Best Flooring Nails of 2026

Brian Howie Avatar
Brian Howie
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2026

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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

meite 16GA 2-Inch Flooring Nails Cover #TOP 1
meite 16GA 2-Inch Flooring Nails
ftb score rating icon 9.8
meite 16GA L-Cleat Flooring Nails 1.5 Inch Cover #TOP 2
meite 16GA L-Cleat Flooring Nails 1.5 Inch
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Powernail L17516 16 Gauge L-Cleat Hardwood Flooring Nails Cover #TOP 3
Powernail L17516 16 Gauge L-Cleat Hardwood Flooring Nails
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Flooring Nails

#TOP 1

meite 16GA 2-Inch Flooring Nails

Silver
Full Size
meite 16GA 2-Inch Flooring Nails Cover
meite 16 Gauge Flooring Nails 2 Inch, 16GA L Cleat Nails Hardwood Flooring Nails for Flooring Nailer Gun (1,000 Counts)

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.

What We Like
Strong fastening capability
Reduces wood splitting
Coated for polished finish
Compatible with multiple nailers
1,000 nails per box
#TOP 2

meite 16GA L-Cleat Flooring Nails 1.5 Inch

Silver
Full Size
meite 16GA L-Cleat Flooring Nails 1.5 Inch Cover
meite 16 Gauge Flooring Nails 1-1/2 Inch, 16GA L Cleat Nails Hardwood Flooring Nails for Flooring Nailer Gun (1,000 Counts)

The meite 16GA Flooring Nails come in a box of 1,000 nails, giving you enough to cover about 200 square feet of flooring. Their sharp tips make it easier to drive them into wood without damaging the tongue, which helps your flooring fit together smoothly. Made from tough, polished steel, these nails won’t bend or break easily, ensuring they hold up well during installation and over time. The nails’ special L-shaped design with barbs locks firmly into the wood, preventing loosening and giving your floor a strong, lasting hold. These nails work well with both engineered and solid wood floors, making them a versatile choice for many projects.

What We Like
Sharp tips prevent wood splitting
Durable hardened steel
Strong holding power with barbs
Works on engineered and solid wood
#TOP 3

Powernail L17516 16 Gauge L-Cleat Hardwood Flooring Nails

L17516
Powernail L17516 16 Gauge L-Cleat Hardwood Flooring Nails Cover
Powernail L17516 16 Gauge 1-3/4 Inch Length L-Cleat Nails for Hardwood Flooring (Box of 1000)

The Powernail 16 Gauge L-Cleat Nails come in a box of 1,000, giving you plenty of nails for your hardwood flooring projects. These 16 gauge nails are 1-3/4 inches long, making them perfect for securing various thicknesses of tongue and groove flooring, from 1/2 inch up to 3/4 inch. They're compatible with all 16 gauge L-cleat nailers, including popular Powernail pneumatic and manual models, so you can use your existing tools without hassle. Designed specifically for indoor hardwood floors, these nails offer reliable hold and professional results, helping you complete your flooring installation efficiently and securely.

What We Like
Large 1,000 count package
Compatible with multiple nailers
Suitable for various floor thicknesses
Designed for indoor hardwood flooring
#TOP 4

M-D Building Products 21478 Screw Nails

MD Building - 21478
Brass
12 ct.
M-D Building Products 21478 Screw Nails Cover
M-D Building Products 21478 1-1/4 in. Pewter Floor Metal Screw Nails (12Ct)

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.

What We Like
Compatible with aluminum metals
Includes 12 nails per pack
Easy to install
1-1/4-inch length
#TOP 5

M-D Building Products 91194 Pewter Floor Screw Nails

91194
Pewter
M-D Building Products 91194 Pewter Floor Screw Nails Cover
M-D Building Products 91194 1-1/4 In. Pewter Floor Metal Screw Nails (1Lb) (10 Packs)

The M-D Pewter Floor Nails are made from strong carbon steel, giving you reliable durability for your flooring projects. These nails are designed specifically to help you easily attach aluminum transition strips to wood subfloors, making your installation smooth and secure. If you're working with concrete subfloors, you can use these nails alongside wood pegs (sold separately) for a proper fit. At 1-1/4 inches long and 13 gauge, they are the perfect size for most transition installations. Plus, their pewter finish matches common store-bought transitions, so your work will look neat and professional.

What We Like
Durable carbon steel
Works with wood subfloors
Compatible with concrete subfloors
Ideal size and gauge
Matching pewter finish
#TOP 6

M-D Building Products 21501 Silver Floor Nails

MD Building - 21501
Almond
12 ct.
M-D Building Products 21501 Silver Floor Nails Cover
M-D Building Products 21501 1-1/4 in. Silver Floor Metal Screw Nails (12Ct)

The M-D Silver Floor Nails are made from strong carbon steel, giving you reliable durability for your flooring projects. These nails are designed specifically to attach aluminum transition strips to wood subfloors, making your installation smooth and secure. If you're working with concrete subfloors, you can pair them with wood pegs (sold separately) to get the job done right. Each nail is 1-1/4 inches long and 13 gauge, providing the perfect size for most transition strip installations. Plus, the silver finish matches popular transition colors, helping your floor look neat and professional.

What We Like
Durable carbon steel
Designed for wood subfloors
Compatible with wood pegs for concrete
Perfect 1-1/4 inch size
Attractive silver finish
#TOP 7

Yaocom 3000 Counts 16GA Flooring Nails

XIE-Yaocom-2077
Yaocom 3000 Counts 16GA Flooring Nails Cover
Yaocom 3000 Counts 16 Gauge Flooring Nails, 2 Inch Length 16ga L-cleat Nail for Hardwood Flooring and Nailer Gun

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.

What We Like
High holding power
Large quantity available
Durable steel construction
Ideal for hardwood flooring
#TOP 8

Tandefio 2 Pounds Stainless Steel Nails

CLO-Tandefio-903
silver
One Size
Tandefio 2 Pounds Stainless Steel Nails Cover
Tandefio 2 Pounds Hardened Flooring Nails 304 Stainless Steel 2-1/4 Inches Spiral Shank Fence Deck Silver Twisted Nails for House Floor Repairing Wall Woodworking Baseboard

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.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel construction
Strong spiral design
Hidden nail caps
Versatile for many projects
Generous quantity in package
#TOP 9

M-D Building Products Screw Nails for Carpet Metal

MD Building - 95638
Silver
M-D Building Products Screw Nails for Carpet Metal Cover
M-D Building Products Steel Floor Screw Nails Silver | 1-1/4 inch | For Aluminum Transitions | 13 Gauge | 1 Lb, Pack of 10

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.

What We Like
Designed for use with aluminum floor metals
1-pound economy pack
Provides stability and durability
#TOP 10

Powernail L15018 18 Gauge 1.5" Flooring L-Cleat Nails

L12518
Metal
Powernail L15018 18 Gauge 1.5" Flooring L-Cleat Nails Cover
Powernail L15018 18 Gauge 1-1/2 Inch Length Flooring L-Cleat Nails (1000ct Box)

The Powernail 18 Gauge Flooring Nails are perfect for installing hardwood and engineered flooring with thicknesses from 3/8" up to 3/4". These 18 gauge, 1.5-inch nails offer strong holding power, making your flooring secure and durable. Each box contains 1,000 nails, so you have plenty to complete your project without frequent trips to the store. These nails work well with various Powernail flooring nailers, including both pneumatic and manual models, giving you flexibility depending on your tools. Designed for indoor use, they help ensure a smooth and professional flooring installation every time.

What We Like
Strong holding power
Compatible with multiple nailers
Large 1,000 count box
Suitable for various flooring thicknesses
Designed to prevent floorboard damage
Buying Guide Image

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.

Editor's Notes

During our flooring nail research, we found 24 flooring nail products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,949 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 $25.45.

The flooring nails are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of flooring nails, including meite, Powernail, M-D Building Products, Yaocom, Tandefio. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 806 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Brian Howie Avatar

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.