How to Nail Hardwood Close to a Wall
- 1). Use a measuring tape to measure 1/2 inch away from the wall. Mark the measurement at each edge of the wall, using a pencil to mark the subfloor.
- 2). Have a helper hold one end of a chalk line at one of the marked spots. Walk the chalk line to the other marked spot. Snap the line to get an even chalk line 1/2 inch from the wall.
- 3). Mark the location of the subfloor joists with a pencil. Make the marks next to the chalk line.
- 4). Select the longest board you have, and place it against the chalk line, with the tongue side facing out and the groove side facing the chalk.
- 5). Drill a pilot hole through the board at the places marked on the subfloor as the locations of the joists. The joists are usually every 16 inches, so you will be drilling a pilot hole into the board every 16 inches. Make the holes on the groove side of the board. Drill one hole between each joist hole.
- 6). Hammer 2-inch spiral finishing nails into each pilot hole. Select the next piece of hardwood, and place it end to end with the first, so the groove side is against the chalk line. Repeat the pilot hole drilling and nailing to the subfloor.
- 7). Continue placing boards against the chalk line with the groove side facing the chalk. Drill pilot holes in each board, and hammer the nails in place. Repeat with the second row of boards, if you still cannot fit your nail gun into the space. When you install the next row, stagger the ends of the boards 6 inches from the ends of the previous row.
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