Installing laminate flooring is a detailed yet simple process. Before you start, make sure you give the flooring materials 48 hours to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity.
While you wait, load up your truck or toolbox with these 11 essential tools for laminate flooring installation:
1. Measuring Tape
Before you cut any planks, you’ll have to figure out the room’s square footage. Always remember your trusty tape measure to ensure you’ve got the correct dimensions.
2. Spacers for the Walls
Leaving an expansion gap is necessary when installing laminate flooring properly. Inserting spacers along the walls is easy and keeps that gap from closing throughout the installation.
3. Level
Whether you’re ready to snap planks into place, measure the room, or cut boards, you should always use a level to ensure everything is balanced.
4. Laminate Cutter, Chop Saw, or Table Saw
Once you know the dimensions and square footage of the room, you’ll need to cut the flooring into the appropriate sizes. Some contractors prefer a laminate cutter, while others prefer a chop saw or table saw. If you want to overprepare, which is never bad, feel free to bring all three.
5. Undercut Saw
You’ll most likely also need an undercut saw. This helps you create enough space to slide the flooring under doorjambs and keep the room’s aesthetic consistent.
6. Hammer or Rubber Mallet
When it comes to tapping the flooring planks into place, you can use a rubber mallet or a hammer. Whether you want to use a large or small hammer is entirely up to you and what’s comfortable.
7. Tapping Blocks
To cushion the blow and make sure you’re gentle with the hammering, don’t forget to use tapping blocks.
8. T-Square or Speed Square
Since the flooring should line up from end to end, you may want to use a T-square or speed square to check your work as you go.
9. Knuckle Head Bar/Pull Bars
Of course, you’ll want to ensure you get the flooring down in every nook and cranny of the room. Bring a pull bar or knuckle head bar to reach those tight corners.
10. Laminate Straps
To secure the flooring while you work, add laminate straps to hold the installed pieces in place while working on the next piece.
11. Montinator®
When you’re ready to put the finishing touches on the flooring, remove the spacers and add some flooring adhesive. Montinator® is a reliable option that’s as easy to apply as a tube of caulk.
Other Tools To Consider
These tools are needed to successfully install laminate flooring; however, there are a couple of others you can consider as well.
For example, working on the doorjamb is usually easier without the door, so consider bringing a door pin removal tool to help you remove the door from its hinges. You may also want to bring a shop vacuum to help clean up.
Learn More About Installing Laminate Flooring
We hope this checklist helped you prep for your next laminate flooring job. To learn more about laminate flooring options and the installation process, contact us at Landmark Interiors.