Got home with the nailer (primatech) and nails...nailer jammed on first blow, and no one else in town carries a nailer for 3/8 inch think oak boards that use 1' 1/4" nails.

I either search hard or use staples. The question is, which stapler?
1' 1/8" Staples are all I can use (3/4 inch OSB underlayment).

Radiant heat brings up the issue of expansion and contraction...afraid the staples will work TOO well... thoughts anyone? I currently have osb throughout my house, wood layed in courses and the first 3 rows face nailed nicely...and a screaming 4 month old baby in the background. I really could use some solutions. The professional I was to hire to help me doesn't really want to come out where I live to do the job, and everyone else is now too busy.

Thoughts?

I wouldnt worry about too much grab in osb, as long as the floor is within range of the subfloor staples will work fine, the fact you floor is qtrd white oak should reduce the amount of movement significantly itself. Radiant heat is non exsistant where i live so I cant offer much advice in regards to that situation. Check with the manufacturer about the radiant heat, they should have some reccomendations.

If I understand correctly, you are installing 3/8" thick oak flooring UNFINISHED. Is this correct? There are a few nailers/staplers that will work. I can't speak about their availability to your area. Here's some suggestions:
http://www.tools4flooring.com/powernail ... p-777.html
http://www.tools4flooring.com/powernail ... p-263.html
http://www.tools4flooring.com/powernail ... p-264.html
http://www.nailgundepot.com/shop/catalo ... 25912.html
http://www.primatech.ca/index-en.htm
http://cgi.ebay.com/Stantley-Bostitch-3 ... dZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/Craftsman-Flooring- ... dZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/BYNFORD-LAMINATED-T ... dZViewItem

Kevin, You're amazing.

FYI: the radiant heat is in concrete, topped by 3/4 plywood and then my 3/8 floor. Like a gym floor.

Julie

Hey, where's my cudos? After I told you how to stain your feature strip and listed all those nailers/staplers you could use and where to get them. Geez! I feel slighted! .....

OOPS. Sorry Kevin AND Gary...I meant that Gary was amazing..finding me all those links to nailers...Kevin's must be a great guy too...I think I should just shut up now!

Julie

You're forgiven! Come back and tell us how it's going!

Dining room is 80% done. I'll post a pic tomorrow. The floor is going down beautifully, and it is very well milled. Every board so far is straight or nearly straight and all ends are cut nice and square. T&G's fit well also.

I've had success adding feature strips to the doorways, and having my wood meet up seamlessly.

Now the bay window...one of two that have curved moldings.

:?