I am considering buying hardwood flooring (3/8 inch thick) that recommends using glue to install. Can I use 18 guage brads or is glue the only option? Having an air brad gun would make the job much easier (and less messy).
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- Hardwood floor . . . glue or nails?
Most engineered floors can either be nailed or glued (floating) but in the end you have to follow the manufacturers recommendations or you could end up with a big mess.
When you 3/8" thick you not referring to solid wood are you? Solid wood can never be glued - the expansion would be horrendous since there is nothing to resist it.
Also, you should use flooring nails or staples - again go with the manufacturers recommendations. Brads wouldn't last long (they would pull out). Flooring nails are barbed and thus have immense holding power. In either case you have to have a flooring nailer. There are usually plenty on e-bay and you can easily sell it after use.
When you 3/8" thick you not referring to solid wood are you? Solid wood can never be glued - the expansion would be horrendous since there is nothing to resist it.
Also, you should use flooring nails or staples - again go with the manufacturers recommendations. Brads wouldn't last long (they would pull out). Flooring nails are barbed and thus have immense holding power. In either case you have to have a flooring nailer. There are usually plenty on e-bay and you can easily sell it after use.
3/8 flooring could be solid or engineered wood. The installation options (nail, glue, float) are specified by the manufacturer. In no case will brads work.
I often use a pneumatic tool like the Bostich FloorRunner or SpotNails to do this. It applies a long crown staple at a specific angle. It is equipped with shoe adapters that work for 3/8, 5/8 and 7/16 floors. A finish nailer can be used to top-nail a few runs near the wall, but is not intended for the whole floor.
I often use a pneumatic tool like the Bostich FloorRunner or SpotNails to do this. It applies a long crown staple at a specific angle. It is equipped with shoe adapters that work for 3/8, 5/8 and 7/16 floors. A finish nailer can be used to top-nail a few runs near the wall, but is not intended for the whole floor.
