In hardwood flooring installation, what type of nailing specifies a nail driven straight into the surface of the strip?

Face nailing refers to the process where nails are driven directly into the surface of hardwood flooring strips, allowing for secure fastening. This technique is particularly useful in certain installation scenarios, for instance, when securing the first and last strips of flooring or in areas where other nailing methods may be impractical. The visibility of the nails on the surface can sometimes be a drawback in terms of aesthetics, but face nailing provides a strong hold, especially in regions with fluctuating humidity and temperature.

In contrast, blind nailing involves nailing through the tongue of the flooring strip, keeping the nail hidden from view, which is often preferred for its cleaner look. Angle nailing refers to driving the nails at an angle into the flooring, typically used in tongue-and-groove installations for added strength. Sub-flooring nailing is a broader term that relates to securing the subflooring material to the floor joists beneath, rather than to the actual hardwood strips. Thus, face nailing is clearly defined by its straightforward method of anchoring the strips directly at the surface level.