Some hardwood hammers require two strokes to drive the nail in completely. Stand up when using the hardwood hammer. When driving in nails, greater force can be exerted from a standing position. Use a nail punch and an ordinary hammer to finish driving in any protruding nails. Check frequently to make sure that the hardwood hammer is operating properly.
Place strips with imperfections in less visible areas.
Keep extra strips for eventual repairs. It is possible to replace a damaged strip of flooring. Make several cuts lengthwise in the strip using a circular saw. If necessary, drill holes in the strip to weaken it and use a wood chisel to remove the center of the strip. Then remove the ends.