Replies

1. 
   GOLDENBOY | Apr 25, 2008 12:04am | #1

   I know my neighbour did his with an 18ga. brad nailer, with no problem in 10 years or so.

2. 
   oldhand | Apr 25, 2008 12:28am | #2

   In my limited experience with engineered flooring 18 ga. brads work but staples seem way better. At least some manufacturers are o.k. with brads as well.

   Retired until my next job.
3. 
   Dinosaur | Apr 25, 2008 12:37am | #3

   I use a 16-ga. finish nailer--shooting 2½" nails--to lay those parts of a full-thickness, solid-wood T&G floor where it is not possible to get a flooring stapler or nailer into position. It works fine for that; whether or not it will work with the synthetic composite flooring you are using is a question I can't answer from experience, but it seems likely it should.

   If it doesn't work, you ought to find out pretty quickly...like after you fire the first few nails. If the finishers bend or shatter the composite, that'll be a pretty good indication you'll have to use a beefier fastener.

   In any event, using a purpose-built flooring stapler or nailer has the distinct advantage of setting the fastener at the proper angle and in the right place every time, without you having to exercise much care. It will be a lot faster.

    

   Dinosaur

   How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not brought
   low by this? For thine evil pales before that which
   foolish men call Justice....