Nailing problems

Q: We recently started installing maple floors with cleats. But we notice that where the nail goes in there are these little bubbles sort of right above the nail hole, your can only see them in certain light and you can not feel them with your hand.

What can I do? I tried staples as well and we have the same problem.

A: If you are using the correct nailer and the correct nail, and placing it on the board correctly, the nail will fire and set flush with the top of the tongue. These will not be visible when you install the next board. Are you actually saying that the nailer is leaving a dent along the edge near the top of the board? You may have a burr on the nailer foot that is marking the floor. Remove the burr or put some tape on the foot to act as a cushion.

Leave a Comment