T Nails Vs L Nails Flooring

Diy enthusiasts want to know which choice is best in the cleats vs staples argument.

T nails vs l nails flooring.

Cleat nails come in 16 or 18 gauge and ate l or t shaped. A staple will give a stronger less forgiving hold because of its two pronged construction. However according to the certified flooring inspectors we spoke to there are flooring manufacturers that no longer warrant engineered flooring installations when the flooring is fastened with staples instead of l cleats or t cleats. The big drawback with cleat nails is their cost which at 65 to 85 per 5000 is about twice the price of staples.

The porta nails 16 gauge l head flooring the porta nails 16 gauge l head flooring cleat and nail is designed for flooring decorative paneling ceiling and sub flooring applications. Nails are available for installing engineered flooring. Nails and staples differ in their holding properties. Pros and cons of using cleats for hardwood floor installation.

So if you want a pneumatic nailer you have one more decision to make. If you are crossing the joists with the hardwood see if you can nail on the joist beneath the subfloor and between the joists. The reason for the smooth area at the top of the shank is to allow for the hardwood floor to expand and contract with seasonal temperature and humidity changes. Manual floor fasteners always use cleat nails but pneumatic models come with two options.

Solid wood flooring installations. The recommended gauges don t refer to standard construction nails but to cleat nails designed specifically for use on hardwood flooring. Cleat nails are typically installed with an automatic. Nails allow for a more natural expansion and contraction of the hardwood floorboards with fewer problems.

Or 18 ga but thinner 20 ga. Hardwood flooring installers have used cleats for generations nailing 3 4 solid hardwood planks to a wooden subfloor with 2 nails formed with an l shaped head. You have to choose between models that use either l cleats or t cleats. Both types have ribs on two thirds of the nail shank.

The 16 gauge nail is perfect for 1 2 in. You can get either a stapler or a nailer. These nails are made of high strength carbon steel. Be sure to nail every 6 8 into the hardwood.

Because each staple grips the wood with two prongs staples provide a tighter initial grip than cleat nails. The 3 4 subfloor is just adequate for the 2 flooring nails to almost fully engage so it s ok.