Flooring nailers & staplers are great tools – anyone can use them, from DIY’ers, to professionals.
Most of the best flooring nailers & flooring staplers are great value for money, so they work out cheaper than renting the tool, even if you are only using them for one job of say 400 to 500 sq feet.
A large factor in choosing the best flooring nailer or best flooring stapler for you, is whether you intend on installing:
- Standard hardwood tongue and groove flooring
- Engineered Flooring
- Or dense flooring like Bamboo flooring and other exotic type floor material
We’ve discussed the best flooring nailer and best flooring stapler brands like Freeman, NuMax, DeWalt and BOSTIICH.
If you’re running a little short on time, you can check out the top rated log splitter list immediately below.
Otherwise, you can read the guide and reviews in full.
(*Friendly Disclosure – links to retailers or brands on this page may include affiliate links, and we may receive a commission when you purchase through these links)
Top Rated Flooring Nailer & Stapler List
Best Cheap Flooring + Finish Nailer & Stapler – Freeman PFBC940 (on Amazon)
Best Value Flooring Nailer/Stapler For The Money – Freeman PF18GLCN (on Amazon)
Best Cheap Flooring Nailer & Stapler – NuMax SFL618 (on Amazon)
Best Flooring Nailer For Professionals, Or Most Powerful Flooring Nailer – BOSTITCH MIIIFN (on Amazon)
Best Flooring Nailer & Stapler Reviews
Freeman PFBC940 4-in-1 18 gauge Mini Flooring Nailer/Stapler
Who Is This Flooring Stapler/Nailer For?
- Those looking to nail 1/4 inch to 5/8 inch engineered or solid tongue and groove flooring
- Those looking to drive 18 Gauge Brad nails from 5/8” to 1-5/8”, AND/OR 18 gauge Narrow Crown Staples with ¼” crown from ½” to 1-5/8” in length
- Those looking for a flooring nailer/stapler, and finish nailer/stapler all in the one tool
- Those looking for a pneumatically operated tool
Who Is This Flooring Stapler/Nailer Not For?
- Those primarily looking to primarily install dense bamboo and exotic type floors
- Those looking for the top rated commercial flooring nailer/stapler on the market
- Those who want a super steady and accurate foot adjustment
What’s Good About It?
- Provides great value for money – one of the cheaper but more flexible flooring nailers/staplers on the market
- 4 in 1 tool – floor nailing, floor stapling, finish nailing, finish stapling
- Drives both Brad nails and Narrow Crown Staples
- Can be used for finish work such as trim, crown molding, shoe molding and cabinet backing
- Equipped with a quick release nose for easy jam clearing, tool-free depth adjust and a reload indicator
- Very lightweight at only around 4 lbs
- Includes mini flooring tool, air connector, adjustment tools, lubricant oil, an instruction manual, and safety goggles.
What’s Not So Great?
- It takes some time when you first get the tool to get the foot set and adjusted to make sure the nails fire exactly how you want them to. But, once you get used to it, it works great
- Not a nailer/stapler for using on angles
- Works great on all engineered hardwood, but struggles on some bamboo flooring
- Needs oiling up everytime you use – but takes only a minute or two (oil is included in the kit)
What Else Do You Need To Use This Flooring Stapler/Nailer?
- A compressor kit for a flooring nailer
- Staples – Senco L15BAB 18 Gauge by 1/4-inch Crown by 1-1/4-inch Length Electro Galvanized Staples (5,000 per box) (on Amazon)
- Nails
- Other relevant flooring supplies for your needs
Where Can I Check Out This Flooring Stapler/Nailer?
View the Freeman PFBC940 on Amazon
NuMax SFL618 3-in-1 Pneumatic Flooring Stapler/Nailer with White Rubber Mallet
It is a 3 in 1 tool that shoots 15.5 gauge flooring staples, as well as both T and L nail cleats.
Who Is This Flooring Stapler/Nailer For?
- Those who want to install both flooring staples and cleats
- Those who want separate and interchangeable base plates for 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch and 3/4 inch solid tongue and groove flooring
- Those installing tongue and groove flooring and standard hardwood primarily
Who Is This Flooring Stapler/Nailer Not For?
- Those primarily looking to primarily install dense bamboo and exotic type floors
- Those looking for a combo flooring nailer that also doubles as a finish nailer
What’s Good About It?
- Great price for a 3 in 1 tool that is this high quality
- Interchangeable base plates for ½”, 5/8” and ¾” Solid T&G Flooring
- Uses any brand 15.5 gauge Flooring Staples and 16 Gauge T and L Cleats from 1-1/2” to 2” in length
- Includes wooden no-mar rubber mallet
- Large nail magazine – 100-120 staples/cleats
- Long reach handle
- Includes oil, wrenches, and a no-mar white rubber mallet
- Body is made of die cast aluminium – very strong
What’s Not So Great?
- Can jam every few hundred nails, but if you keep it oiled, this problem is minimised. You also get tools to remove the plate and remove the jams if necessary – so it isn’t a huge issue
What Else Do You Need To Use This Flooring Stapler/Nailer?
- L Nails – BOSTITCH FLN-200 2-Inch Flooring L-Nail, 1000-Per Box (on Amazon)
- Nail Setting Tool – Porta-Nail 42620 Flooring Nail/Staple Setting Tool (on Amazon)
- T Nails if required
- A compressor kit for your nailer/stapler
- Staples if required
- Other relevant flooring supplies for your needs
Where Can I Check Out This Flooring Stapler/Nailer?
View the NuMax SFL618 on Amazon
Freeman PF18GLCN 18-Gauge Cleat Flooring Nailer for Bamboo and Exotic Flooring (Best Flooring Nailer For Bamboo and Dense Floors)
It is used for both dense flooring, AND tongue and groove flooring. Very versatile!
Who Is This Flooring Stapler/Nailer For?
- Those, who in particular, want to install dense/exotic hardwood, strand woven bamboo, Brazilian teak, cherry, engineered flooring and other exotic flooring
- Those who also want to install standard solid tongue and groove flooring
- Those who only want to install with L cleats
Who Is This Flooring Stapler/Nailer Not For?
- Those who want to install T cleats and staples
What’s Good About It?
- Very few jams – great parts and constructions!
- Designed and made to handle dense wood flooring
- Includes three Interchangeable Base Plates for installing 3/8” – ¾” solid tongue and groove floors
- Drives 18 Gauge L-cleats ranging from 1-1/4” to 1-3/4” in length
- Very solid die cast aluminium body
- Has a no-mar foot
- Is safe for pre-finished flooring
- Has a light strike bumper and extended reach handle
- Comes with oil, wrenches, fibreglass mallet with a white, no-mar head, and user manual
What’s Not So Great?
- Because it’s designed with heavy duty in mind, its not the cheapest nailer on the market
What Else Do You Need To Use This Flooring Stapler/Nailer?
- 1.5 Inch 18 Gauge L Cleats – Freeman FN18L150 18-Gauge Cleats (on Amazon)
- 1.75 Inch 18 Gauge L Cleats – Freeman FN18L175 18-Gauge 1.75-Inch Cleats (on Amazon)
- A compressor kit for your nailer/stapler
- Other relevant flooring supplies for your needs
Where Can I Check Out This Flooring Stapler/Nailer?
View the Freeman PF18GLCN on Amazon
Freeman PDX50C 3-in-1 Flooring Cleat Nailer and Stapler
Who Is This Flooring Stapler/Nailer For?
- Those who want to install 1/2″ – 3/4″ Solid Tongue and Groove thickness Flooring including Hickory, Maple, Oak
- Those who want to shoot 16-gauge T-Cleats and L-Cleats, as well as, 15.5-gauge flooring staples ranging 1-1/2” to 2”
- Can be used on both engineered and hardwood floors
Who Is This Flooring Stapler/Nailer Not For?
- Those looking to install dense flooring like bamboo and exotic flooring
What’s Good About It?
- Shoots T-Cleats, L-Cleats and staples
- Interchangeable base plates for 1/2 in. – 3/4 in. Solid Tongue and Groove or Engineered Flooring
- No mar foot protects your floors
- Weighs only 9.5 pounds
- Very rarely jams!
- Body of the nailer/stapler is very strong!
What’s Not So Great?
- Not a super cheap nailer – but the quality is great!
What Else Do You Need To Use This Flooring Stapler/Nailer?
- L Nails – BOSTITCH FLN-200 2-Inch Flooring L-Nail, 1000-Per Box (on Amazon)
- Nail/Staple setting tool – Porta-Nail 42620 Flooring Nail/Staple Setting Tool (on Amazon)
- T Nails is you want them
- Staples if you want them
- A compressor kit for your nailer/stapler
- Other relevant flooring supplies for your needs
Where Can I Check Out This Flooring Stapler/Nailer?
View the Freeman PDX50C on Amazon
Freeman PFL618BR 3-in-1 Pneumatic Flooring Nailer
It shoots staples, along with T cleats and L cleats.
Who Is This Flooring Stapler/Nailer For?
- Those in particular looking to install ½” – ¾” Solid Tongue and Groove Flooring including Hickory, Maple, Oak
- Those who are OK with a limit of 15 and 16 gauge staples and cleats
- Those who want to shoot staples, L cleats and T cleats
- Those looking to drive 15 ½” Gauge ½” Crown Flooring Staples, and 16 Gauge T and L Cleats.
Who Is This Flooring Stapler/Nailer Not For?
- Those looking to install dense flooring like bamboo and exotic flooring
What’s Good About It?
- Great for 1/2- to 3/4-inch nail-down flooring
- Drives T-cleats, L-cleats, and staples – don’t need to change the magazine for each type
- Magazine capacity of 120 staples or 100 cleats
- Two interchangeable floor plates to use for ½” and ¾” Tongue and Grove Flooring – these are non-marring
- Comes with carrying case, oil, wrenches, goggles, and a no-mar white rubber mallet.
What’s Not So Great?
- You need to get the air pressure right for this one – too much and the nails blow straight through, and too little and nails won’t fire properly. Once you have this adjusted – it’s great
- Needs oiling every time you use it
What Else Do You Need To Use This Flooring Stapler/Nailer?
- L Nails – BOSTITCH FLN-200 2-Inch Flooring L-Nail, 1000-Per Box (on Amazon)
- Nail/Staple setting tool – Porta-Nail 42620 Flooring Nail/Staple Setting Tool (on Amazon)
- T Nails is you want them
- Staples if you want them
- A compressor kit for your nailer/stapler
- Other relevant flooring supplies for your needs
Where Can I Check Out This Flooring Stapler/Nailer?
View the Freeman PFL618BR on Amazon
DEWALT DWFP12569 2-N-1 Flooring Tool
Who Is This Flooring Stapler/Nailer For?
- Those looking to shoot 15.5 gauge Staples and 16 gauge L Cleat Nails – 1-1/2″ to 2″ in length
- Those looking to install on flooring 1/2″ (12.7 mm) through 3/4″ (19.1 mm) thick
- Those looking to install standard hardwood and engineered flooring
Who Is This Flooring Stapler/Nailer Not For?
- People looking to install with 18 gauge nails
- People looking to install flooring thicker than 3/4″ (19.1 mm) thick
What’s Good About It?
- Shoots both staples and L cleat nails
- Interchangeable, Non-marring base plates adjust to 1/2″ (12.7 mm) through 3/4″ (19.1 mm) flooring
- Long handle for comfort during floor installation
- Lower CFM requirements means less compressor run-time – 3.7 SCFM
- Magazine capacity of 100
- Operating pressure of 70 – 100 PSI
- Includes mallet, oil, wrenches, 1/4″ (6.4 mm) air fitting with dust cover
What’s Not So Great?
- Little bit bigger than most flooring nailers and staplers at 10.6 lbs
- Doesn’t come with a case
What Else Do You Need To Use This Flooring Stapler/Nailer?
- L Nails – BOSTITCH FLN-200 2-Inch Flooring L-Nail, 1000-Per Box (on Amazon)
- Nail/Staple setting tool – Porta-Nail 42620 Flooring Nail/Staple Setting Tool (on Amazon)
- Staples if you want them
- A compressor kit for your nailer/stapler
- Other relevant flooring supplies for your needs
- A case if you want to buy one
Where Can I Check Out This Flooring Stapler/Nailer?
View the DEWALT DWFP12569 on Amazon
BOSTITCH MIIIFN 1-1/2- to 2-Inch Pneumatic Flooring Nailer
Who Is This Flooring Stapler/Nailer For?
- Those looking to shoot 1-1/2-inch to 2-inch L cleats
- Those looking to install 1/2 inch and 3/4-inch hardwood flooring
- Those looking to install pre finished floors
Who Is This Flooring Stapler/Nailer Not For?
- Those looking for a cheap flooring nailer
What’s Good About It?
- Shoots L cleats
- 420 inch-pounds of driving power
- Made with an extra wide composite base plate – 1/2- and 3/4-inch interchangeable base plates
- Pre-finished floorboard adapter foot won’t scuff or scratch floors
- Decent magazine capacity at 110 rounds
- Constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum – very strong
- Includes FloorGuard graphite mallet, pre-finished-flooring adapter foot, and two base plates (1/2 inch and 3/4 inch).
- Operating pressure of 60 and 100 psi
What’s Not So Great?
- The extra power and quality on this tool, and its professional design, means it sin’t cheap
- Slightly heavier for a flooring nailer/stapler at 11.2 lbs
What Else Do You Need To Use This Flooring Stapler/Nailer?
- L Nails – BOSTITCH FLN-200 2-Inch Flooring L-Nail, 1000-Per Box (on Amazon)
- Nail/Staple setting tool – Porta-Nail 42620 Flooring Nail/Staple Setting Tool (on Amazon)
- A compressor kit for your nailer/stapler
- Other relevant flooring supplies for your needs
- A case if you want to buy one
Where Can I Check Out This Flooring Stapler/Nailer?
View the BOSTITCH MIIIFN on Amazon
BYNFORD 18 GA Hardwood Flooring Stapler Nailer W/CONVERSION KIT to Normal Stapler
Who Is This Flooring Stapler/Nailer For?
- Those who want a flooring nailer/stapler for 18 gauge staples and nails
- Those who want to install standard hardwood tongue and groove flooring – For conventional T&G Hardwood floors with middle tongue (not lowered tongue)
- Those who want to install floors up to floors up to 9/16 inch
Who Is This Flooring Stapler/Nailer Not For?
- Those who want a flooring nailer/stapler that can do 15 gauge nails and staples
- Those who want a flooring stapler/nailer that can do bamboo flooring and lowered tongue and groove flooring
What’s Good About It?
- Designed for floors from 5/16 – 9/16 inches
- Uses standard 18 gauge narrow crown staples AND 18 gauge brad nails up to 1-9/16″
- Shoe easily adjusts to different floor thicknesses
- Easily converts between stapler and brad nailer
What’s Not So Great?
- Not for bamboo or dense flooring
- There are other nailers/staplers available that are more flexible in uses
What Else Do You Need To Use This Flooring Stapler/Nailer?
- 18 gauge, 1/4 Crown, 1-1/4 inch Staples – Senco L15BAB 18 Gauge by 1/4-inch Crown by 1-1/4-inch Length Electro Galvanized Staples (5,000 per box) (on Amazon)
- 18-Gauge, 1/4 Crown, 1-Inch Staples – Senco L13BABN 18-Gauge by 1/4-inch Crown by 1-Inch Leg Electro Galvanized Staples, 5000-Per Box (on Amazon)
- A compressor kit for your nailer/stapler
- Other relevant flooring supplies for your needs
- A case if you want to buy one
Where Can I Check Out This Flooring Stapler/Nailer?
View the BYNFORD 18 GA Hardwood Flooring Stapler Nailer on Amazon
Best Flooring Nailer & Stapler: Buyer’s Guide & FAQ
Other Names For A Flooring Nailer/Stapler
Flooring Cleat Nailer
Flooring Nailer
Flooring Stapler
Pneumatic flooring nailer
Hardwood flooring nailer
Wood Floor Nailer
Flooring Nail Gun
What Is A Flooring Nailer/Stapler?
A flooring nailer or flooring stapler is a gun type tool that fires fasteners (nail cleats, or staples, or both) into flooring.
They are mainly pneumatically powered tools i.e. are powered by an air hose and air compressor.
What Is A Flooring Nailer/Stapler Used For, and What Does A Flooring Nailer/Stapler Do?
Flooring nailers and flooring staplers are used to fasten the following the following types of flooring:
Solid Tongue and Groove Flooring including Hickory, Maple, Oak etc.
Engineered wood (solid wood or plywood with a heat and moisture resistant tough veneer on top)
Bamboo flooring and exotic flooring (these floors are dense)
Types of Flooring Nailer/Stapler
Flooring Nailers and Staplers can be split into types based on whether they do the following:
- Are they just a flooring nailer/stapler, or a flooring stapler/nailer AND a finish stapler/nailer? (pure flooring nailers and staplers usually have the long handle for added comfort when performing the flooring install)
- What sort of fasteners does the tool shoot – just cleats, or cleats and staples? Also, what gauge of fasteners?
- What type of floor is the tool designed to install – hardwood, engineered wood, or bamboo and exotic floors?
Flooring Nailer/Stapler Bits & Accessories
Nails/Cleats
Staples
Air compressor for nailer/stapler
Nail/Staple setting tool
Mallet/Hammer
Knee Pads
How To Choose A Flooring Nailer/Stapler
Decide on the following things in choosing the best flooring nailer/stapler for you, and a pick a nailer/stapler that possesses the features or design that match up with your answers:
1. Will you be installing hardwood, engineered flooring OR an exotic flooring like bamboo? Get the Freeman PF18GLCN for bamboo and other dense floors.
2. Do you need a tool that fires nails/cleats, or staples, or both?
3. What gauge and length of fasteners (staples and nails/cleats) do you need?
4. Do you need a nailer that fires a specific type of cleat i.e. L cleat or T cleat?
5. Do you need a tool that is a flooring nailer/stapler, as well as a finish nailer/stapler?
6. Do you need a tool that has an extended handle if you will mainly be doing flooring work?
7. What thickness of floor will you be installing? Make sure the baseplate has the ability to adjust to this thickness
8. Will you be installing pre-finished flooring? If so, make sure to tape the baseplate, or make sure it is a non-marring and non marking baseplate that won’t damage the flooring – refer the the user manual for further advice
Best Flooring Nailer/Stapler For…
- Best Flooring Nailer For The Money
For a cheaper option – the Freeman PFBC940 4-in-1 18 gauge Mini Flooring Nailer/Stapler.
Overall, the Freeman PF18GLCN 18-Gauge Cleat Flooring Nailer is very flexible and provides value for money.
- Best Flooring Nailer For Bamboo and Strand Bamboo
The Freeman PF18GLCN 18-Gauge Cleat Flooring Nailer is designed specifically for this fucntion.
- Best Flooring Nailer For Oak
It depends if the oak is pure hardwood tongue and groove, or if it’s oak with an engineered surface.
- Best Flooring Nailer On The Market
In our opinion, the Freeman PF18GLCN 18-Gauge Cleat Flooring Nailer might be because it’s extremely flexible.
Although, the Freeman PFBC940 4-in-1 18 gauge Mini Flooring is a flooring nailer/stapler AND a finish nailer/stapler.
- Best Flooring Nailer for Professionals
The BOSTITCH MIIIFN 1-1/2- to 2-Inch Pneumatic Flooring Nailer is worth a look for professionals.
- Best Flooring Cleat Nailer
Is depends what you want to use it for – but, a flooring cleat nailer is just another phrase for a flooring nailer.
- Best Pneumatic Flooring Nailer
All the above listed flooring nailers are pneumatic/air powered
- Best Manual Flooring Nailer
You can check out the BOSTITCH MFN-201 Manual Flooring Cleat Nailer Kit.
- Best Engineered Flooring Nailer
Freeman PF18GLCN 18-Gauge Cleat Flooring Nailer
- Best Cheap Flooring Nailer
Freeman PFBC940 4-in-1 18 gauge Mini Flooring Nailer/Stapler
- Best Flooring Nailer Brands
Freeman and NuMax are very well known brands, and DeWalt makes great flooring nailers too
Features To Look For In A Flooring Nailer/Stapler
What type of cleats does the nailer shoot – T or L cleats?
What gauge nails/cleats and staples can the gun shoot (15 gauge are usually for standard flooring, and 18 gauge nails are usually for bamboo)?
What length nails/cleats and staples can the gun shoot?
What size crown are the staples that the stapler shoots?
What type of flooring is the flooring nailer/stapler designed for – standard tongue and groove, OR more bamboo and dense woods?
What capacity of staples and nails can the magazine hold?
How much does the nailer/stapler weigh?
How many functions can the tool perform – can it be used as a flooring nailer/stapler, ASWELL as a finish nailer/stapler?
Does the nailer/stapler work for BOTH hardwood and engineered floors?
What thickness of flooring does the base plate on the nailer or stapler adjust to?
Does the tool come with an adapter for installing on pre-finished floors (so there is no scratching)?
Safety Tips For Using A Flooring Nailer/Stapler
Wear knee pads if required
Wear goggles if required
Keep your hands well away from the nose when firing fasteners
How To Use A Flooring Nailer/Stapler – Tips
Make sure to oil your flooring nailer/stapler every time you use it
Make sure to get the plate adjusted properly
Make sure to get the PSI/air pressure adjusted properly
All of these things can significantly reduce jamming of nail cleats and staples – which effect how fast you can carry out your work
Best Flooring Nailer & Stapler Resources
1. http://freemantools.com/
2. http://numaxtools.com/
3. http://www.dewalt.com/
4. http://www.bostitch.com/
Friendly Disclaimers
Tooljuice.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.
Additionally, Tooljuice.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links.
