I am planning to install hardwood floor by myself. I am using 2 ½ by ¾ inch red oak. I have two questions regarding this subject.
1. For Massachusetts climate nails as oppose to staples? I did some online browsing and people seem to be split 50/50 for nail Vs. staple. Some say staples hold the wood tighter initially but over time as the wood expands and contracts nails do a better job in holding them in place.
2. In my online browsing I found that everyone unanimously agree that wood planks should be laid perpendicular to the floor joists. Everyone also agree that planks should be laid parallel to the longest wall. My problem is I have 30×14 room where the joists run parallel to the longest wall. So if lay the floor parallel to the longest wall I would be also placing them parallel to the joists. What should I do in this situation?
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