If you plan on installing hardwood floors in your home, you’ll want to have a flooring nailer by your side. Nailing by hand can be tedious and time-consuming. A flooring nailer makes quick work of the job, and will ensure that all nail cleats are inserted precisely at 45 degrees. The question is: which model is the best flooring nailer?
We’ve rounded up our top 5 picks along with detailed flooring nailer reviews to help you find the ideal model for the job.
Best Flooring Nailer Comparison Chart
Flooring Nailer Models | Basic Information | Price |
|---|---|---|
 Freeman PF18GLCN | ||
 DEWALT DWFP12569 | ||
 NuMax SFL618 | ||
 Freeman PFBC940 | ||
 BOSTITCH MIIIFN |
Top 5 Roofing Nailer Reviews
Freeman PF18GLCN
4.5 / 5
If you’re working with dense water groove flooring, the Freeman PF18GLCN is the best option. Our top pick is the best option for overall use, but it’s not the best option for thicker woods or bamboo.
The PF18GLCN, on the other hand, was designed for this type of flooring. It works great on Brazilian teak, bamboo, cherry and a variety of other exotic woods. Freeman even includes a fiberglass mallet, so you have everything you need to get started.
Features:
- Fiberglass mallet included.
- Hardened steel drive blade; die-cast aluminum body.
- 3 base plate sizes.
- Oil, wrenches and no-mar head included.
- 7-year limited warranty.
Specifications:
- Weight: 14 lbs.
- Dimensions: 5” x 18” x 22”.
- PSI: 70-115.
- Nails: “L” shaped; 18 gauge.
- Magazine capacity: 100.
We love that Freeman’s tool is tough enough to work with thick or grooved flooring. And we really like the fact that this nailer comes with helpful accessories, like a mallet, oil and wrenches. Plus, it’s backed by Freeman’s 7-year limited warranty. After using this nailer for several days straight, we never had any issues with jamming, and only a few tongue splitting on our boards.
If you’re working with bamboo or other exotic woods, the PF18GLCN is the absolute best option.
DEWALT DWFP12569
4.7 / 5
DEWALT is one of the most well-known and respected names in the power tool industry. When you buy a DEWALT, you invest in a high quality tool. Period. The DWFP12569 is no exception. This 2-in-1 tool acts as both a flooring stapler and nailer, and is trusted by professional flooring installers and general contractors.
Although this model comes with a much higher price tag, you can’t get any better than the DWFP12569 in terms of durability, quality and performance. For professional uses, this is the best option.
Features:
- 2-in-1 flooring tool: flooring nailer and stapler.
- Low CFM requirements.
- Non-marring, interchangeable base plates for all flooring sizes.
- Ergonomically designed with a rubber grip and longer handle.
- Oil, mallet, wrenches and 1/4 inch air fitting included.
Specifications:
- Weight: 10.6lbs.
- Dimensions: 20.6” x 3.9” x 23.4”.
- PSI: 70-100.
- Nails: “L” shaped; 16 gauge.
- Staples: 15.5 gauge.
- Magazine capacity: 100.
We love the ergonomic design of this tool, which makes it very easy to use it for an extended period of time. We also love that this model never jams or misfires. We laid nearly 1,000 nails and never had a single issue. Other professionals that use this tool have claimed to have laid 5,000+ nails without a jam or misfire – quite impressive.
If top-notch quality is your main priority and you’re looking for a professional flooring nailer, this model is the only choice.
NuMax SFL618
4.5 / 5
If you’re on a tighter budget or the job calls for T-cleat nails, the NuMax SFL618 is a smart option. Featuring a 3-in-1 magazine, this nailer is durable, easy to use and comes with interchangeable base plates.
NuMax even includes a mallet and other accessories. Did we mention that this is a 2-in-1 tool that works with both cleat nails and staples? It’s just as versatile as it is affordable.
Features:
- Compatible with L-cleats, staples and T-cleats.
- Hardened driver blade.
- 2 interchangeable, non-marring base plates.
- Includes white rubber mallet, wrenches and oil.
- 1-year limited warranty.
Specifications:
- Weight: 12lbs.
- Dimensions: 21.25” x 14.25” x 6.5”.
- PSI: 70-115.
- Nails: “L/T” cleats: 1.5”-2”;.
- Staples: 15.5 gauge.
- Magazine capacity: 100-120.
We love the 2-in-1 action of this tool, and it shoots both staples and cleated nails with absolute precision. After laying 1,200sqft of flooring, we had no issues at all with misfiring or jamming.
We did want to note that this model does require a little extra maintenance, which is why it ranks number four on our list. We recommend oiling the plunger every 1,000 nails and applying 3 to 4 drops of oil into the air inlet every 300 nails. If the job requires T-cleats or you’re on a tighter budget, the SFL618 is your best option.
Freeman PFBC940
4.3 / 5
Another model from Freeman, the PFBC940 is one of the most affordable models on our list. It’s also one of the most versatile. With a 4-in-1 function and small in size, this nailer is ideal for 1/2” or thinner flooring. And it boasts an oil-free design.
Please note: While Freeman says that you don’t need oil to use this nailer, they do include a bottle and still recommend using it.
Features:
- 4-in-1 nailer/stapler.
- Ergonomic grip handle.
- 360° exhaust (adjustable).
- Anodized aluminum magazine and cylinder.
- Tool-free depth adjustment.
- Oil-free design.
- Converts to a brad nailer for finish molding.
- Oil and wrenches included.
Specifications:
- Weight: 4lbs.
- Dimensions: 12” x 4” x 11”.
- PSI: 70-115.
- Nails: 5/8”- 1 15/8”; 18 gauge.
- Staples: 1/4” narrow crown.
- Magazine capacity: 100.
We love the versatility that this tool offers. Not only can you use this as a flooring stapler or nailer, but you can also convert this tool into a straight brad nailer for finish molding. We were able to get our entire flooring job done without having to switch between a mountain of different tools.
The PFBC940 is easily one of the most affordable flooring nailers on the market. Backed by over 100 customer reviews, the PFBC940 is a smart buy and one of our favorite models.
BOSTITCH MIIIFN
4.5 / 5
Like DEWALT, BOSTITCH is a respected and trusted name in the industry. The MIIFN is, arguably, the best flooring nailer in terms of quality and durability. But this model came in last on our list because of its high price tag. That said, if you’re looking for a serious flooring nailer and you have room in your budget, this is the model you want to buy.
Features:
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
- 420 inch-pounds of power.
- High-speed.
- Wider composite base.
- Includes rubber mallet.
- 7-year limited warranty.
Specifications:
- Weight: 11.2lbs.
- Dimensions: 17-1/4” x 3-1/8” x 11-1/2”.
- PSI: 70 – 120.
- Nails: “L” shaped; 1-1/2”-2”.
- Magazine capacity: 100.
We love how powerful this nailer is. With 420in. /lbs. of power and 70-120 PSI operating pressure, this model gets the job done in no time. You’ll have no issues driving nails into pre-finished or unfinished hardwood flooring, and its ergonomic design is easier on your hands. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, this tool can withstand just about anything – and it’s extremely lightweight.
It’s hard to beat the quality and performance of the BOSTITCH MIIFN, but all that power and durability comes at a price. If you can stretch your budget, we highly recommend this model.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best flooring nailer, these are the top six models on the market. We hope our detailed flooring nailer reviews will help you find the best model for your needs.