If you’ve ever shopped for flooring nailers, you already know it can get confusing fast. L-cleats, staples, 18-gauge, 20-gauge… why are there so many options? And why do pros choose one type for hardwood but something completely different for engineered wood?
Good news — this guide breaks everything down in a simple way so you’ll always choose the right fastener for your flooring project.
Why Solid Hardwood Needs Thinner L-Cleat Nails
Solid hardwood (like oak, maple, hickory) is strong but also prone to splitting. When you drive a thick staple into hardwood, there’s a high chance the plank will crack along the tongue.
That’s why professionals use thinner L-cleats:
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18-Gauge or 20-Gauge L-Cleats
(thinner = safer for hardwood)
Benefits of L-Cleats for Hardwood
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Prevents splitting — thin fasteners slide in cleanly without cracking the board.
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Allows natural movement — the L-shape holds the plank securely but lets wood expand and contract seasonally.
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Strong hold — perfect balance of grip and flexibility.
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Industry standard — preferred by most installers for traditional hardwood floors.
In short:
👉 Solid hardwood = use L-cleats.
They’re thinner, safer, and designed for the material.
Why Engineered Wood Performs Better with 15.5–16GA Staples
Engineered hardwood is built differently. It has multiple layers and a plywood core, which makes it:
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More stable
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Less likely to warp
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Much harder to split
Because of this structure, engineered wood benefits from a thicker, stronger fastener — specifically 15.5GA–16GA flooring staples.
Benefits of Staples for Engineered Wood
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Excellent grip in plywood — the staple crown bites firmly into the layers.
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No splitting risk — engineered wood is much more forgiving.
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Fast installation — staplers are quick and efficient to work with.
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Widely preferred by installers — especially for plywood-backed engineered flooring.
In short:
👉 Engineered wood = use staples.
Thicker fasteners give you stronger hold and a faster workflow.
Quick, Super-Simple Summary
Solid Hardwood = L-Cleats
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Use 18ga or 20ga
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Prevents splitting
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Best for tongue-and-groove hardwood
Engineered Wood = Staples
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Use 15.5ga or 16ga
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Stronger hold in plywood
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No risk of cracking
If you’re unsure = A 3-in-1 flooring nailer
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Works with both staples and cleats
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Safe choice for mixed flooring types
