Best Flooring Nails of 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Flooring nails are essential for securing hardwood, engineered, or laminate flooring in place. These specialized nails are designed with a wide, flat head that sits flush with the surface of the floor, providing a secure and professional finish. They are typically made from durable materials like stainless steel or galvanized steel to resist rust and corrosion. Flooring nails come in various lengths and gauges to accommodate different flooring thicknesses. With their reliable hold and discreet appearance, flooring nails are a must-have for any flooring installation project.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Flooring Nails
meite 16GA 2-Inch Flooring Nails
The meite Flooring Cleat Nails are designed for strength and durability in flooring projects. Their L-shaped design offers excellent fastening power, ensuring a secure hold while minimizing the risk of wood splitting during installation. With a coated finish, these nails not only perform well but also provide a polished look for your flooring. Each box contains 1,000 nails, making it a convenient choice for carpenters and builders. Compatible with various nailer brands, these nails are ideal for both solid and engineered hardwood flooring applications.
Yaocom 3000 Counts 16GA Flooring Nails
Yaocom Flooring Nails are designed for efficiency and reliability in your flooring projects. These 16-gauge, 2-inch L-shaped cleats provide exceptional grip, which helps prevent wood from splitting during installation. With 3000 nails in a box, you'll have plenty of supplies for larger jobs, saving you time and effort. Made from hardened steel, these nails ensure long-lasting performance, making them a smart choice for both solid and engineered hardwood flooring. Whether you’re a carpenter or a builder, these nails are tailored to meet your needs for various applications.
Tandefio 2 Pounds Stainless Steel Nails
The Tandefio Spiral Deck Nails come in a comprehensive package, providing you with enough nails for both large and small projects. Made from durable 304 stainless steel, these nails resist corrosion and offer a professional finish to your work. Their unique spiral design allows for a stronger hold, ensuring that they dig deeper into surfaces without bending or being easily removed. Additionally, the small diameter of the nail caps keeps them hidden, maintaining the aesthetic of your projects. Whether you're constructing a house or doing maintenance, these versatile nails will suit various applications.
Powernail L20016 L-Cleat Nails
The Powernail L-Cleat Nails are designed specifically for hardwood flooring projects. Made in the USA, these 16 gauge, 2-inch nails come in a box of 1,000, ensuring you have plenty for your needs. They work seamlessly with any 16 gauge L-Cleat nailer, including popular Powernail models. The innovative L-shaped head prevents split tongues, providing a cleaner finish. Additionally, the well-formed barbs enhance holding power, giving you peace of mind that your flooring will stay securely in place. Crafted from high-quality steel, these nails are built to last.
M-D Building Products Screw Nails for Carpet Metal
M-D Building Products Screw Nails for Carpet Metal, also known as M-D Building Products Nails, are designed for use with aluminum floor metals. This 1-pound economy pack contains 1-1/4-Inch long nails that can be hammered into wood floors or M-D wooden pegs. To ensure proper use, it is recommended to follow the instructions on the floor trim packaging. These nails provide a convenient and efficient solution for securing carpet metal to your floors, offering stability and durability. With M-D Building Products Nails, you can easily install and secure your aluminum floor metals, making your flooring project hassle-free.
M-D Building Products 21478 Screw Nails
The M-D Screw Nails are designed for use with aluminum floor metals, making your flooring projects more efficient. Each pack contains 12 nails, providing you with enough supply for various applications. To ensure you get the best results, it’s important to follow the instructions provided on your floor trim packaging. With a length of 1-1/4 inches, these nails can be easily hammered into wood floors or M-D wooden pegs, allowing you to secure your flooring materials with confidence.
Powernail L175185 18-Gauge Flooring Nails
The Powernail Flooring Nails are designed for durability and efficiency. Each nail is 18-gauge and 1-3/4 inches long, making them ideal for various flooring projects. Crafted from high-quality steel in the USA, they ensure reliable performance. The innovative L-shaped head prevents splitting tongues in even the toughest wood types, providing a clean finish. These nails are compatible with Powernailer models 50P and 50P FLEX, as well as any nailer that accommodates 18-gauge L-shaped cleats. This versatility allows you to use them in numerous nailers, making your flooring installation process smoother and more efficient.
3" Antique Hardware Flooring Nails
The Antique Hardware Flooring Nails are 3-inch hardened nails designed for durability and strength. Their rustic iron finish gives them a vintage appearance, perfect for historic reproduction projects. Made in the USA, you can trust their quality and craftsmanship. The metallic color not only enhances their aesthetic appeal but also ensures they blend well with various flooring styles. These features make the nails an excellent choice for anyone looking to achieve an authentic look while ensuring a secure and lasting installation.
Maze, W.H. HF167112 Hardened Flooring Nails
Maze Hardened Flooring Nails, made in the United States, are a reliable choice for your flooring needs. These nails, manufactured by Maze, W.H., offer exceptional durability and strength. Designed specifically for flooring applications, they provide a secure and long-lasting hold. The hardened construction ensures that these nails can withstand heavy foot traffic and resist bending or breaking. With Maze Hardened Flooring Nails, you can trust that your flooring will stay firmly in place for years to come. Whether you are installing hardwood, laminate, or any other type of flooring, these nails are the perfect choice to ensure a professional and secure installation.
BHTOP 2 Inch 16 Gauge Flooring Nails
The BHTOP Flooring Nails are designed for various applications, making them a great choice for your projects. At 2 inches long and 16 gauge, these nails provide the strength you need for robust flooring installations. With a generous package of 2000 nails, you'll have plenty on hand for multiple jobs. Made from high-quality steel, these nails ensure durability and longevity, so you can rely on them for extended use. They are compatible with several popular nailers, offering convenience for different types of users, from carpenters to roofers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What kind of nails do you use for flooring?
Ring shank nails are commonly used for subflooring as they offer extra grip and holding power. However, screws generally provide greater overall holding power compared to nails.
2. What are flooring nails used for?
Flooring nails are specifically recommended for laying tongue and groove hardwood flooring. They should not be used for face-nailing softwood flooring due to their small head size.
3. Can you nail down plank flooring?
Nailing down laminate plank flooring is not recommended as it can cause damage and void the warranty. The proper installation method for laminate flooring is to use the tongue and groove locking system to create a seamless floating surface.
4. What gauge nails for flooring?
The gauge of the nails for flooring depends on the nailer you are using. Typically, you can choose from 15, 18, or 23 gauge hardwood nails. For 1/2 inch thick wood flooring, 1 1/2 inch nails are recommended, while 1 3/4 inch nails are suitable for 3/4 inch thick wood flooring.
5. Should I nail or screw my flooring?
Screws are often preferred for subfloor installations as they provide strong joining strength to prevent squeaky floors. Nails are more flexible and are commonly used for hardwood flooring panel installation.
6. Can you use 18 gauge nails for flooring?
18 gauge nails, specifically hardwood flooring L-Cleat nails, are designed for the hardwood flooring industry. They are approved for use by FHA and VA and ensure trouble-free nailer operation and optimal construction results.
7. What kind of nails for 3/4 hardwood flooring?
For 3/4 inch solid wood flooring installed over a wood subfloor with floor joists, it is recommended to use 2-inch long cleat nails.
During our flooring nail research, we found 24 flooring nail products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,614 customer reviews through our big data system to write the flooring nails list. We found that most customers choose flooring nails with an average price of $13.89.
The flooring nails are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of flooring nails, including meite, Yaocom, Tandefio, Powernail, M-D Building Products. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 493 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.