Solid wood floor.
A hardwood flooring nailer is a tool used to install hardwood floors. It can also be used to protect engineered or laminate flooring. Compared to traditional hand nailing techniques, the Wood Flooring Nailer allows installers to quickly and easily fasten wood flooring to the subfloor below. Most professional installers own at least one of these devices, while homeowners or casual users can rent a hardwood flooring nailer from a home improvement or hardware store.
A house with hardwood floors.
While the design of each wood flooring nailer may vary, most use the same basic principles of operation. Users load the nailer with the correct nails or staples based on the type of flooring being installed. One end of the clothespin fits over the edge or edge of each floorboard. When the user presses a handle or button on the top of the nailer, it forces the device to drive a nail into the floorboard with tremendous force, driving it deep into the wood. Many of these tools are designed to drive the nail into the tab on the edge of the board rather than the surface of the flooring.
Installers can choose from three basic types of wood flooring nailers. Manual units are the most affordable, but they also require the most physical strength to function. Electric models are based on an electric motor, which means they require extension cords and nearby power outlets. Pneumatic models offer greater precision and power. These units require an air compressor, which can affect their portability and convenience.
A hardwood flooring nailer offers many advantages to flooring installation crews. These devices perfectly align each nail or staple so that it drives into the wood at the correct angle. As you nail, the nailer also forces each plank firmly onto the adjacent plank to create a secure, stable floor. These tools make it easy for novice installers to properly secure a wood floor and help reduce installation errors. Even for qualified personnel, these machines greatly speed up the installation process and reduce overall labor costs.
When choosing a nailer for hardwood floors, buyers should take the time to choose the right unit for the job. Users must find a machine capable of fastening the specified nails or staples needed for the project. It is also important to find a unit that is easy to operate without excessive physical force. Ultimately, buyers should look for a nailer that is light and portable enough for each project, but still capable of providing enough nailing power.