Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Best options for attaching 3/8" underlayment for wood flooring?

I am laying 3/8" plywood over my 3/4" thick plank subfloor so I can put down a hardwood floor. Should I nail it or staple it down? I've heard some staples have a glue on them that will hold better that nails. What should I be looking for in staples if this is the case? Home Depot's tool rental department was no help. And all they have is a pnuematic roofing stapler for 1" wide crown staples.

Thanks


Edit - how much of a gap should I leave at the edges where they meet the wall? The room is 11x15 if that helps.

Right after I typed this I was cleaning up and found some stainless #10 1 1/4" ring shank nails. Can I use these?

Screws and subfloor construction adhesive.6" apart on the edges and 8" or so, in the field of the panel.

Forget the other squeak factory fasteners like nails.

Staples can work, but if your not very, very careful, you will get squeaks from them too.

I am laying 3/8" plywood over my 3/4" thick plank subfloor so I can put down a hardwood floor. Should I nail it or staple it down? .............

Screw it down. Rent a screw gun if you have a lot of area to do.

Screws and subfloor construction adhesive.6" apart on the edges and 8" or so, in the field of the panel.

Forget the other squeak factory fasteners like nails.

Staples can work, but if your not very, very careful, you will get squeaks from them too.

what sort of screws?

the Ditra manual for tiling recommends using ringed nails or screws for underlayment, but then adds "not drywall screws". It seems that deck screws are the only common alternative screws. Whats the difference, other than the coating?

Welcome to the forums NuBee!

Drywall screws can break off easily at the head = no holding power:eek: