Blind Nailing
A fastening technique where nails are driven at an angle through the tongue of a board or along an edge concealed by the next board, hiding fasteners for a clean appearance.
In-Depth Explanation
Blind nailing is the preferred installation method for hardwood flooring, tongue-and-groove paneling, and shiplap where visible nail heads would detract from the finish. The nail is driven at a 45-degree angle through the tongue just above the shoulder, and the groove of the next board conceals the nail head. Pneumatic flooring nailers and finish nailers are the most common tools, providing consistent angle and depth. For wider boards or areas near walls where a nailer cannot fit, hand nailing or face nailing with filled holes may be necessary. Proper technique requires driving the nail deep enough that the next board seats fully but not so deep that the tongue splits.
Usage Example
The flooring installer used a pneumatic nailer to blind-nail each oak plank through the tongue, leaving the surface free of visible fasteners.