I use a roofing nailer for hardwood flooring?
No. Roofing nailers shoot the wrong fastener type and angle. Flooring nailers drive L-cleats or staples at 45 degrees into the tongue, preventing floor damage and ensuring proper hold. Using the wrong tool voids flooring warranties.
What's the difference between 16 gauge and 18 gauge cleats?
16 gauge is thicker (0.063") for dense exotic hardwoods and commercial jobs. 18 gauge (0.050") is standard for most residential solid and engineered flooring. Thinner gauges split wood less but hold slightly less. Always follow flooring manufacturer requirements.
Do I need both a full-size nailer and a palm nailer?
Yes. Full-size nailers install 95% of your floor efficiently. Palm nailers drive final rows where the tool body won't fit within 2-3 inches of the wall. Renting a palm nailer for a day is economical if you only do occasional flooring.
How much air pressure do I need?
Most pneumatic flooring nailers require 70-100 PSI. More critical is CFM—your compressor must deliver 4+ CFM at 90 PSI continuously. Tank size matters less than recovery rate. Test your setup: if the compressor runs constantly, upgrade before starting your project.
Will these nailers work on engineered flooring?
Yes, but verify thickness compatibility. Most engineered floors are 3/8" to 1/2". The Powernail 50PFLEXXLSW and 50F handle this range. Use 18 gauge staples or cleats to avoid cracking the plywood core. Some manufacturers require staples only—check warranty specs.
Why choose cleats over staples?
Cleats allow natural wood expansion/contraction, preventing squeaks in solid hardwood. Staples grip tighter but restrict movement, risking cracks. For engineered flooring, staples are often preferred for stronger hold. Many pros use cleats for solid wood and staples for engineered.
