Professional Guide

Best Flooring Nailer for Hardwood Installation: 2025 Expert Review

DR Joinery

Expert Joiner & Flooring Specialist

Published 16 December 2025

Laying a hardwood floor is one of the most rewarding jobs in joinery, but the difference between a floor that lasts a century and one that squeaks after six months often comes down to the fixing. In York, where we frequently deal with uneven subfloors in Victorian terraces, getting the board tight and the fixing secure is paramount.

Many DIY enthusiasts realise too late that a standard brad nailer isn't up to the task. Solid oak and dense bamboo require specialist flooring nailers that drive cleats or staples at the correct angle through the tongue, hiding the fixing whilst allowing the wood to expand and contract naturally.

In this review, I've selected three key pieces of kit for hardwood installation: a specialised mallet which is the heart of any manual or pneumatic setup, a high-end 18-gauge nailer for exotic woods, and a versatile 3-in-1 tool that solves multiple problems on site.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Jam-Free Mechanism"

The Theory

"Manufacturers often claim their nailers never jam thanks to precision engineering."

The Reality

In the real world, especially when working with extremely hard timbers like strand-woven bamboo or old oak, jams happen. The true test is how easily you can clear the jam without stripping the tool down.

The Spec: "Universal Compatibility"

The Theory

"Tools claim to work with 'all' hardwood flooring."

The Reality

Thickness matters. Standard 16-gauge cleats can split thinner engineered boards (14mm or less). For those, you absolutely need an 18-gauge tool.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

Powernail 3MI Iron Tan Capped Rubber Mallet for Flooring Nailers & Staplers (2.6 lbs)

Budget Pick

Powernail

Whilst technically an accessory rather than a nail gun, this mallet is the engine of any flooring setup. If you are hiring a gun or using a manual nailer, a proper iron-core mallet is non-negotiable. It allows you to drive boards tight into position with the rubber cap before striking the plunger, ensuring a gap-free floor without damaging the timber edge.

Price£55.74 (at the time of writing)

Weight2.6 lbs (approx 1.2 kg)

MaterialIron wedge, Rubber cap, Hickory handle

The Good

Iron wedge shape allows you to lever boards together
Non-marring rubber cap prevents damage to pre-finished oak
Hickory handle absorbs vibration, saving your wrist

The Bad

Heavy for prolonged overhead use (though ideal for flooring)
Requires a nailer to actually fix the board

Installer Tip:

Use the rubber face to tap the face of the board into the groove of the previous row. Then, use the iron wedge end (carefully) on the scrap block or directly on the tongue side if protected, to close stubborn gaps before you strike the nailer.

Priced at £55.74 at the time of writing

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Freeman PF18GLCN Pneumatic 18-Gauge 1-3/4" L-Cleat Flooring Nailer for Bamboo and Exotic Flooring Ergonomic and Lightweight Nail Gun with No Mar Foot for Tongue and Groove Hardwood Flooring, Black

Quality Option

Freeman

This is a specialist tool designed for the modern flooring market. Unlike standard 16-gauge nailers which can be too aggressive, this 18-gauge model is perfect for brittle, dense woods like bamboo or thinner engineered oak often used in renovations. It drives L-cleats which provide excellent holding power whilst reducing the risk of splitting the tongue.

Price£423.90 (at the time of writing)

Gauge18-Gauge L-Cleat

ApplicationDense flooring (Bamboo, Exotic, Engineered)

The Good

18-gauge fixings significantly reduce tongue splitting
No-mar foot protects high-gloss pre-finished surfaces
Ergonomic extended handle saves your back during long shifts

The Bad

Higher price point strictly for professional finish quality
18-gauge cleats can be harder to source locally than 16-gauge

Installer Tip:

If you are installing strand-woven bamboo in a conservatory or kitchen, this is the only gun to use. Standard nailers will simply bounce off or shatter the tongue. Always regulate your compressor pressure between 70-90 PSI depending on the subfloor hardness.

Priced at £423.90 at the time of writing

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FREEMAN PFL618C 3 in 1 Flooring Nailer - Stapler with Fiberglass Mallet

Problem-solving Option

Freeman

For the joiner who never knows what the next job will bring, this 3-in-1 tool is a lifesaver. It fires 16-gauge T-cleats, L-cleats, and staples, making it incredibly versatile for everything from solid structural oak to ply subfloor preparation. It handles the variety of fixings required for different subfloor conditions found in York's older properties.

Price£181.74 (at the time of writing)

Versatility3-in-1 (T-cleats, L-cleats, Staples)

IncludedFibreglass mallet with padded grip

The Good

Accepts three types of fasteners - massive money saver
Long reach handle helps avoid back strain
Includes a decent mallet to get you started

The Bad

3-in-1 magazines can be slightly more prone to jamming if dirt gets in
Slightly bulkier than dedicated single-purpose units

Installer Tip:

Use staples for plywood underlayment and L-cleats for the actual hardwood installation. The staples offer superior holding power in ply, but allow less movement for solid wood, so switching firing modes is essential for a complete job.

Priced at £181.74 at the time of writing

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use cleats or staples for hardwood flooring?

It depends on the wood. Cleats (L or T shaped) are generally preferred for solid hardwood like Oak because they allow for slight movement with seasonal humidity changes—vital in York's variable climate. Staples hold tighter, which is great for engineered floors or plywood, but can sometimes split the tongues of brittle, solid timber.

What is the difference between 16-gauge and 18-gauge nailers?

16-gauge is the industry standard for traditional 3/4 inch (18-20mm) solid wood flooring. It's thick and holds well. 18-gauge is thinner and designed for thinner boards (like 14mm engineered) or very hard, brittle woods like bamboo, where a thicker nail would cause the wood to split.

Can I install hardwood flooring over old floorboards in a Victorian house?

Yes, but preparation is key. You must ensure the existing boards are secure and flat. We often install a layer of plywood over the top to create a flat, stable base. Nailing directly into old, uneven pine boards can result in a squeaky, uneven finish. Professional assessment is usually recommended.

Why is my flooring nailer jamming?

Jams usually occur for three reasons: using the wrong size fastener for the magazine, low air pressure from the compressor preventing the driver from fully retracting, or hitting a hard knot in the wood. Keep your tool oiled and ensure your compressor is set correctly (usually 70-90 PSI).

Do I need professional installation for solid wood flooring?

Solid wood is expensive, and mistakes in expansion gaps or subfloor prep can ruin the floor permanently. Whilst a keen DIYer with the right tools can do it, professional installation guarantees the floor is acclimatised correctly and fitted to allow for the movement inevitable in British homes. Contact us at DR Joinery if you need advice.

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