Choosing Between Flooring Staples and Cleat Nails
Flooring Staples
Pros:
Stronger Grip: Staples have two legs, which provide a stronger initial grip, reducing movement during installation.
Speed: Staples are easier and faster to use, often resulting in quicker installation.
Cost-Effective: Typically, staples are more affordable than cleat nails.
Cons:
Brittleness: Staples are rigid and less forgiving; they can shear under wood movement caused by seasonal expansion and contraction.
May Damage Tongue: Overdriving staples can split the tongue of the hardwood plank, compromising the flooring's integrity.
Less Suitable for Hardwoods: Some harder wood species may cause staples to deform or not penetrate fully, leading to installation issues.
Cleat Nails
Pros:
Flexibility: Cleat nails are more flexible, allowing for slight movement of the hardwood during seasonal expansion and contraction without breaking or shearing.
Better for Hardwoods: Cleats penetrate harder wood species more effectively, making them ideal for dense hardwoods.
Long-Term Durability: Because of their flexibility, cleats are less likely to fail over time, ensuring a more stable floor in the long run.
Reduced Splitting: Cleats are less likely to cause the tongue to split compared to staples.
Cons:
Higher Cost: Cleat nails are generally more expensive than staples.
Slower Installation: Using cleats can be more time-consuming compared to staples
If you're unsure, consult your flooring manufacturer's installation guidelines. Some manufacturers may specify a preferred fastening method to maintain warranty coverage.
