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For face-nailing solid hardwood where a blind-nailing tool cannot reach, Somerset recommends casing or finish nails that are at least 18 gauge. Its guide specifies 8–10-inch spacing for plank flooring and 10–12-inch spacing for strip flooring, followed by matching wood filler in the visible holes. These are Somerset’s product instructions, not a universal schedule: check the current guide for your flooring before installing. Somerset’s solid-floor installation guidelines.
Choose the fastener for the installation location
Face nails pass through the visible surface of a board. They are useful at a starting row, near walls, and around obstacles where a flooring nailer cannot reach. Once the tool can reach the tongue, the installation typically switches to blind nailing through the tongue; the fastener is then concealed by the next board. A Lowe’s-hosted solid hardwood guide describes this transition.
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Do not use the same fastener specification for both methods. Somerset names casing or finish nails of at least 18 gauge for face nailing its solid hardwood. For blind nailing that product, it instead lists flooring cleats or staples with separate gauge, length, and crown requirements.
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For Somerset solid hardwood, the published face-nailing intervals differ by flooring type:
#1 Best Overall
- FASTENER TYPE / SIZE - 16 gauge, 2 inch length, collated hardwood flooring L-cleat nails; Box of 1,000 count L-cleat nails
- COMPATIBLE TOOLS - Compatible with all 16 gauge L-cleat flooring nailers including Powernail pneumatic 445 series and manual 45 series nailers
- APPLICATIONS - For the installation of 5/8″, 3/4″ and 33/32″ tongue & groove flooring; Recommended for indoor use
- DESIGN - Superior quality nails designed for professional flooring installations; Manufactured from high quality steel; Innovative “L-shaped” head helps to eliminate split tongues in floor boards; Well-formed barbs provide ultimate holding power
- MADE IN USA - All Powernail flooring cleats are manufactured and packaged in the United States
| Flooring type | Face-nailing interval |
|---|---|
| Plank flooring | 8–10 inches |
| Strip flooring | 10–12 inches |
These figures are Somerset’s recommendations for its solid flooring, not a spacing rule for every brand or product. Its blind-nailing schedule is different: 3¼-inch-and-wider planks at 6–8-inch intervals, and 2¼-inch strip flooring at 8–10-inch intervals. Follow the current instructions for the specific flooring profile rather than transferring one schedule to another.
Prevent splitting and finish the visible holes
Face nailing leaves exposed holes, so careful placement and finishing matter. Somerset cautions installers not to compromise or split the tongue or core. It also says face-nail holes should be filled with matching wood filler.
Rank #2
- [Wide Compatibility] Compatible with most flooring nailers, including Powernail 445PRXLSW & 445LSW Series; Bostitch MFN200, MFN201, BTFP12569; Freeman PF1618GLCN, PFL618BR, PFL618C,PDX50Q, RPDX50, P50LSLW; DEWALT DWFP12569; NuMax SFL618, S50LSDH; Senco SHF200; Estwing EFL50Q; Primatech 250ALG; Banks 64268, and more
- [Durable Polished Steel] Made from premium hardened steel, these flooring nails resist bending and breaking under pressure. Built to last across various flooring projects, they offer enhanced durability and a sleek, professional appearance
- [Superior Holding Power] Designed with precision-cut barbs and an "L"-shaped profile, these cleats deliver strong, reliable fastening. The barbs lock tightly into tongue-and-groove hardwood to prevent loosening—perfect for both DIY and professional use
- [Versatile Application] Ideal for both engineered and solid wood flooring, these nails are widely used in residential and commercial projects. Trusted by carpenters, builders, and roofers for flooring, prefab housing, and construction components
- [What's in the Box] Each box includes 1,000 16GA L-cleat nails 2-inch—enough to install up to 200 square feet of flooring. The sharp tips drive easily into wood and help prevent tongue splitting, ensuring a smoother, cleaner fit
The Lowe’s-hosted guide offers a separate installation example: pre-drill face-nail holes, use a nail set to avoid marring the surface, and countersink the nails. Its example places holes about 6 inches apart and 1 inch from the back edge of the first row, with 7d or 8d nails. Those details belong to that guide and should not replace the flooring maker’s instructions.
Keep blind-nailing specifications separate
Manufacturer specifications illustrate why fasteners should not be chosen by gauge alone. The following are published blind-nailing examples, not face-nailing recommendations:
Rank #3
- FASTENER TYPE / SIZE - 16 gauge, 1-1/2 inch length, collated hardwood flooring L-cleat nails
- PACKAGE - Case of (5) boxes of 1,000 count L-cleat nails (5,000 count in total)
- COMPATIBLE TOOLS - Compatible with all 16 gauge L-cleat flooring nailers including Powernail pneumatic 445 series and manual 45 series nailers
- APPLICATIONS - For the installation of 3/8", 1/2", 9/16”, 5/8” and 3/4" tongue & groove hardwood flooring; Recommended for indoor use
- DESIGN - Superior quality nails designed for professional flooring installations; Manufactured from high quality steel; Innovative “L-shaped” head helps to eliminate split tongues in floor boards; Well-formed barbs provide ultimate holding power
| Manufacturer or guide | Blind-nailing fastener specification | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Somerset | Flooring cleats, 15.5, 16, or 18 gauge and at least 1½ inches long; or 15.5-gauge staples with a ½-inch crown and at least 1½ inches long. | Somerset solid hardwood. |
| Shaw Floors | Examples include 2-inch cleated nails or staples with a ½-inch crown and 1½-inch length, using 15- or 16-gauge tools. | Shaw solid hardwood instructions; the inspected page does not specify a solid-hardwood face-nail schedule. Shaw installation instructions. |
| National Flooring Products | For ½- to ¾-inch solid wood: 15.5- or 16-gauge staples with a 7/16- or ½-inch crown, minimum 1¾ to 2 inches; or T/L cleats of the same gauges and length range. | Its spacing guidance is for fastening along the tongue, not face nailing. National Flooring Products’ solid hardwood guide. |
Tool adjustment matters for blind nailing: Shaw emphasizes setting the tool correctly and using the flooring manufacturer’s recommended fasteners. Somerset says the blind fastener should sit flush in the nail pocket, not be driven too deep. It permits closer-than-listed spacing only if doing so does not compromise or split the tongue or core.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do not transfer solid-floor instructions to engineered flooring
Engineered boards can have different construction and fastener requirements. Shaw distinguishes its solid and engineered options and directs installers to use the flooring maker’s recommended fasteners. A WFS Wholesale engineered-flooring guide likewise specifies fasteners designed for engineered flooring and describes its own face-nailing method. That guidance is not a specification for solid hardwood.
Rank #4
- [Wide Compatibility] Compatible with most flooring nailers, including Powernail 445PRXLSW & 445LSW Series; Bostitch MFN200, MFN201, BTFP12569; Freeman PF1618GLCN, PFL618BR, PFL618C,PDX50Q, RPDX50, P50LSLW; DEWALT DWFP12569; NuMax SFL618, S50LSDH; Senco SHF200; Estwing EFL50Q; Primatech 250ALG; Banks 64268, and more
- [Durable Polished Steel] Made from premium hardened steel, these flooring nails resist bending and breaking under pressure. Built to last across various flooring projects, they offer enhanced durability and a sleek, professional appearance
- [Superior Holding Power] Designed with precision-cut barbs and an "L"-shaped profile, these cleats deliver strong, reliable fastening. The barbs lock tightly into tongue-and-groove hardwood to prevent loosening—perfect for both DIY and professional use
- [Versatile Application] Ideal for both engineered and solid wood flooring, these nails are widely used in residential and commercial projects. Trusted by carpenters, builders, and roofers for flooring, prefab housing, and construction components
- [What's in the Box] Each box includes 1,000 16GA L-cleat nails 1-1/2-inch—enough to install up to 200 square feet of flooring. The sharp tips drive easily into wood and help prevent tongue splitting, ensuring a smoother, cleaner fit
Check before you install
- Confirm whether the boards are solid or engineered and identify the exact product and profile.
- Use casing or finish nails of at least 18 gauge for face nailing only where the flooring maker calls for them.
- Use the maker’s face-nailing spacing; do not substitute its blind-nailing spacing.
- Pre-drill and use a nail set if the product instructions call for them; avoid splitting or damaging the board.
- Fill visible face-nail holes with matching wood filler when instructed.
Somerset notes that elastomeric adhesive may be used as an alternative or addition to face nails where required, subject to product-specific conditions. Check the relevant installation guide before combining fastening methods.
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