Tools for Laminate Floor Installation

Spacers

• A space of at least 5/16-inch is necessary around the perimeter of a laminate floor. This space allows the floating floor to expand and contract without damage. A laminate floor will naturally expand and contract in response to temperature and moisture conditions, but these changes are not noticeable if the expansion gap is in place. You can substitute scrap pieces of laminate flooring planks for spacers if needed. Simply place the scrap pieces perpendicularly along the wall if the planks are at least 5/16-inch thick.

Saw

• You must use several different types of saws to install a laminate floor, but the main two types are a circular saw and a trim saw. Use a circular saw to cut the planks to the proper size as needed during the installation. A table saw is an appropriate substitute if a circular saw is not available. Use the trim saw, also known as a jamb saw or undercut saw, to cut the bottom of door frames so that the laminate flooring planks fit snugly under the trim.

Tapping Block

• A tapping block allows you to firmly connect two parallel pieces of laminate together. A tapping block is simply a scrap piece of a laminate plank. You insert the tongue of the tapping block into the lip of the plank being installed and gently tap on the outside edge of the tapping block with a hammer. The tapping block absorbs the impact of the hammer and receives the damage instead of the flooring being installed. For most installations, you will need several tapping blocks.

Tape Measure

• A tape measure is a standard construction tool required for nearly every home improvement project. In the installation of a laminate floor, you must use a measuring tape to calculate the number of square feet in the room to determine the amount of material needed to complete the project. You must also use a tape measure to mark planks for trimming to fit properly around walls and fixtures.

Hammer

• Use a hammer to remove the baseboards around the room prior to installing the laminate, installing the flooring with the tapping block, and reinstalling the trim when the installation is complete. A hammer is a versatile tool that should always be present when completing a home improvement project.