Best Nails for Hardwood Flooring in 2024 | Top 7 Picks

For the past decade, the popularity of hardwood flooring has increased steadily. If you want to maximize the life of your hardwood floors, and the look of your home, then you need to get the right type of nail.

Nails play a very important role in protecting the surface of the floor. Without them, it can easily get damaged.

There are many different kinds of nails available on the market today, and each one has its own unique purpose. Your floor installation will go smoothly and last as long as possible if you use the right nails for the job.

It’s never easy to select nails for your hardwood floor. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the top nails so that you can make the right decision for your home.

Our Reviews on 7 Best Nails for Hardwood Flooring

Nails are an essential part of any hard wood floor installation. They allow construction workers to hang the boards before installing screws, as well as securing the subfloor to the flooring.

It may seem like there’s not much that can go wrong when it comes to choosing nails, but there are plenty of considerations you should make before deciding which type you will need for your project. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top seven recommended nails.

1. Bostitch 2 Inch Hardwood Flooring Nails

This nail package includes 1000 nails that are 2 inches long and thick. It is best to use these nails on areas of your hard wood floor that are not on a wood nailer’s line of travel or need more holding power. 

For securing engineered, solid or laminate floors, nails are the best choice. The Bostitch 2 Inch Hardwood Flooring Nails are a great product to ensure your flooring goes in securely. The nailer will use the L-shaped floorboard cleats to fasten down the board. 

It is possible to use the cleats on a variety of materials and lengths of boards. It may not be as powerful as some other products, but it is still an effective option.

They’re also coated to prevent rusting. They are suitable for exteriors but can also be used on interiors.

You will find that these nails will work for just about any kind of wood flooring. This is because the design is very versatile and offers a surface that allows the nail to sink in without causing too much damage to the material. The coating on these nails provides an aesthetic look.

Highlighted Features:

• Package includes 1000 nails
• 2 inches long and thick
• Recommended for solid, or laminate floors
• L-shaped cleats will allow the nailer to fasten down the boards
• Coated to prevent rusting

2. Powernail 16-Gauge Powercleats Hardwood Flooring Nails

If you’re looking for an easy way to install hard wood flooring, look no further than the Powernail 16-Gauge Powercleats. These nails are designed to make the installation process quick and easy, with no need for a hammer or drilling.

Simply tap them into place with a mallet, and they’ll secure your flooring in minutes. Plus, they’re available in a box of 5,000, so you’ll have plenty of nails to get the job done.

Nails of this quality are vital to any successful hardwood and face nailing system. In contrast to similar nails, these nails can mean the difference between a successful setup and one marred by problems. They are of high quality and they meet the requirements of the MFMA, NOFMA, and NWFA.

Due to their design, they can easily be driven straight into the wood, which prevents the tongues in the floor boards from splitting. Powernail 16-Gauge Powercleats Hardwood Flooring Nails ensure hassle-free operation and optimal results.

When installing new hard wood flooring, you’ll need to use the right nails to ensure a secure hold. 16-gauge Powercleats nails are designed for this purpose and are available in all sizes to fit all flooring applications. These nails come in conveniently sized cartons, making them easy to store and use.

With a vertical penetration of up to the hard wood floor, they are sure to keep your flooring in place. The nails also come in a variety of models so that you can find the perfect one for your needs. For securing your hard wood floors, the 16-gauge Powercleat nails are an excellent choice.

Highlighted Features:

• Ensures successful installation process
• No need for a hammer or drilling
• Available in a box of 5,000 nails
• This product comes in 2†inch L Cleats
• Ensure hassle-free operation and optimal results
• Vertical penetration up to the floor

3. Bostitch Hardwood Flooring Nails

The Bostitch Fln-200 nails are a great choice for those looking to install hard wood flooring. With their L-shaped cleat and 2″ length, they are perfect to secure flooring.

Due to the steel, the nails are corrosion-resistant and durable. As they come in a pack of 5000, you’ll have enough nails for your project. They will work with the Bostitch MIIIFN-industrial flooring cleat nailer.

The nailer can shoot through 1,000 cleats per 200 square feet of flooring. Bostitch nails are the perfect finishing touch to a polished hard wood floor.

Bostitch Hardwood Flooring Nails are specially coated for a beautiful shine that gives the floor a polished appearance. In addition, several nailers are compatible with the nails. A box of nails weighs 3.85 pounds.

The nails are designed to work with the Bostitch Miiifn industrial flooring cleat nailer, and they come in a box of 1000.

Highlighted Features:

• The nails are 2 inches long and have a L shaped cleat
• Durable and corrosion-resistant stainless steel
• 5000 nails in the pack.
• Work with the Bostitch MIIIFN industrial flooring cleat nailer
• 1,000 cleats per 200 square feet
• Gives your floor an aesthetic look

4. Powernail Nails For Hardwood Flooring

If you’re looking for an easy, efficient way to install hard wood flooring, look no further than Powernail’s PowerCleats. These cleats are made in the USA of premium steel, and are easy to install. With just a few quick and easy steps, you’ll be able to have your new flooring looking great in no time.

These PowerCleats by Powernail are designed to be hammered into hard wood floors for securing nails. This model fits 16 gauge nails and measures 1-3/4″. This carton of 5000 cleats should be enough to do a large number of projects.

You can use Powernail nails to fasten tongue and grooved edge wood floors to plywood or OSB subfloors. The approximate coverage for this product is 1000 sq ft per 5,000 cleats.

The Powernail Nails For Hard Wood Flooring are designed for use in any 16-gauge, L-Style floor nailer. It has the best results when used with Powernail’s 45 or 445 Series of nailers.

For the homeowner who wishes to install hard wood floors, the 16-gauge nailer will be a great time saver. It’s also much easier to use, too.

Highlighted Features:

• Made of high quality steel, which makes it very durable
• 5000 cleats are included in the carton.
• Designed for use in any 16-gauge, L-Style floor nailer
• Total cleats covers approximately 1000 sq ft
• Use with Powernail’s 45 or 445 Series of nailers for best results

5. MEITE 1-3/4 In. X 16-Gauge Hardwood Flooring Nails

Looking for a quality flooring nail that will get the job done, right? Look no further than these 16 gauge 1-1/2-inch L-shaped flooring cleats. Engineered to work with industrial flooring cleat nailers, these nails will help you get your project done quickly and easily.

Made for tough hardwood, these nails are durable and long lasting. So don’t go another day struggling with subpar floor nails. Pick up a box of these bad boys and get the job done right.

These nails are an important part of installing solid wood flooring. Its head is 16 gauge steel, which means it is thick enough to reach through any type of flooring. They come in a box with 1000 nails in each box.

The MEITE 1-3/4 In. X 16-Gauge Hard Wood Floor Nails have a coated finish that gives them a polished look. You can use them in packing, prefab housing, carpenter roofing, and building components. The coating makes them last longer and look nicer.

Highlighted Features:

• Made for tough hardwood
• Engineered to work with flooring cleat nailers
• Will help you get your project done quickly and easily
• 16 gauge 1-1/2-inch L-shaped flooring cleats
• 1000 nails per box
• Coated finish for longer life and better look

6. B&C Eagle Galvanized Nails For Hardwood Flooring

The B&C Eagle Galvanized L-Cleat Nails are a perfect choice for homeowners that want to put down hardwood flooring. With 1,000 nails per box and the 1-1/2-Inch length, these galvanized nails offer quality and durability.

You can use these nails for heavy-duty jobs like: staircases, heavy furniture, and they are suitable for all types of wood.

They are the perfect piece of hardware to use for this project. Designed for pneumatic nailers, these nails will work effectively and reliably with your tool. In addition, they can be driven easily into hardwoods.

B&C Eagle Galvanized Nails for Hard Wood Flooring has a galvanized finish to help them resist corrosion and rust. They are recommended for interior use only and come in a reclosable box to keep it safe during storage.

In finished floors, galvanized nails are used to finish and attach hard wood floors to the joists. They are also used for attaching quarter-round base boards, and can be nailed into a block and fill construction.

Highlighted Features:

• Perfect for laying hard wood floors
• 1,000 nails per box offer quality and durability
• Can be used for heavy duty jobs
• A resistant finish to prevent corrosion and rust
• Recommended for interior use only

7. Maze, W. H. Hardwood Flooring Creaking Pin Nails

When it comes to securing your hard wood floors with nails, having the right tool for the job is essential. Maze created Creaking Pin Nails to provide maximum holding power and prevent creaking floors.

The Maze, W. H. Hardwood Flooring Creaking Pin Nails are hardened steel pins commonly utilized to secure wood flooring. As a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional nails, these nails reduce noise in the home without damaging the hard wood floors.

You can use the pin nailer with a hammer or a nail air gun to install it into wood or metal. With a sharp spiral thread and extra stiff stock, these nails are engineered to drive straight and deliver the holding power you need. The product is a casing head nail that is made for hardwood flooring.

It is made of 11-1/2 gauge steel and has a head that is 13/64 of an inch. The nail size is 7d, and the length is 2-1/4 inches. Each nail measures 11-1/2 ga and has a bright finish.

The product is a spiral-headed, countersunk-pointed, sharp nail that is 1 lb in package size. It is designed for use in solid wood flooring to prevent creaking. Having a sturdy shank and a sharp point, it is an ideal choice for this application.

Highlighted Features:

• Hardened steel pins
• Has maximum holding power
• An aesthetically appealing alternative to traditional nails
• Made of 11-1/2 gauge steel

These are some of the top nails for hard or solid wood that you can use around your home. They are designed with quality and durability in mind, which makes them an excellent choice for homeowners.

Factors to Consider When Buying The Nails for Hardwood Flooring

Every nail has some common and unique features which make each one different. So it is not easy to pick high-quality nails without considering some factors. Here are the key points that you should look for when selecting nails:

The Gauge:

The gauge of a nail is the thickness of its wire. The higher the gauge number, the thinner the wire. So, if you are looking for a nail that will provide a strong hold and prevent the floor from creaking, you will want to select one with a high gauge number.

Material and Finish of the Nail:

The material of the nail is very important because it determines how long nails hold your household belongings to the ground and how strong the nails would be. Steel is a good material because it is durable against different types of scratches and bending, but aluminum can also be a good choice for people looking for lightweight nails.

You need to select one from a specialty manufacturer with electroplated zinc or stainless steel finish. This type of finish helps the nail resist rust and corrosion.

This is because the nails will contact different elements, such as water and soil, which can cause them to rust. So, if you are looking for a long-lasting nail, make sure to select one that is corrosion resistant.

Length of Nails:

The length of nails also plays an important role in picking the right ones. You will need to choose a nail that is shorter than the thickness of your hard wood flooring. This way, it will be able to penetrate deep into the sub floor for maximum stability without coming through the top side of the floor.

Head Shape:

If you are looking for a nail with a head shape, you will need to select one from a specific manufacturer. The most common is an L-shaped head. On the other hand, t-shaped head nails are also available, but they are less common.

Types of Shanks:

The shank of a nail is the part that extends from the head and into the wood. If you are looking for a nail that will be difficult to remove, you will want to select one with a thick shank. Nailers use different types of nails, including those with a smooth, spiral or barbed shank.

Quantity of Nails:

You should also determine how many nails you will need to complete your project. You can purchase nails in large quantities if you are planning to do a major project with lots of nails. But, it’s always better to purchase more than what you might need so that you can have some extra nails in case one or two are lost during installation.

Coverage:

You should also consider the coverage area when buying nails for hardwood flooring. If you want to cover a small area of your colonial style planks, you will only need a few nails. On the other hand, if you want to make multiple installations or repair an entire room, then you will need to purchase nails in bulk size.

Price:

The price of nails can vary depending on the gauge, material, and length of the nails. You should never look for a cheap nail, as they are usually made of low-quality materials that will not hold your belongings to the ground for long.

So, when picking the proper nails, make sure to consider the factors mentioned above to ensure that you are making a wise purchase.

Types of Nails for Hard Wood Flooring

There are some general kinds of nails that are best for hardwood floors. They are:

Flooring Nails:

When choosing nails, you will need to select ones that are designed specifically for this purpose. They have a flat and wide head that is covered with small dimples and a grooved edge to prevent splitting in the wood when installed.

Besides having a flat head, they also have an extra-sharp point which penetrates deep into the colonial style planks for maximum stability. They are available in different lengths and gauges, so you can select the one that best suits your needs.

Finishing Nails:

Finishing nails are the most common type that is used for woodworking projects. They have a minimal head and face nailed, perfect for countersinking. Generally, they are available in different lengths and diameters but are most commonly used in a nail size range from 1-¼†inches to 2-1/2″ long.

It is best to use finishing nails because the smooth shank prevents them from splitting the wood. These finishing nails are available in boxes that contain different quantities. You can also get a box containing a variety of sizes for convenience.

Square-Cut Nails:

Square-cut nails are also a popular choice. It’s easy to install because they have a square shank and a sharp point. They are also made of steel and have a zinc finish. The entire floor has to be face-nailed for flooring with straight edges, meaning boards without interlocking tongues or grooves.

There are different sizes of square-cut nails, but the most commonly used size is 2†long. In addition, you can purchase square shank nails in bulk quantities.

Rose Head Nails:

If you are looking for a more decorative nail, then rose-head nails are a good option. They have a round head and a sharp point. The shank is also smooth, making it easy to install. Moreover, rose-head nails are available in different sizes and materials.

How Do You Nail Down A Hardwood Floor?

It is important to nail down a hard wood floor correctly in order to ensure its stability and longevity. You will need to use nails that are the correct size and type for your flooring. If you are not sure which nails to use, consult with a professional or read the manufacturer’s instructions.

In order to nail down a hard wood floor, you will need the following tools:

• Nailer
• Nails
• Hammer
• Chisel
• Pencil

Here is a general guide on how to nail down a hardwood floor:

Step 1: Determine the location of the nail heads

Use a pencil to mark the locations of the nail heads on your hardwood floor. Walk across the entire surface, marking places where you will need to put down nails.

Step 2: Insert the nails into the nailer

Load the nails into the nailer and fire the pieces through the surface. Make sure that each nail is long enough to pierce and hold firmly to the subfloor. Make pencil marks on the nailer’s pusher as a guide for how deeply it should be inserted into the wood. You can also use a hammer to drive nails into the flooring.

Step 3: Drive Nail Heads Below Surface

Use a chisel to drive the nail heads below the surface. This will help to secure them in place and prevent them from popping up over time. Once all of the nails have been inserted and driven straight below the surface, your floor is ready for use.

Step 4: Apply wood Putty

After you have nailed down your flooring, use wood putty to fill in the holes and seams. This will help to give your floor a smooth finish. Allow the putty to dry before sanding and finishing.

Step 5: Finish Flooring

Once the putty has dried, you can start to finish your flooring. Choose a finish that will best match your décor and style. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What Gauge Nails Should you use for Hardwood Floors?

There are 16 to 20 gauges of nails that you can use for hard wood floors. But, the most common gauge is 16. They provide a stronghold and prevent the floor from creaking. You can also use other gauges, but you need to talk to your hardware specialist to ensure that they work with your flooring.

What Size Nails Should be Used for 3/4 inch Hardwood Flooring?

If you want to hold heavy furniture, you will need to use the right size nails. For 3/4 inch hard wood floors, you should use nails that are 1-3/4 inches long. This will ensure that your furniture is properly secured to the ground.

Can you use 15 Gauge Nails for Hard Wood Floors?

It is not recommended to use 15 gauge nails for hard wood floors. They are too thick and likely to break through the surface of your floor. This will cause unsightly holes that can be difficult to repair. Hence, you should use 16-20 GA nails. 

Will OSB Sturdy Floor Hold Nails for Hardwood Flooring?

Yes, the OSB sturdy floor will hold nails for hardwood floors. You can use 2†galvanized nails for this purpose. Just make sure that the nails are firmly buried into the plywood sub floor and have not pierced through to the top of your wood flooring.

Final Words

Nailing down a hard wood floor can be a daunting task, but it is important to do it correctly in order to ensure its stability and longevity. Make sure you use the best nails for hardwood flooring. The wrong tool can cause damage and give a rustic look that you never want.

We hope these tips have helped you get started about what to do next when looking for purchasing nails. We wish you all the best as you finish up your installation project.