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What do I need to install flooring? 

DIY projects can be disastrous without the right tools. Flooring installation is no exception. You can make your flooring installation a much smoother process and keep the weekend project from becoming a long one. 

Proper flooring preparation must be completed before the floor is installed. This ensures a long-lasting, beautiful result. The prep includes removing any old flooring remains. 

No matter if you are using carpeting, linoleum or something else, make sure to get rid of any bumps, lumps and adhesive. Make sure you smoothen the surface before you start laying anything. This includes fixing floor creaks (often floorboard nails that are loose) and leveling your subfloor. 

Cracks, divots, and lumps that may be present in homes built on slabs should be filled. The final step in completing a floor is to install baseboard and/or shoe moulding. These tools don’t include any needed for preparation or baseboard / shoe mold. 

Below is a list of the required tools to install each type. 

Your Flooring Toolbox 

Below, select the type and follow our checklist to ensure you are prepared. You should always use proper safety protection, such as gloves, kneepads, and glasses for any type of flooring. 

VINYL 

  • Adhesive trowel
  • Flat bar
  • Straight edge
  • Floor scraper
  • Level
  • Tape measure
  • Chalk line
  • Floor roller
  • Utility knife / Linoleum chopper

FLOATING 

  • Chop / miter saw
  • Floor scraper or flatbar
  • Tapping block
  • Tape measure
  • Pull bar
  • Level
  • Rubber mallet
  • Chalk line
  • Spacers
  • Jig saw

TRADITIONAL BOARD 

  • Pneumatic flooring nailer
  • Air compressor
  • Nail set
  • Drill
  • Drill bits
  • Chop saw
  • Chalk line
  • Table saw

CERAMIC TILE 

  • Level
  • Sponges
  • A tipped trowel
  • Buckets
  • Wet saw
  • Spacers
  • Nippers
  • Score a Snap cutter / Tile saw
  • Grout float
  • Chalk line
  • Tape measure

To clean up after any DIY project you will also need the tools necessary to do it properly. Make sure your have a shop vac, broom, and old cloths available.