Trying to figure out what equipment you need to lay your new floor can be overwhelming, especially when there are so many flooring options to choose from. Once you have decided on the design, colour and material you want and your flooring has been delivered, you’ll be ready to transform your space with a brand-new floor. With this handy guide, we can help make sure you have the right flooring tools to complete your installation.

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Can I install new floors myself?

You’re probably wondering if you’re up to the task of installing your new flooring. Hopefully, you can start putting your mind at ease by reading this comprehensive article which includes all the tools you might need. Some types of flooring require basic tools, so can be installed by DIY enthusiasts, while others need to be fitted with specialist tools and skills, so might be more suitable for professionals.

So, yes! You can install your new floor yourself, but this will depend on your abilities and the size of the job as well as the types of tools you have available to make the process as straightforward as possible.

What Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) should I wear?

For your safety, you should wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from materials that might accidentally disperse and fly around the room. Knee pads offer comfort, particularly if you’re kneeling on a hard and uncomfortable surface, while gloves will shield your hands against chemicals, splinters or cuts. When working with power tools, a dust mask will provide protection against breathing in harmful particles. You might also want to use earplugs to protect your hearing when using loud machinery.

Preparing the surface

Before you start, you should ensure your floor is clean, dry and clear. The more you prepare the surface, the better the finished results. Clearing any furnishings out of the room will help make the process easier for you as they won’t obstruct your movement and will give you ample space.

You will need to remove any old and existing top layers of flooring, whether it’s tiles, carpet or wood, and any adhesives or fixings that kept it in place. To strip off tiles, use a hammer and chisel while for wood flooring, opt for a crowbar to lever it out.

A person is using a hammer on a wood floorboard

If your subfloor is wooden, a claw hammer is a handy tool to use. You can drive down any protruding nails or screws, while the claw side can help remove any staples.

For concrete subfloors, you can use a floor scraper to remove any old mortar or adhesive. If these are especially stubborn, you might need a grinder or sander power tool. If there are any cracks or holes, patching them with an appropriate filler is recommended, so your surface is as smooth as possible.

Finally, you will need a broom, dustpan and brush or vacuum cleaner to remove all the debris and dust, leaving your surface prepared and ready.

What tools do I need to lay laminate flooring?

One of the many benefits of laminate flooring is that it is highly durable thanks to its robust exterior layer and resin coating. This means you don’t have to worry about impact or scratches during installation and throughout its lifespan.

Although you can’t fit laminate flooring with just your hands, you’ll be pleased to find that it is incredibly easy to install for DIYers due to its interlocking tongue-and-groove profile. So, all you need will be some of these simple tools to lay your laminate flooring.

  • Measuring tape to establish the length of the boards Vs your room
  • Combination Square for precise 45° and 90° angles
  • Sliding T-Bevel tool to measure irregular angles
  • Pencil for notes and sawing lines
  • Jigsaw to cut your boards to length and shape
  • Spacers for between your floorboards and the wall
  • Pulling bar or crowbar to pull flooring tightly together
  • Tapping block to protect the edges of flooring
  • Hammer or rubber mallet to securely fix flooring into position
  • Hand-held drill with a spade bit for large holes around pipes

Laminate flooring is also resilient against moisture and effortless to maintain, so would make a perfect addition to your kitchen. Head on over to our helpful guide if you want more information on How to lay laminate flooring.

Bathroom with floor standing bathtub and wood-effect flooring

What wood flooring tools do I need?

For engineered wood and solid oak flooring, you will require similar tools. They are both relatively straightforward to lay, unlike other hardwood flooring. Boasting excellent durability, they offer a cost-effective and long-lasting flooring solution.

There are numerous installation approaches, including floating, nail or adhesive methods, so your tools will vary depending on which you choose. Remember to measure twice and cut once, so you are confident, saving you time and effort while minimising material wastage. Now, let’s look at the essential wood flooring tools you’ll need for the job.

A bed room with wardrobe and wood-effect flooring.

  • Moisture meter to check moisture levels
  • Flooring sealer to keep moisture away
  • Spirit level to test the subfloor is level
  • Measuring tape and pencil
  • Chalk line to mark the location of floor joists
  • Handsaw, jigsaw or electric chop saw
  • Spacers between your floorboards and the wall
  • Pulling bar or crowbar to ensure boards are flush
  • Rubber mallet and tapping block to straighten boards

For floating installation

  • Underlay
  • PVA Glue
  • Trowel for application of adhesive

For nail installation

  • Drill and drill bits to predrill holes for nails
  • Flooring nail gun with nails for securing boards to wooden subfloors

For adhesive installation

  • Flexible wood flooring glue to keep your boards flat
  • Trowel

What tools do I need to install vinyl flooring?

Wood-effect flooring in a conservatory with green plants.

Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVTs) are naturally resistant to scratches and can withstand daily wear and tear. They are simplest to install by the glue-down method, while other types of LVT can be fitted with a click system. They’re also easy to cut, making them perfect for bathrooms where your flooring needs to be shaped around fixtures.

LVTs are also incredibly versatile as they can be laid over existing floors, tiles, timber or concrete. Here’s a checklist of the tools required for vinyl flooring installation.

  • Tape measure and pencil
  • Bevel tool for corners
  • Spirit level
  • Levelling compound for a level subfloor
  • Trowel to apply the compound
  • LVT underlay
  • Stanley knife or jigsaw, depending on the flooring material
  • Spacers
  • Pulling bar, tapping block and rubber mallet to click floor into place

Additionally, it might be worth noting that once installed and glued with adhesive, LVT flooring is difficult and labour-intensive to remove. If you want a secure installation, the glue method is ideal, but if you want a change of scenery in a few years, the click system might be a better option.

Final thoughts

Laying a new floor can be an exciting project to enhance your space, and with the right tools, you can achieve professional results. Whether you’re installing laminate, wood or luxury vinyl tile flooring, this guide has provided a comprehensive list of tools you’ll need for each type. From basic tools like measuring tapes and pencils to specialised tools like jigsaws and tapping blocks, you can ensure a smooth and successful installation. With the right tools and careful execution, you’ll be able to enjoy a stunning, durable and functional floor in your home.

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