7 Best Flooring Nailer 2024 Buyer’s Guide

Best Flooring Nailer

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If you want to make some improvements around your house where you install new hardwood floors or repair the ones you have, a good flooring nailer will be a great addition to your workshop.

And while it’s true that you can nail the wood pieces by hand, but that’s pretty time-consuming and exhausting.

To make the process of choosing easier for you, I’ve created this list of the best flooring nailers you’ll find on the market.

Our Top Picks

The 7 Best Flooring Nailer


1. Bostitch BTFP12569 2-in-1 Flooring Tool


 

BOSTITCH Flooring Nailer, 2-in-1 (BTFP12569)

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It operates at a pressure between 70 and 100 PSI and has a pneumatic driving action. Thanks to its interchangeable and non-marring base plates for 1/2 inch (12.7 millimeters) through 3/4 inch (19.1 millimeters) flooring. The base plates do not cause scratches on the material and enable the nailer to work on various flooring thickness. Moreover, it has an ergonomic handle, and a rubber grip to make the process of handling the nailer easier for the user. They also allow the user to be comfortable while maintaining maximum control.

Moreover, it can drive 15.5 GA flooring staples and 16 GA L-shaped cleats from 1 1/2 inch to 2-inch length. 

However, it comes with many negative sides as well. To name a few, its magazine usually fails to hold cleats in place, so you may think that the job is going great, only to realize later that you have been shooting blanks for the whole time, which would be a huge waste of time and effort. In addition to this, you might dry fire it without realizing that you are doing so, which is again, effort and time gone with the wind!

It includes a nailer, Interchangeable base plates, mallet, wrenches, and 1/4 inch (6.4 millimeters) air fitting with dust cover.

Pros:

  • Comfortable 
  • Ergonomic handle design
  • Great on hardwood
  • Seven-year limited warranty
  • Accepts 15.5 GA flooring staples
  • Accepts 16 GA L-shaped cleat nails

Cons:

  • Relatively expensive
  • Does not shoot T-cleats
  • Lousy magazine
  • Fry firing

Bottom Line:

Bostitch BTFP12569 may be a great nailer, but its drawbacks are huge. The idea of working and then realizing that you have been wasting all your effort and time is just terrible to think about.

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BOSTITCH Flooring Nailer, 2-in-1 (BTFP12569)
  • Drive 15.5 GA flooring staples or 16 GA L-Cleats from 1-1/2-inch to 2-inch length with this pneumatic nailer
  • Mallet-actuated pneumatic driving action
  • Non-marring, interchangeable base plates for 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) through 3/4-inch (19.1 mm) flooring
  • Ergonomically designed long handle with comfortable rubber grip

2. Freeman PFL618BR Pneumatic Flooring Nailer and Stapler


Freeman PFL618BR Pneumatic 3-in-1 15.5-Gauge and 16-Gauge 2' Flooring Nailer / Stapler with Flooring...

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It is the best pneumatic flooring nailer out there. It works between the pressure of 70 and 110 PSI, and its body that is made of die-cast aluminum makes it very durable. Moreover, it is pretty much versatile as it can fire staples, T-cleats, and L-cleats. Like Bostitch BTFP12569, it features interchangeable base plates, 1/2 and 3/4 inch, that enable it to install different flooring thickness.

Moreover, its magazine is very handy. Its capacity enables it to accommodate around 100 and 120 cleats/staples. Its nails rarely get jammed; anyone who has used a floor nailer before will know that this is such a relief.

Besides, Freeman PFL618BR is a useful tool for professionals and DIYs as well, due to its ease of use and maintenance. To maintain it, you just need to add a few drops of lubricant at the start of every day. It is also comfortable to use due to its long reach handle and its padded grip that enables you to have full control with next to nothing fatigue.

It comes with handy stuff such as a no-mar rubber mallet, goggles, wrenches, and oil. It also comes with a seven-year limited warranty.

Pros:

  • Durable body 
  • Padded grip 
  • Seven-year warranty
  • Versatile
  • Hard plastic carrying case
  • Shoots staples, T-shaped cleats, and L-shaped cleats
  • Easy to maintain
  • Great on hardwoods

Cons:

  • Jams if you use low-quality nails

Bottom Line:

Freeman PFL618BR is a great flooring nailer. Its high-capacity magazine, ergonomic handle, padded grip, easy maintenance, and versatility makes it very attractive to purchase.

Freeman PFL618BR Pneumatic 3-in-1 15.5-Gauge and 16-Gauge 2" Flooring Nailer / Stapler with Flooring...
  • Construction Applications: Perfect for the installation of tongue and groove hardwood flooring
  • 3-in-1 Flooring Nailer / Stapler: Multi-purpose design allows nailing and stapling with just one tool, saving time and money...
  • Built to Last: High strength and lightweight aluminum body, anodized aluminum magazine, and heat treated steel parts result...
  • Semi-Quick Jam Release: Upgraded to allow faster access to the drive blade in the event of a jammed fastener

3. Dewalt Dwfp12569


DEWALT Flooring Nailer, Pneumatic, Adjustable Base for All Size Flooring, 15.5-Guage Staples and...

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Dewalt DWFP12569 is versatile, reliable, and small. It is versatile because it can use staples and nails. Indeed, nail installation is outdated, but it provides longevity. Staples installation is trendy and reliable as well, so it is a great plus that it allows you to do both. It is extremely reliable and durable that it will keep on working for years and years after you buy it. Moreover, its small size allows you to move it around effortlessly, which is a big deal if you are doing a nail-intensive job like putting in a floor.

Besides, it is compatible to work with the most common nailing fasteners, namely, the 15.5-gauge staples and the 16-gauge L-shaped cleats.

Like Freeman PFL618BR and Bostitch BTFP12569, it has an ergonomic handle, and a rubber grip, so you do not need to worry about having sore hands during and after working. Likewise, it also has non-marring base plates that make it adjustable to any flooring size and thickness.

Another A+ point is that it requires lower CFM than its fellow pneumatic nailers, so you won’t need to run air compressors for a long time. Moreover, you can use it with almost any air compressor because it is fitted with the standard 1/4-inch air fitting. The only negative thing is that its O-ring is prone to failure. If the O-ring fails, it will cause losing air pressure.

Pros:

  • Lower CFM requirement
  • Easy to operate
  • Comfortable
  • Interchangeable non-marring base plates
  • Fitted with the standard 1/4-inch air fitting
  • Versatile

Cons:

  • No dry fire lockout
  • 0-ring is prone to failure

Bottom Line:

Dewalt DWFP12569 is extremely useful to purchase. You won’t regret buying it due to its small size, durability, and versatility. Being able to use nailers and staples is such a great feature at such a price. Moreover, since it is compatible with many nailers and almost all air compressors, it is going to prove handy on many occasions.

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DEWALT Flooring Nailer, Pneumatic, Adjustable Base for All Size Flooring, 15.5-Guage Staples and...
  • Lightweight at 10.6 lbs for better balance and control
  • Optimized for the most popular solid flooring fasteners, 15.5ga Staples and 16ga “L” Cleat Nails
  • Interchangeable, Non-marring base plates adjust to all sizes of flooring
  • Ergonomically designed with longer handle and comfortable rubber grip for ease of use

4. Numax Sfl618 Flooring Nailer And Stapler


 

NuMax SFL618 Pneumatic 3-in-1 15.5-Gauge and 16-Gauge 2' Flooring Nailer / Stapler with Flooring...

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NuMax SFL618 is made of die-cast aluminum, which means that it is durable, and light. You can easily carry it around with you wherever you need it. Moreover, it is powerful as it can operate between 70 and 115 PSI. This PSI makes it great for both thin and dense wood floors.

This nailer is very versatile as it accepts staples, L-cleats, and T-cleats. That way, you can use it with almost any flooring project. Moreover, it comes with interchangeable base plates, and depending on the thickness of your flooring planks, you can choose to use either the 1/2 or 3/4-inch plate. Additionally, it has a magazine that can take up to 120 nails to reduce downtimes.

What makes NuMax SFL618 even greater is that it has a 23-inch tall extended handle that prevents back pain, anti-dust cap, a non-mar rubber mallet to move flooring in place, and a light strike bumper for low impact fastener driving. Moreover, it is compatible with most air compressors out there due to its 1/4-inch NPT fitting.

However, this air compressor is best suited for small jobs; otherwise, it may get sloppy. It also may run out of nails without giving any indication. It is still a great nailer for its price (106.94$)

Pros:

  • Relatively cheap 
  • Hard to tell when it is out of nails
  • Uses staples, L-cleats, and T-cleats
  • Durable
  • Lightweight
  • Tall handle 
  • Interchangeable base plates
  • High-capacity magazine

Cons:

  • Mallet handle is a bit smooth

Bottom Line:

This is one of the greatest flooring nailers on the market. It is portable and durable. It also has an ergonomic handle and is relatively cheap. Moreover, check the pros section, and you will be more convinced to buy it.

Sale
NuMax SFL618 Pneumatic 3-in-1 15.5-Gauge and 16-Gauge 2" Flooring Nailer / Stapler with Flooring...
  • Construction Applications: Perfect for the installation of tongue and groove hardwood flooring
  • 3-in-1 Flooring Nailer / Stapler: Multi-purpose design allows nailing and stapling with just one tool, saving time and money...
  • Built to Last: High strength and lightweight aluminum body and heat treated steel parts result in a durable pneumatic tool...
  • Semi-Quick Jam Release: Upgraded to allow faster access to the drive blade in the event of a jammed fastener

5. Freeman Pdx50C Lightweight Pneumatic 3-In-1 Flooring Nailer And Stapler


 

Freeman PDX50C Lightweight Pneumatic 3-in-1 15.5-Gauge and 16-Gauge 2' Flooring Nailer and Stapler...

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This 15.5-Gauge and 16-Gauge 2″ flooring nailer uses 16 gauge T-cleats and L-cleats, and 15.5 gauge flooring staples. It, too, has interchangeable base plates, which makes it great for solid wood tongues, grooves, and engineered flooring from 1/2″ to 3/4″.

Moreover, its anodized aluminum magazine, one-piece drive blade, and high-quality rubber O-rings make it highly durable. However, it does not have a mar protection plate. It also comes with a lightweight fiberglass handle mallet.

Freeman PDX50C is suitable for professionals and DIYs as well, due to its ease of use and versatility.

Pros:

  • Seven-year warranty
  • 90 Day Wearable Parts Warranty.                           
  • Lightweight
  • Interchangeable base plates
  • Suitable for professionals and amateurs

Cons:

  • Jams occasionally

Bottom Line:

This lightweight flooring nailer is ideal for professionals and DIYs alike. It is easy to use and versatile. It is also highly durable due to its anodized aluminum magazine, one-piece drive blade, and high-quality rubber O-rings.

Freeman PDX50C Lightweight Pneumatic 3-in-1 15.5-Gauge and 16-Gauge 2" Flooring Nailer and Stapler...
  • Nailed It: This Pneumatic 3-in-1 15.5-Gauge and 16-Gauge 2" Flooring Nailer and Stapler uses 16 gauge T-cleats and L-cleats,...
  • Pro Design: This durable nailer features an anodized aluminum magazine, no mar protection plate and self leveling front foot....
  • The Right Tool for the Job: We're committed to providing outstanding value, top tier customer service and long lasting, high...
  • Tough and Dependable: We make an array of durable construction tools and accessories, including staplers and nailers for...

6. Bynford Hardwood Flooring Stapler Nailer


 

BYNFORD HARDWOOD FLOORING STAPLER NAILER (For conventional 5/8' & under T&G flooring AND SHAW type...

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This lightweight nailer is suitable for both professionals and DIYs. It can work as a stapler and a brad nail. It uses standard 18 gauge narrow crown staples and 18 gauge brad nails up to 1-9/16″. It is also versatile due to its adjustable shoe plate. Moreover, the new shoe design enables it to be used on floors with a longer lower lip on the groove side. It is designed for floors from 1/4″ – 9/16″, or 3/4″ in limited applications.

This means that it is suitable for working with different floor thicknesses. Being able to adjust the depth of the drive provides users with a professional finish because it ensures users that the staple or brad is in the correct position for the particular density of the material.

Bynford Hardwood Flooring Stapler Nailer is also suitable for use inside a closet, cupboard, or closed spaces thanks to its ability to change the position of the nail gun from straight to 45 degrees.

However, it is not recommended to use it on heavy-duty tasks.

Pros:

  • Works as a stapler and a brad nail
  • New shoe design
  • Adjustable shoe plate

Cons:

  • Not the best thing to use on heavy-duty tasks
  • Does not work with cleat nails

Bottom Line:

Bynford Hardwood Flooring Stapler is great to use for professionals and DIYs. It will also save you money if you buy it instead of renting a nail gun or a stapler if you want to install hardwood or laminate flooring.

BYNFORD HARDWOOD FLOORING STAPLER NAILER (For conventional 5/8" & under T&G flooring AND SHAW type...
  • Uses standard 18 gauge narrow crown staples AND 18 gauge brad nails up to 1-9/16"
  • Shoe easily adjusts to multiple floor thicknesses
  • Designed for floors from 1/4" - 9/16" (or 3/4" in limited applications)
  • New shoe designs permits use on Shaw type groove side fastening (floor with longer lower lip on groove side)

7. Ramsond Rmm4 2-In-1 Air Hardwood Flooring Cleat Nailer And Stapler Gun


 

Ramsond RMM4 2-in-1 Air Hardwood Flooring Cleat Nailer and Stapler Gun , Yellow

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Ramsond RMM4 2-in-1 Air Hardwood Flooring Cleat Nailer and Stapler Gun is a durable and lightweight nail gun. Its can handle floors of different thickness and has a non-marring base system to protect it from damage and provide it with optimal positioning against the work surface for fast and accurate installation.

Moreover, it lets you shoot staples and cleat nails from the same gun, which means that you do not have to worry about the whole process of changing magazines. Its magazines can take up to 100 staples/cleats. It is easy and rapid to load; all you need to do is pull the magazine back, put the fasteners in it, and release the drawer. It is designed for 15.5- and 16-gauge staples from 1 to 2 inches and “L” cleats from 1-1/2 to 2 inches.

Besides, the nailer works with a maximum speed (60-120 PSI) due to its patented air booster, and that provides you with ease and quickness. It is also equipped with a standard 1/4-inch NPT air inlet for easy compatibility. RMM4, just like most nailers, stores compressed air inside its body. The air gets released after a mallet strike to shoot the fastener. RMM4 goes the extra mile as it does not just store compressed air in one chamber, but in another booster chamber that is located in the handle. This additional chamber ensures that the fasteners are shot with sufficient force for perfect penetration in the floor surface. Moreover, they accommodate quicker retraction of the actuator and blade when compared with conventional units.

It is okay if you are worried that you won’t know how to align the nailer; however, you do not have to think about this anymore if you buy RMM4. The direction and angle of the staple/cleat will be automatically aligned to achieve a very precise driving.

It is suitable with different thicknesses of hardwood flooring (1/2 inch, 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch, and 25/32 inch). It comes with two nylon composite base plates, so you can just install the appropriate base plate for your application.

Last but not least, this nailer is extra comfy to use thanks to its die-cast alloy body, lightweight, and padded long handle. Moreover, its driver blade is constructed of heat-treated hardened steel that provides it with durability.

Pros:

  • Non-marring base system
  • Heat-treated drive blade
  • Durability
  • Lightweight
  • Padded handle 
  • Versatility
  • Extra air chamber

Cons:

  • Seals get blown
  • Air leaks

Bottom Line:

RMM4 is a great flooring nailer due to its versatility, ease of use, and lightweight design. It is suitable to use on different floor thicknesses; 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch, and 25/32 inch. It can also shoot cleats and staples.

Ramsond RMM4 2-in-1 Air Hardwood Flooring Cleat Nailer and Stapler Gun , Yellow
  • Uses both cleats and staples
  • Air operated
  • Includes all accessories and carrying case
  • Uses l cleats and u staples

8. Porta-nails 402A


 

402A, 16-Gauge Manual Hardwood Flooring Nailer

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When you need a heavy-duty flooring nailer that can take a beating, put your trust in the Porta-nail 402A. With up to 12,000 blows per minute, it provides maximum power and impact with at least five times longer usage than most competitive models.

As one of the only air tools we offer, its vertical magazine capacity saves time by allowing for quick handling of common materials like solid wood flooring or bamboo strips without having to stop and reload frequently.

This heavy hitter is so tough, it comes with straps for securing in your truck bed so you have a reliable tool available wherever jobs call for something more challenging than regular trimming or finish work.

benefits:

  • The Porta-Nail 402A is the most powerful nailer on the market. 
  • It will last five times longer than other models. 
  • You’ll be able to work with confidence knowing you have a reliable tool at your disposal.
402A, 16-Gauge Manual Hardwood Flooring Nailer
  • Uses 2 in., and 1-1/2 in. T Headed 16 Ga nails
  • Binds 5/8 in., 3/4 in. and 33/32 in. domestic solid wood flooring
  • Accessory shoes, sold separately, allow you to face nail and nail 3/8 in. - 9/16 in. solid wood, 5/8 in. bamboo and 18mm...
  • Comes with an extension handle, mallet, angled shoe for 5/8 in. to 3/32 in. tongue and groove flooring, wrenches and a rugged...

9. 3Plus Hfsnsp


 

3PLUS HFSNSP 2-in-1 Pneumatic Flooring Nailer/Stapler

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The 3PLUS HFSNSP is the ultimate flooring tool. This 2 in 1 flooring tool uses 15-1/2 gauge staples and 16 gauge L cleats that range from 1-1/2″ to 2″.

It also has interchangeable flooring plates for all sizes of hardwood or engineered floorings. The removable long reach handle allows you to get into tight places, plus this trusty tool comes with a mallet with white rubber included.

So not only will the HFSNSP staple gun be your go-to partner when it comes time to install that hardwood or engineered floorings, but you don’t even have to ask you’re significant other for help every once in a while because they come WITH their own mallet.

benefits:

  • The HFSNSP is an all-in-one staple gun that can do it all. 
  • You’ll be able to install hardwood or engineered floors with ease and in no time at all.
  • It’s so easy, you might even start doing your own home renovations.
  • No more asking for help from your significant other every once in a while
3PLUS HFSNSP 2-in-1 Pneumatic Flooring Nailer/Stapler
  • 2 in 1 flooring tool uses 15-1/2 gauge staples and 16 gauge L cleats ranging from 1-1/2" to 2"
  • Interchangeable flooring plates for all sizes of floorings
  • Removable long reach handle
  • Mallet with white rubber included

10. Valu-Air 9800RC 3-in-1


 

Valu-Air 9800RC 3-in-1 Flooring Cleat Nailer and Stapler for 16-Gauge T & L Cleats and 15.5-Gauge...

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The three-in-one ValuAir 9800RC will make your next project a breeze, saving you time and headache, as it fits 16 gauge T & L Cleats and 15.5 gauge flooring staples from 1 ½ inch to 2 inches.

Get an ergonomic design with a longer handle for easy operation. The interchangeable base plates (1/4″ NPT) allows the user to match the thickness of the flooring surface being stapled onto.

A no-mar rubber mallet is included with this staple tool for proper installation into wood surfaces and uses a 3/8″ air hose connection that can connect directly onto most standard couplers (not included).

benefits:

  • Save time and headaches with a three-in-one tool.
  • Ergonomic design for easy operation. 
  • Get an ergonomic design with a longer handle for easy operation. 
  • No-mar rubber mallet included in the staple tool kit.
Valu-Air 9800RC 3-in-1 Flooring Cleat Nailer and Stapler for 16-Gauge T & L Cleats and 15.5-Gauge...
  • 3-in-1 design for 16-gauge T & L cleats and 15.5-gauge flooring staples from 1-1/2” to 2”
  • Ergonomic design with longer handle for easy operation.
  • Interchangeable 1/2" and 5/8" base plates to match the floor thickness
  • No-Mar rubber mallet included

What is better staples or nails for hardwood flooring?

Nails are typically used when the wood plank surface being nailed into, such as a wall stud. Staples are usually preferred on larger boards where the nail wouldn’t be sufficient to puncture through both surfaces and hold them together.

The only time that I would use nails over staples is if there was concern about not having enough room from top-to-bottom between two adjacent boards in order to fit all of the staples through. In this case, it might make more sense to space out each staple by nailing one per board rather than using long rows of continuous staples which can create awkward spacing with no additional support in place. This may also apply when installing wider planks.

Can you use a brad nailer for flooring?

No. Brad nailers are usually used for smaller projects which require precise placement of small nails, such as when installing molding or trim work.

Floorboards typically need to be nailed at a higher depth and in greater quantities, making brad nailers impractical. This is also the case with any type of project where there needs to be an increased amount of holding power due to weight-bearing.

anything that requires more than just attaching two boards together without needing them held up off the ground.

How to Choose a Flooring Nailer?

When you’re deciding on a flooring nailer, there’s a lot more to consider than the reputation of the brand. For the best results and to reach your desired objectives, here’s what you have to consider.

Manual vs. Pneumatic Operation

The first thing you’ll have to consider is whether you want it to be operated manually or pneumatically.

Manual ones are simpler and quicker to operate, relatively more affordable, have lower operating costs. However, they may require multiple mallet hits.

On the other hand, pneumatic nailers are more powerful and have more precise results. They also usually require a single mallet hit and work very well for large surfaces. However, they’re relatively more expensive.

If you’re looking for something accurate, reliable, and fast, go for a pneumatic one. However, if you’re shopping on a tight budget and you’ll be working on smaller surfaces or occasional flooring projects, a manual one will do just fine.

18-Gauge vs. 16-Gauge

Using the wrong nails can ruin the floor by either splitting the material or failing to hold it in place, resulting in noisy squeaking. Most of the time, the choice will be between 18 and 16-gauge flooring nailers.

If you’re going to work with thinner or more brittle material, go for an 18-gauge flooring nailer. On the other hand, if you’re going to do professional work and want something that can handle harder and thicker wood flooring planks, you should opt for a 16-gauge flooring nailer.

Cleats vs. Staples

Many modern flooring nailers use both cleats and staples, so it all depends on what you intend to use your nailer for.

But generally, if you’re looking for more professional use, look for a nailer that uses both staples and cleats.

For casual DIY projects or if you’re a homeowner looking for a budget choice to use on your small-scale flooring projects, you can go for the affordable staples nailers.

Body Construction

It’s always better to get the most durable and well-built choice your budget can afford as you don’t want to change your tool after every few projects. But you don’t want it to be too heavy either.

Usually, aluminum is used to manufacture flooring nailers, and it perfectly combines being tough and lightweight.

Specifications Table

NailersPSILbs
Bostitch BTFP1256970-11010.20
Freeman PFL618BR70-11010.76
DeWalt DWFP1256970-11010.6
NuMax SFL61870-11516
Freeman PDX50C70-11513
Bynford Hardwood1006
Ramsond RMM460-12029.6

Final Thoughts

While all the seven choices listed above can easily be considered the best flooring nailers on the market, I’d have to give the cake to the DeWalt DWFP12569.

The Freeman PFL618BR is a runner-up, but didn’t make it as the top pick due to its performance is too dependent on the quality of fasteners you use. The Bostitch’s BTFP12569 could have also made it to the top if it weren’t for how poorly it holds the nails in the magazine.

If you’re looking for an affordable option with a lot to offer, I’d recommend the NuMax SFL618.

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