How many flooring nails do i need

To determine how many nails you need to secure your flooring, you have to consider room size and nail spacing. It is also a good idea to figure in an extra amount in case a nail breaks or bends during installation. Figuring the number of nails you need requires a few simple calculations. Measure the length and width of the room. Multiply the measurements to figure out the room's square footage. Before you can figure out how many nails you need, you have to determine how many hardwood floorboards the room requires.

Decide on flooring board width. Estimate the number of bundles or boxes of hardwood flooring you need. My example provides a better idea where to nail your hardwood floor. White dots indicate areas where fasteners are used. The illustration has dimensions from top to bottom at five feet 60 inches. Let's look at the first row furthest right in the illustration. Seven fasteners were used which calculates out to almost one every nine inches, or in the range of inches recommended in the chart below.

The second row has shorter boards being used where the number of fasteners has increased to nine. Engineered wood, often used interchangeably with hardwood flooring, is actually made of layers of wood with a veneer of real wood.

It offers the look of solid wood, but with greater versatility. Hardwood boards are typically narrower than engineered wood planks to better adapt to moisture fluctuation.

Deciding whether to invest in solid or engineered hardwood flooring depends upon your needs and environment. Solid hardwood flooring is known for its endurance and the fact that it can be refinished many times.

It's also more expensive than engineered wood flooring, which is more stable and moisture resistant. If a section of engineered flooring gets damaged, however, it usually has to be replaced, as the engineered wood flooring cannot be re-sanded or refinished as many times If at all as solid hardwood. The concrete floor for solid hardwood should be at-grade or above-grade at or above ground-level.

For basements, most flooring manufacturers recommend using engineered wood. Furthermore, the concrete also has to be completely dry - even before installing a subfloor. Carpeting, paint and other materials must be removed as well, and you may need a concrete grinder to prep first. After new concrete is laid, it can take more than a month for the moisture to evaporate from concrete, and moisture levels must be tested prior to installation.

Something to consider, as clearance for doorways and other items may change. The choice depends on personal preference. Decide whether you want a manual flooring nailer or pneumatic flooring tool.

If you have a large installation project, choose the pneumatic tool. While more expensive, it will make the job faster and save you fatigue. You may also want to invest in a rolling flooring accessory that will also make the process easier, with less lifting each time you fasten.