Laminate flooring looks great, is very durable, and you don’t need to be Mike Holmes to install it like a pro. Like any project, installing laminate flooring will go much smoother if you have the right tools for the job.
Here’s a list of essential tools that will make installing a laminate floor much easier. They’re also useful for any other improvement projects you tackle around the house.
Measuring Tape and Square – you’ve probably heard the old expression “measure twice, cut once.” It’s particularly true for laminate flooring.
Tapping Block and Pull Bar – most laminate snaps together but sometimes a gentle tap on a tapping block is needed for a perfect fit. A pull bar is a big help when laying the last row of planks.
Undercut Saw – when you come to a doorway you’ll need to cut away the bottom of the frame so the laminate will fit underneath. You can do it with a hand saw but it’s awkward and time consuming, especially if you have a lot of doors. A multi-tool that uses a flat oscillating blade will make this job a lot easier.
Jig Saw – chances are you’ll have to cut around at least one heat register or maybe an outlet in the floor. You can make the cuts with a hand saw but a jig saw makes it much easier.
Mitre Saw – you’ll have to cut the ends off of a lot of planks. You can do it with a hand or a circular saw, but a mitre saw with a sharp, fine toothed blade works like a charm. Do all of your cutting outside if possible because laminate contains wood and wood dust isn’t good to breathe.
Spacers – you need to leave a gap around all edges of the floor to allow for expansion. If you don’t leave a large enough expansion gap, the floor can buckle. Spacers make it easy to maintain the right gap.
Table or Circular Saw – you’ll likely have to trim the last row of planks. You can do it with a jigsaw but it’s awkward and time consuming. A circular saw or better yet a table saw makes trimming planks lengthwise much easier.
Knee Pads – when you install laminate flooring, you’re going to spend a lot of time kneeling on a hard floor. Do your knees a favour and invest in some decent knee pads.
For all of your laminate and hardwood flooring supplies, visit a TimberTown Building Center near you.
