Best Flooring Cleats for Hardwood Installation: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist
Choosing the right fixing for a hardwood floor is arguably as important as choosing the timber itself. In my years working on properties throughout York, I have been called out to fix far too many squeaky, moving floors caused by inferior nails or staples that simply couldn't handle the seasonal movement of the wood.
Many DIYers debate between staples and cleats. For solid hardwood, especially in older damp-prone properties, I almost always recommend L-shaped cleats. They allow the timber to expand and contract naturally without splitting the tongue, which is crucial for the longevity of the installation.
In this review, I've selected three options I've come across on site: a budget-friendly box for general carcassing and standard flooring, a high-quality DeWalt option for consistency, and a premium Senco option that solves jamming issues in temperamental nailers.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Coated for 'Smoother Driving'"
"The coating on the cleat heats up via friction, acting as a lubricant as it enters the wood and then cooling to act as an adhesive."
Whilst this is true, cheap coatings can flake off and jam the gun's magazine. Always check the strip quality before loading.
The Spec: "Splitting Resistance"
"Cleats are designed to cut through wood fibres rather than wedge them apart (like staples), preventing split tongues."
This largely depends on how close to the end of the board you nail. Even with the best cleats, you must pre-drill and hand-nail the last few inches of any board to prevent splitting.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Meite 16 Gauge 2-Inch L-Shaped Flooring Cleats, 1000 Pieces
meite
If you are tackling a large area on a budget, these Meite cleats offer excellent value. They fit most standard nailers including Bostitch and Powernail models. Whilst not a premium brand, the coated steel does the job for standard domestic installations.
The Good
- Excellent price point for 1000 pieces
- Compatible with a wide range of nailers (Bostitch, Porter-Cable, etc.)
- Coated finish assists with driving into harder timbers
The Bad
- Steel quality is slightly softer than premium brands; occasional bending if hitting a knot
- Coating can be inconsistent batch to batch
Installer Tip:
Because these are slightly softer than DeWalt or Senco nails, ensure your compressor pressure is optimised (usually around 80-90 PSI depending on the wood). If the pressure is too low, these are more likely to bend rather than drive flush.
Priced at £32.29 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonDEWALT 16 Gauge 2" 'L' Shaped Hardwood Flooring Cleat - 1,000 Qty
DEWALT
DeWalt is a staple name in any joiner's van for a reason. These cleats are manufactured to high tolerances, meaning fewer jams and misfires. When laying expensive solid oak, the peace of mind that a nail won't jam and damage the board surface is worth the extra cost.
The Good
- Consistent manufacturing tolerances reduce gun jams
- Bright finish creates a clean drive
- Lower risk of bending when hitting hard knots or subfloor obstructions
The Bad
- Significantly more expensive than generic alternatives
- Packaging can sometimes be brittle in transit
Installer Tip:
These are ideal for 'hard' hardwoods like Hickory or dense Oak. Their rigidity helps penetrate dense grain where cheaper nails might crumple.
Priced at £101.23 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonSenco Brands 2" L Flooring Cleat
Senco
Senco produces some of the finest pneumatic tools on the market, and their fasteners are designed to match. If you have a temperamental nailer that keeps jamming with generic nails, switching to these precision-made Senco cleats often solves the problem immediately.
The Good
- Precision engineering reduces tool wear and jams
- Best option for older or specific Senco nailers
- Strong collation tape keeps strips intact in the pouch
The Bad
- Very high price point per box
- Overkill for softwood or rustic grade flooring
Installer Tip:
If you are working with a Senco flooring gun, sticking to Senco fasteners is often required to maintain the warranty and ensure the driver blade strikes the cleat dead centre every time.
Priced at £114.70 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Should I use cleats or staples for hardwood flooring?
What size cleats do I need for standard 18mm oak flooring?
Can I install hardwood flooring directly over old floorboards?
Why is my flooring nailer jamming?
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