A secret nail, in the context of flooring, is a fastener used to install wooden floorboards in a way that hides the nail heads from view on the finished surface. This technique is also known as blind nailing.
How Secret Nailing Works
Secret nailing involves driving nails or staples at an angle through the tongue of each floorboard. Here's a breakdown of the process:
- The Tongue and Groove System: Most wood flooring installed using this method features a tongue (a protruding edge) on one side and a groove (a recessed edge) on the other.
- Angle and Concealment: The nails are driven at a 45-degree angle through the tongue and into the subfloor. When the next board is installed, its groove fits over the tongue and conceals the nail heads entirely.
- Specialized Nailers: Tools like pneumatic floor nailers or staplers are often used to drive the fasteners quickly and accurately. These tools are designed to fit snugly against the tongue of the flooring.
Benefits of Secret Nailing
- Aesthetically Pleasing: The primary benefit is a clean, uninterrupted surface free of visible nail holes. This enhances the overall appearance of the floor.
- Professional Finish: Secret nailing is the preferred method for achieving a high-quality, professional-looking wood floor installation.
- Less Filling and Sanding: Because the nail heads are concealed, there's no need to fill and sand nail holes, saving time and effort during installation.
Materials Used
- Flooring Nails: Specialized nails are often used, designed for grip and to minimize splitting of the wood.
- Flooring Staples: Some nailers use staples instead of nails, offering a secure hold.
- Pneumatic Nailer/Stapler: A powered tool that drives the fasteners quickly and at the correct angle.
Applications
- Hardwood Flooring: This is the most common application for secret nailing.
- Engineered Wood Flooring: Many engineered wood flooring products are designed for secret nailing.
- Some Laminate Flooring: Certain laminate flooring systems also utilize a similar "click-lock" system, sometimes requiring secret nailing for added stability.
