I am going to install a pre-finished engineered floor and this will be my first project of this kind. Reading through various install instructions, how am I expected to blind-nail the starter strip which will be 18" - 24" out from the start wall on the chalk line? If I was going to finish the floow I would understand but tis floor is pre-finished.

I am going to glue and staple the floor. I can see gluing and nailing the tongue on the first strip, but what do I do with the groove side?

Thanks

You must either glue or staple, not both. With the exception of the first few boards near the wall where you cannot blind nail it. You can surface nail it carefully with small finish nails then use the repair kit sold by the company to fill in those holes. Be sure to use the brown (light red) paper under the boards to help prevent squeeks in the floor. Do not use tar paper!

I guess I have myself confused. Do I snap a chalk line 24" from the wall and start there or do I start at the wall?