Maple flooring for bench top help needed quick!

[Joevano]

I've got 3/4" OSB as a base layer, and I'm ready to put down the 3/4" Maple T&G over the top for my bench top.

As I experiment with nailing, I'm finding it more difficult than I expected using a brad nailer. I can't get into the tongue like I want to.

Would there be any problem if I just glue it down?

Or, maybe I should just nail it straight down through the exposed top and live with that?

 

[tomd]

I would not glue it down. The maple will expand and contract at a different rate than the OSB it is attached to, and you will end up with waves, gaps. etc.

 

[Joevano]

I would not glue it down. The maple will expand and contract at a different rate than the OSB it is attached to, and you will end up with waves, gaps. etc.

That's what I thought. I guess I'll just nail it straight down, fill over the nail heads and call it good enough!

 

[32krazy!]

flat nail a 1x1 at the back and rent a floor nailer from home depot. its angled and you whack it with a hammer to drive the nails. you can then trim the whole top with the 1x1

 

[Swan]

Hard maple flooring is well, hard. A brad nailer may struggle to set a nail in deep enough. Try more air pressure, or better yet use a a mallet driven or air pressured floor nailer available for rent at most floor stores and tool rental stores.

 

[ptgb]

I glued it at the tongue and groove (5" planks) and then pre-drilled and counter-sunk screws in maybe six or eight places; and I have a large area of bench top. Filled in the holes with maple filler.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3106488&postcount=986

 

[dladcock]

I glued it at the tongue and groove (5" planks) and then pre-drilled and counter-sunk screws in maybe six or eight places; and I have a large area of bench top. Filled in the holes with maple filler.

Hey, that looks nice!

dla

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

You need a flooring nailer or the job will look like ****. Check Craigslist for a used nailer. They have a special L shaped nail with a serrated shark. Don't consider anything else.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/s...9&subAreaID=&query=flooring+nailer&catAbb=sss

 

[bop_pa]

I just did the same thing. Two sheets OSB glued and screwed together followed by a top layer of 3/4" finished Bellawood flooring. I glued and nailed the planks down. I started at the tongue with my air nailer but ended up shooting the nails down the face on the ends. I wanted it to be very secure and want the plants to stay tight together. It has a lot of glue and nails in it so I would be surprised it is moves, but I suppose in 10 years it could. I think it looks really good for the price. It's just over 11' and I put a oak wood strip on the front and side edges. That still needs to be stained but overall I am happy with it. I think I got about $125 in it. If I get around to taking pics I will post them. But I think the OPs plan is solid and will look good.

 

[theoldwizard1]

While maple will look nice, most people recommend a "sacrificial" top layer.