Nailing Hardwood Floors? (3 Myths Busted!)
One thing that always makes me cringe is when I see folks diving headfirst into nailing hardwood, thinking it’s a piece of cake.
Trust me, I understand the appeal of saving some bucks and tackling the job yourself.
But let me tell you, assuming that nailing hardwood is simple is a recipe for disaster.
I’m talking warped floors, annoying squeaks that’ll drive you crazy, and an uneven surface that’ll make you wish you’d called a pro.
That’s why I’m here to bust some common myths about nailing hardwood floors.
I want to equip you with the knowledge you need to do it right, or at least know when to call in the experts.
The Importance of Proper Techniques
Understanding Hardwood Flooring
So, what exactly is hardwood flooring?
It’s basically flooring made from a single piece of wood, milled from a hardwood tree.
Think oak, maple, cherry, walnut – the list goes on.
These floors come in different forms, like solid hardwood or engineered hardwood.
Solid hardwood is exactly what it sounds like: a solid piece of wood.
Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, has a core of plywood or other composite material with a thin layer of real hardwood on top.
Now, how does nailing fit into all this?
Well, nailing is one of the most common methods for installing hardwood floors, especially solid hardwood.
The right nailing technique is crucial for a few reasons:
- Longevity: Proper nailing ensures the floor stays put for years to come.
- Aesthetics: No one wants to see nail heads popping up or uneven boards.
- Stability: Correctly nailed floors are less likely to warp or buckle with changes in humidity.
I’ve seen countless floors ruined because someone didn’t take the time to learn the right techniques.
Don’t let that be you!
Common Misconceptions
Alright, let’s get down to business.
Here are the three myths we’re going to tackle today:
- Myth #1: “Nailing Is Just Nailing” – We’ll explore the different nailing methods and why they matter.
- Myth #2: “Any Nail Will Do” – Spoiler alert: the type of nail you use definitely makes a difference.
- Myth #3: “You Don’t Need to Acclimate Hardwood” – Trust me, skipping this step is a HUGE mistake.
Stick with me, and we’ll debunk these myths one by one!
Myth #1 – “Nailing Is Just Nailing”
The Reality of Nailing Techniques
Okay, so you might be thinking, “Nailing is nailing, right? You just hammer it in!”
Wrong! There’s actually a bit more to it than that.
Let’s talk about the different nailing methods:
- Face Nailing: This is the most basic method, where you drive nails straight down through the face of the board. It’s typically used for the first and last rows of flooring, or in areas where you can’t use a nailer. It’s also used for top-nailing, where the nail is visible from the top.
- Blind Nailing: This involves driving nails at an angle through the tongue of the board, so the nail heads are hidden by the next board. This is the preferred method for most hardwood installations because it creates a clean, professional look.
- Using a Nail Gun (Flooring Nailer): This is the fastest and most efficient way to nail hardwood floors. Flooring nailers are designed to drive nails at the correct angle for blind nailing, ensuring a secure and consistent installation. There are two main types: pneumatic (air-powered) and manual.
Each method has its place, and choosing the right one depends on the type of flooring, the location, and your skill level.
For example, face nailing might be necessary along walls where a flooring nailer can’t reach.
But for the majority of the floor, blind nailing with a nail gun is the way to go.
I personally prefer using a pneumatic flooring nailer.
It’s faster and more consistent than manual methods, and it reduces the risk of damaging the wood.
Consequences of Ignoring Technique
So, what happens if you just start hammering away without a plan?
Well, here are some potential problems:
- Gaps: If you don’t nail the boards tightly together, gaps can form between them. This not only looks bad but can also create places for dirt and debris to accumulate.
- Movement: Improper nailing can cause the floorboards to shift and move over time, leading to squeaks and an uneven surface. I’ve been called to fix floors where the boards were literally popping up because they weren’t nailed correctly.
- Damage to the Floorboards: Using the wrong nailing technique can damage the wood, causing splits, cracks, or dents. This is especially true if you’re using a nail gun and don’t adjust the pressure correctly.
I remember one time, a homeowner tried to install hardwood floors using only face nailing.
The result was a floor that looked like it had been attacked by a swarm of angry nails.
It was a complete mess, and they ended up having to tear it all out and start over.
Don’t let that happen to you!
Myth #2 – “Any Nail Will Do”
Choosing the Right Nails
Alright, let’s move on to Myth #2: “Any nail will do.”
This is another one that makes me cringe.
The type of nail you use is just as important as the nailing technique.
Here’s what you need to consider when choosing nails for hardwood flooring:
- Type: For hardwood flooring, you’ll typically use flooring cleats or staples. Cleats are L-shaped or T-shaped nails that provide a strong, secure hold. Staples are also an option, but they’re generally better suited for engineered hardwood.
- Size: The length of the nail depends on the thickness of the flooring. A general rule of thumb is to use nails that are 1 ½ to 2 inches long for ¾-inch solid hardwood. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific flooring you’re using.
- Material: Most flooring nails are made of hardened steel. Some are also available in stainless steel, which is more resistant to corrosion.
- Finish: Some nails have a special coating, such as barbed, to increase their holding power. I recommend using nails with a coating to ensure a long-lasting installation.
I always recommend using the nails that are specifically designed for flooring nailers.
They’re engineered to provide the best possible hold and minimize the risk of damaging the wood.
The Impact of Nail Quality
So, why does nail quality matter so much?
Well, here are a few reasons:
- Durability: Low-quality nails can bend or break during installation, which can lead to loose boards and squeaks. I’ve seen floors where the nails were so weak that they actually snapped in half when hammered in.
- Appearance: Using the wrong type of nail can damage the surface of the floor, leaving unsightly marks or dents. This is especially true if you’re using face nailing.
- Rust: If you use nails that aren’t rust-resistant, they can corrode over time, which can weaken the floor and stain the wood. I once had to replace an entire floor because the homeowner had used cheap nails that rusted and discolored the wood.
According to a study by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), using the correct type and size of nail can increase the lifespan of a hardwood floor by up to 25%.
That’s a pretty significant difference!
I always tell my clients, “Don’t skimp on the nails! It’s not worth saving a few bucks if it means your floor is going to fall apart.”
Myth #3 – “You Don’t Need to Acclimate Hardwood”
The Acclimation Process
Alright, let’s tackle the final myth: “You don’t need to acclimate hardwood.”
This is probably the biggest mistake I see homeowners make, and it can have devastating consequences.
So, what does “acclimation” mean in the context of hardwood flooring?
It basically means allowing the wood to adjust to the temperature and humidity levels of the room where it will be installed.
Wood is a natural material, and it expands and contracts with changes in moisture.
If you install hardwood flooring without acclimating it, it’s likely to warp, shrink, or buckle as it adjusts to the environment.
The acclimation process typically involves leaving the wood in the room where it will be installed for several days, or even weeks, depending on the climate and the type of wood.
The NWFA recommends that hardwood flooring be acclimated until its moisture content is within 2% of the subfloor’s moisture content.
You can use a moisture meter to measure the moisture content of the wood and the subfloor.
I usually recommend acclimating hardwood for at least 3-5 days, but I always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific product I’m using.
Risks of Skipping Acclimation
So, what happens if you skip the acclimation process?
Well, here are some potential problems:
- Warping: If the wood is too wet when you install it, it will dry out and shrink, causing the boards to warp and cup.
- Shrinking: As the wood dries out, it will shrink, leaving gaps between the boards. This not only looks bad but can also create places for dirt and debris to accumulate.
- Buckling: If the wood is too dry when you install it, it will absorb moisture from the air and expand, causing the floor to buckle. I’ve seen floors that have buckled so badly that they literally lifted off the subfloor.
According to a study by the Forest Products Laboratory, installing hardwood flooring without proper acclimation can reduce its lifespan by up to 50%.
That’s a huge difference!
I remember one time, a homeowner installed hardwood floors in their basement without acclimating them.
A few weeks later, the floors started to buckle and warp.
It turned out that the basement was much more humid than the rest of the house, and the wood had absorbed moisture from the air.
They ended up having to tear out the entire floor and start over, after properly acclimating the new material.
I always tell my clients, “Acclimation is not optional! It’s an essential step that you can’t afford to skip.”
Conclusion
So, there you have it! We’ve busted three common myths about nailing hardwood floors.
Let’s recap:
- Myth #1: “Nailing Is Just Nailing” – We learned that there are different nailing methods, and choosing the right one is crucial for a successful installation.
- Myth #2: “Any Nail Will Do” – We discovered that the type of nail you use can have a big impact on the durability and appearance of the floor.
- Myth #3: “You Don’t Need to Acclimate Hardwood” – We emphasized the importance of acclimating hardwood before installation to prevent warping, shrinking, and buckling.
I hope this article has helped you understand the nuances of nailing hardwood floors.
Remember, doing it right takes time, patience, and the right knowledge.
If you’re not comfortable tackling the job yourself, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
A skilled flooring contractor can ensure a beautiful and long-lasting installation that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Happy flooring!
