Please Recommend Type of Floor Nailer

[DIY_Rick]

I am laying 3/4" finished hardwood down over a 3/4" plywood sub-floor that is installed over a cement slab.

I think I should use about 1 3/8 - 1 1/4" barbed cleats. Correct?

Can someone please recommend a good pneumatic floor nailer to purchase that fires these cleats?

Thanks,

Rick

[kauphymug]

You are going to be nailing through the tongue, the thickness of the material stack at that point is about 1 1/4" + -, the angle will give you an effective thickness of about 1 3/4" +-, the nail will countersink, I would go with either but probably a staple. Many of the guns will shoot both, they come with interchangeable parts, however, for a good gun youre looking at $450.00 to $650.00 but you can find them at good discounts. Unless you plan on doing a lot or being very slow, the best bet might be to rent one, or buy it used. Also it requires a compressor. I haven't used a "bad" Porter Cable, or Bostitch. But you have to remember there are different grades and models of both. I'm hoping you have a gooood vapor barrier between the plywood and concrete, if not you'll end up with a washboard. You might even want resin or rosin paper between the plywood and floor.