Quality laminate flooring can be expensive; there’s no question about that. It’s an important investment, and it improves your home. So, the benefits of installing quality flooring outweigh other concerns. However, to save money, you may want to consider installing it yourself.
Like other DIY projects, you’ll need some tools and products to install laminate flooring. We’ve created a list of essential tools necessary for installing laminate floors. With these tools, your work will be much easier, and your flooring will go down more easily and look beautiful when you’re finished.
Our List of Essential Laminate Flooring Tools for Installation
1. Tape Measure
One of the most crucial tools for installing a laminate floor is a tape measure. This tool is used to measure the room’s square footage (length x width x height). It’s also essential to correctly size each step between flooring sections. This is a tool all professional flooring installers use on every job.
What should you look for in a tape measure? We’ve got you covered there, too! You might choose a tape measure that’s encased in a plastic case. The tape measure should have extra-large print, so it’s easy to read. This also improves the accuracy of your measurements.
In addition, the tape measure should include a finger break, which holds the tape measure at any measure along the tape. That way, if you need a specific length across several flooring pieces, you can be sure each one is the same length rather than re-measuring every time.
You may also want to consider a tape measure that’s about 25 ft long, which has a hook grip at the end of the measure. The hook holds the tape measure still for an accurate measurement.
Of course, it is possible to use a ruler and a pencil for this work. However, we highly recommend using a tape measure for higher accuracy and ease of use.
2. Chalk Line
Next on our list of essential tools is the chalk line. The chalk line marks straight lines easily, which you’ll need to do when laying down laminate flooring. But, it’s necessary to understand how the chalk line works so you can use it correctly.
The chalk line has an internal, spring-loaded reel with a hook at one end. The hook holds a piece of string in place. The string is what marks your flooring. The chalk line’s tension can be adjusted to make it easier to control how much string is released from the internal reel.
When setting your chalk line, it’s important to make sure the string isn’t too loose or tight. If so, your flooring will be either too long or too short, making the planks more challenging to install. What’s more, this may even cause damage if the line is not correct. Your floor may not be straight as a result.
3. Tapping Block
A tapping block is a thick-headed hammer that’s used to pound in nails that hold down laminate flooring once it’s been laid. These can be found at the hardware store and are not very expensive.
You may also want to consider renting a nail gun to install laminate flooring. This can be handy in a room that gets a lot of traffic, and the nail gun makes the job that much faster. You’ll also find the nail gun makes the process easier when it comes to installing laminate flooring correctly.
But a tapping block can also be a great tool to use. With this tool, it’s possible to tap nails into the flooring at an angle, reducing the risk of nails bending or breaking. What’s more, tapping blocks make it easier to hammer nails straight.
4. Table Saw
Another tool you may find helpful when installing laminate flooring is a table saw. A table saw is run by electricity and has a horizontal blade mounted on a movable arm above the table. The saw can be used to make precise cuts and trims in wood.
The saw has been specifically designed to cut materials such as laminate flooring. And it can make precise cuts without distorting the flooring itself. What’s more, the saw can be used for cutting work. So, a table saw may be a great investment if you do other DIY projects at home.
5. Jigsaw
You may also want to consider a jigsaw for your DIY laminate flooring project. A jigsaw is a curved blade that can make cuts along a curve. This is a great tool for installing laminate flooring.
This tool, like the table saw, can be used for other projects, too. It’s a versatile piece of equipment that can be used to cut out wood to build furniture, cut laminate flooring, and more.
6. Hardwood Laminate Flooring Spacers
Another essential tool is laminate flooring spacers. Laminate flooring spaces are plastic wedges that hold the flooring in place as it is laid down. The tool ensures the flooring is level and keeps it in place. These are necessary for floating floors that don’t have an underlayment board for support.
Flooring spacers are a great way to keep laminate flooring protected, so it looks beautiful for years to come. They’re also necessary to avoid gaps between panels, which could allow moisture to get in and damage the flooring and more.
7. Underlayment
A quality underlayment is also essential when it comes to laying laminate floorings. This is the first step in laying the floor and helps ensure you have great results when installation is completed.
Underlayment is made of rubber or foam; they provide insulation between the subfloor and the laminate flooring. They also reduce sound and vibration from walking, making the flooring more comfortable and quieter.
Summing It Up
These are the most important tools you’ll need to install laminate flooring. While it can be easy to install laminate flooring yourself, it’s necessary to have the right tools for the project. If not, you’ll definitely become frustrated and may not achieve the results you hope for.
And if you don’t want to do a DIY installation of laminate flooring, that’s understandable. In that case, you’ll want to hire a professional laminate flooring installer who has the knowledge and tools to get the job done right!
