Hardwood floors can be installed by nailing, stapling, gluing, or floating. Solid hardwood typically nails or staples to wood subfloors, while engineered wood can be glued, floated, or fastened depending on the product. Concrete slabs usually require glue-down or a floating system. Flooring nailers and pneumatic staplers speed installation and are commonly rented. Dense exotic species can present fastening challenges and require appropriate fasteners and technique.
A dream house isn't just made of dreams - it's made of floors you can walk on. Choosing the right installation method for hardwood depends on the wood type, the subfloor, and the tools you have.
Four common installation methods
Nail-down
Nail-down is the traditional choice for solid hardwood over a wood subfloor (plywood or oriented strand board). Installers use a flooring nailer or cleat nailer to secure boards to the joists. This method gives a long-lasting, stable installation but requires skill and the right tools.Staple-down
The staple-down method uses a heavy-duty flooring stapler to fasten the boards. It's similar in concept to nailing but uses U-shaped staples or cleats. Stapling can be faster than hand-nailing and is common for many solid and engineered boards installed over wood subfloors.Glue-down
Glue-down installations use adhesive to bond flooring to the subfloor. This method is widely used for engineered hardwood and for installations over concrete slabs. Glue-down reduces movement and can be useful for thinner engineered boards, but it takes time for adhesives to cure and requires careful trowel work.Floating (free-float)
Floating floors are not attached to the subfloor; the planks interlock (or click) and rest over an underlayment. This method works well for engineered wood and laminate over many subfloors, including concrete and plywood. Floating installations are generally faster and easier for DIYers.Subfloor and material considerations
Solid hardwood is usually nailed or stapled to a wood subfloor. Engineered hardwood gives more flexibility: you can glue it down, float it, or sometimes staple/nail it depending on the product. Concrete slabs typically require glue-down or a floating system with an appropriate moisture barrier.Tools, brands, and rentals
Flooring nailers and pneumatic staplers speed up installation and improve consistency. These tools often require an air compressor and appropriate nails or staples (cleats). Established manufacturers in flooring tools include Stanley Bostitch and Powernail; several other brands and cordless options are available. Many home centers and tool rental shops rent flooring nailers and compressors if you don't want to buy.Wood species and installation challenges
Very dense exotic species (for example, Brazilian Cherry/Jatoba) are harder to fasten cleanly and can be prone to splitting with improper fasteners. Installers choose the right fastener type and gauge for the species and board thickness to avoid problems.Final notes
Choose the installation method that matches your flooring type, subfloor, and comfort with tools. For larger or unfamiliar projects, consult a flooring professional or rent a flooring stapler/nailer and practice on scrap material first.- Confirm whether Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba) is commonly considered difficult to nail and whether staples are the recommended solution for that species.
- Verify the specific recommendation details for fastening dense exotic hardwoods (preferred fastener types and sizes).
FAQs about Hardwood Floor Stapler
Can I use staples on engineered hardwood?
Often yes. Many engineered boards can be stapled or nailed if they are designed for that method. Always check the manufacturer's installation instructions for the specific product.
Is glue-down better than floating?
Not necessarily. Glue-down creates a solid bond to the subfloor and can reduce movement; floating is faster, reversible, and often easier for DIY. The best method depends on the flooring type, subfloor, and moisture conditions.
Do I need a compressor for a flooring stapler?
Most pneumatic flooring staplers and nailers require an air compressor. Cordless or manual options exist, but pneumatic tools are common for professional speed and consistency.
Can I install solid hardwood over concrete?
Solid hardwood is generally not recommended directly over concrete unless installed over a properly built sleeper system. Engineered hardwood or a floating system is the common choice for concrete slabs.
Should I rent or buy a flooring stapler?
If you have a single project or limited use, renting from a home center is cost-effective. Frequent installers will often invest in a quality stapler and compressor.