Flooring Tools

Don’t go to war unarmed. This is the same principle that you must follow if you want to construct or repair your own flooring. To be a pro in the world of do-it-yourself projects, you must also know the appropriate flooring tools for your task at hand. Knowing and using the right tools will make the job easier for you, with fewer mistakes. It can even make your flooring look like it was done by a professional.

To know which flooring tools you should buy, identify first what type of flooring are you going to build or repair as the flooring tools to be used are dependent upon the flooring to be made: hardwood, laminate, stone, vinyl, linoleum, tile, or carpeting. So, what are the appropriate tools that you should have? Read on to find out.

Basic Flooring Tools

Don’t start your do-it-yourself project without these basic tools:

• Marker

Use markers to know which spot are you going to cut so your wood, tile, vinyl, etc. will fit your working area. You can use pencils in marking wood, carpet, and tile but for vinyl or linoleum flooring, the best marker is a grease pencil.

• Tape measure

Using tape measures will ensure that you will not have a crooked cut off your flooring.

• Cloth or sponge

Use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe your work area after you finish with it. This prevents dirt or other stains (especially grout) to dry and get more difficult to remove.

• Safety goggles and knee pads

Your floor won’t be finished if you get injured while doing the job. Use knee pads to prevent pain and knee injuries and safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris as you cut your flooring tile.

Specific Tools for Different Flooring Types

Stone or Ceramic Tile

• Spacers

Spacers are used so you can have uniform spaces in between the tiles as you lay them on the floor. You can also choose different spacer widths depending on how much grout you want to be seen in between tiles.

• Trowels

Use trowels to spread and even your adhesive.

• Adhesive

Different adhesives can be used depending on the tile you are installing as well as the room of the house where you are installing them. A low VOC adhesive is highly recommended to maintain good air quality.

• Rubber float

Rubber floats are used to force the grout in between the tiles. To be able to force the grout evenly, use the edges of the rubber float instead of its flat surface.

• Tile cutter

Consult your tile dealer about the best tile cutter for the tile that you bought.

• Tile sealer

Tile sealers will keep your grout looking neat and clean. It prevents accumulation of moisture, dirt, oil, and grease.

Solid or Engineered Wood

• 7 ¼“ Circular saw

This powerful tool can be used to cut straight and evenly through lumber. This is frequently used for plywood installations, hardwood repairs, and subfloor installations.

• 10” Miter saw

This is the basic cut-off saw for narrow strips or planks. A compound miter saw is recommended for planks that are over 7” wide. Use a chop saw or dual slide compound miter saw if you need to cut lengths that will go alongside a wall or other straight surface.

• 10” Table saw

This can be used to rip down board lengths.

• 15-Gauge pneumatic nail gun

Use this to nail the top or sides of a plank that is too thick to be reached by floor staplers. It is also an ideal tool in installing a baseboard.

• 18-Gauge Finish Nailer

This can also be used to install baseboards.

• Compressor

Compressors are used to dust hard-to-reach spaces during the sealing phase.

• Jigsaw

Jigsaws are the best tools to cut irregular shapes like around toilet seats.

• Pneumatic flooring stapler

For hardwoods with a Janka scale greater than 2300, a pneumatic flooring stapler will definitely come in handy.

• Toe kick saw

This is a specialty saw that can cut underlayment away from walls or under cabinets.

Carpeting

• Utility knife

This is the preferred cutting tool for your carpet.

• Tacking strips

Tacking strips keep the carpet in place.

• Power stretcher

This tool stretches your carpet so that it is evenly spread on the floor.

Linoleum or Vinyl Flooring

• Heavy duty scissors

Don’t use your normal paper scissors in cutting vinyl or linoleum. They won’t cut straight through this material resulting to crooked and uneven edges. Buy an appropriate heavy-duty scissor in cutting this type of flooring.

• Adhesive

You will need this if your vinyl or linoleum is not self-adhesive. Choose a low VOC adhesive to keep your room pollutant-free.

Visit our Los Angeles Flooring showrooms for more information about Flooring.