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Without the right tools, DIY projects can turn into disasters, and installing your own flooring is no exception. With the right tools and equipment, flooring installation will go a lot smoother and help keep that weekend project from turning into a weeklong one.
Before any floor is installed, proper flooring prep must be done to ensure a good-looking and long-lasting result. Getting the old flooring up, whatever it is / was is an important part of the prep.
Whether carpeting, linoleum or something else, get the lumps, bumps, adhesive, tack strips, etc. up and smooth before you start to lay anything. This includes fixing floor creaks (often loose floorboard nails) and ensuring that your subfloor is level.
For homes built on a slab, cracks and divots need to be filled, lumps removed, etc. Baseboard and / or shoe molding is often a part of adding a finished look to new flooring. Listed tools do not include those needed for prep work and baseboard / shoe molding.
Below, you’ll find the tools required for each type of home flooring. Print out the PDF to take it to the hardware store with you to make sure you don’t forget anything.
Click here to print out your checklist!
Tools Needed by Flooring
Find the type of flooring you’re installing below and use our checklist to make sure you’re prepared. Whatever type of flooring you’re installing, you should always have proper safety protection including glasses, gloves and kneepads for comfort.
VINYL & LINOLEUM
- Adhesive trowel
- Flat bar
- Straight edge
- Floor scraper
- Level
- Tape measure
- Chalk line
- Floor roller
- Utility knife / linoleum cutter
FLOATING WOOD
- Chop / miter saw
- Floor scraper or flat bar
- Tapping block
- Tape measure
- Pull bar
- Level
- Rubber mallet
- Chalk line
- Spacers
- Jig saw
TRADITIONAL WOOD
- Pneumatic flooring nailer
- Air compressor
- Nail set
- Drill
- Drill bits
- Chop saw
- Chalk line
- Table saw
CERAMIC TILE
- Level
- Sponges
- Notched trowel
- Buckets
- Wet saw
- Spacers
- Nippers
- Tile saw / score n snap cutter
- Grout float
- Chalk line
- Tape measure
After any DIY project, you’ll also need equipment to clean up your mess – a dust pan, shop vacuum, and a broom should do the job.
If you need professional advice or are re-thinking the upfront cost of buying your own tools, Mr. Handyman can help. Our experts have all the tools and expertise needed to install all types of flooring in your home. Just call to connect with your local Mr. Handyman today.
