What kind of staples do you use for underlayment?

Author: Beaulah D'Amore  |  Last update: Friday, February 20, 2026

Answer. If the underlayment is 1/4" or 3/8" the staples are 1 1/8" long and should extend at least 85% into the sub-floor, but not into the joists. These are chisel point narrow crown staples used with an 18 gauge air nailer. Otherwise use 1 1/4" ring nails.

What staples are best for underlay?

Usually use 7/8'' for underlayment... either would be fine though. Just make sure your compressor is set so the staples don't blow all the way through underlayment or leave the crown up out of it.

What should I use to fasten underlayment?

You can fasten your plywood underlayment using one of the following: galvanized, coated chisel-point staples with a 1/4" maximum crown; galvanized, coated ring shank underlayment nails with a 3/16" diameter head; or flathead wood screws treated with a moisture-resistant coating (such as galvanized or zinc).

What kind of staples for roof underlayment?

Underlayment that will be exposed for a while is at greater risk of tearing and so is underlayment on high-traffic roofs. For this type of installation, you'll want to stick with either cap nails, crown cap staples, or roofing nails with 3/8” heads.

What kind of staples to use for underlayment?

Answer. If the underlayment is 1/4" or 3/8" the staples are 1 1/8" long and should extend at least 85% into the sub-floor, but not into the joists. These are chisel point narrow crown staples used with an 18 gauge air nailer. Otherwise use 1 1/4" ring nails.

How to Install Underlayment for a Laminate Floor With Staples

Do I need to staple underlay?

Stick your underlay to your subfloor – use adhesive glue or staples to make sure that your underlay is firmly attached to your subfloor. Lay your carpet on top – Now you can have your carpet fitted on top. Remember that caring for your carpet is the most important way to look after your flooring and your underlay.

What is the best fastener for underlayment?

Ring-shank and spiral-shank nails are the best fasteners for this application because they are grooved to increase friction and resist withdrawal. In fact, studies at Clemson University in South Carolina have shown that these nails have as much as twice the holding capacity of smooth-shank nails and staples.

Are roofing staples illegal?

In some areas of the U.S. today, staples have even been banned from shingle to roof installation, due to the likelihood of improper installation. Depending on region, other regulations may dictate type of galvanization or coating, or even require stainless steel roofing nails in coastal areas.

What staples to use for roofing membrane?

Tacwise Staples 10mm
  • Breather membrane.
  • Building paper and insulation.
  • Carpet laying.
  • Plastic sheeting.
  • Roofing applications.
  • Suitable for hand and electric staple guns and hammer tackers using 140, T50 or G type staples.
  • Available in 8mm and 10mm.
  • 5000 per pack.

Do you nail or staple underlayment?

Many roofers will tell you that staples are fine for installing the synthetic underlayment. Others will tell you that cap nails are more effective. Both options often depend on the slope of the roof itself. Cap nails are typically made of steel and feature a plastic cap to prevent roof leaks, hence their name.

How many staples per sheet of underlayment?

If you have a hardwood underlayment, like birch (which is typical) just staple that down. On the perimeter of each sheet every 2", in the field every 4".

What size staples for subflooring?

Use 1" to 1-1/4" long staples for thinner 1/4" to 5/16" thick floors. Use 1-1/4" to 1-1/2" long staples for 3/8" to 1/2" thick floors. Use 1-1/2" long staples for 5/8" thick floors.

What staples are best for insulation?

At FastenerUSA, the top recommendations for stapling insulation are the Arrow T50/Rapid 11, the 7/16" Crown Bostitch STCR5019, and the 1/2" Crown Duo-Fast 50. The staple's crown size should be wide enough to hold the fin in place, so the ones with a narrower crown are not recommended for this type of project.

What is a good thickness for underlay?

9-10mm carpet underlays are usually good all-rounders that can be installed in all areas of the home, including stairs and hallways. This thickness is popular with homeowners who want to use the same underlay across their entire home/project, saving the hassle of ordering multiple products and minimising wastage.

Do roofers use staples?

16-gauge galvanized steel staples with a minimum crown of 15/16 inches or 24 millimeters are occasionally used to install shingles. However, most shingle manufacturers or residential building codes don't recommend staples as a roofing fastener.

Can I use T50 staples for shingles?

T50 staples are the world's best-selling heavy-duty staple platform. Made to deliver exceptional holding power, these staples are used for all heavy-duty stapling applications – from installing insulation, housewraps, and roofing underlayments to upholstering fine furniture and window treatments.

Should you staple underlayment?

There is no fastening the underlayment to the subfloor. However, during installation some installers like to fasten underlayment to the subfloor to prevent the underlayment from moving. If your choose this route, staples are a good choice to fasten the underlayment.

Should I nail or screw underlayment?

Although ring shank nails have a good hold, screws have more overall holding power by comparison. With a larger thread gripping a bigger surface area around them, screws hold your subfloor very tightly – allowing no wiggle room for shifting or loosening.

Do you staple or tape underlay?

Do you need to staple down underlay? To ensure that the underlay is secure and stays in place, you should staple down the underlay or use an adhesive to glue it down into place.

What to use to fasten underlayment?

Fasten the underlayment with either staples or nails. Start on one corner of the panel and fasten the 8' edge first, spacing 2” along the entire edge.

What is the best fastener for 1/4 underlayment?

Fastener choices include the following:
  • galvanized coated chisel point staples with a 1/4″ maximum crown.
  • galvanized coated ring shank underlayment nails with a 3/16″ diameter head.
  • galvanized coated flathead screws with a 3/16″ diameter head.

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