[?] Subscribe To This Site

Laminate Flooring Tools For Installing Laminate Flooring

Some laminate flooring tools may not look too familiar to you. Other tools needed for installing laminate flooring are fairly common. I would say as a rule that the more expensive the tools, the easier it is to install laminate. On this link below check out the clearance section under hand saws. They carry a jamb saw that is about 75.00 reconditioned Bosch. And a variety of other quality tools.

Tools Used For Installing Laminate Flooring

10 inch miter chop Saw

The miter chop saw is good for cutting trims and moldings. As far as cutting laminate flooring It is hard on the blades.

10 inch sliding miter saw

A sliding miter saw is better for cutting laminate flooring. The sliding action helps keep the blade sharp longer.

Table saw

Table saws are used mainly for cutting down the length of a plank, such as the last row of flooring being installed up against the wall. Most often this row will need to be trimmed down. If you are thinking of purchasing a table saw read reviews (opens a new window) that may help you find the best saw for your needs.

Jig saw or saber saw

Jig saws are used for cutting irregular shapes or curves. It can also be used for cutting planks like the miter saw.

Tapping Block

Tapping blocks are used for tapping the laminate planks together. The tapping blocks come in various sizes. I prefer them to be smaller than the width of the laminate planks.

Pull bar

Pull bars are used to tap the last plank together when it meets the wall. The pull bars that are sold in the laminate installation kits are basically just a heavy metal that is bent in the shape. These will bend over time. If you are installing a lot of flooring it may be better to invest in a better quality pull bar.

Spacers

Spacers are used for maintaining the proper expansion gap around the walls. The most common type are little plastic ones that are placed against the walls as the flooring is installed.

Saws, Cutting The Laminate

I have seen some people using a hand saw to cut the laminate, which is fine if your up to it.

I use a sliding compound miter saw to cut the planks, with a carbide tip blade. The sliding action allows me to cut the planks across rather than straight down from the top. This helps my blades stay sharper longer. A quality sliding miter saw can cost anywhere from 400.00 to 700.00 dollars. I have noticed that there are sliding miter saws that are cheaper to purchase these days.(less then 200.00 at Harbor freight)These saws would work out OK for someone doing their own floors but may not hold up for a full time installer.

A fixed miter saw only cuts down, which is harder on the blade because of the aluminum oxide finish on the laminate planks. I have seen these saws for as little as the 100.00 dollar range.

There are new laminate flooring tools being developed all the time such as this new alternative for cutting laminate. Its kind of like a paper cutter. These cutters don't create saw dust and can save time by not having to go outside to make cuts. I have not used one of these yet. They can be pricey but I have noticed some versions that are less than 100.00.

You could also use a jig saw, circular saw or table saw for cutting laminate flooring.

Curved Cutting

Jig Saw-Saber Saw

Making a curved cut with a jig saw in laminate flooring

There are times when you will have to cut curves, such as cutting around door jambs. You can also use the jamb saw for cutting on curved scribe lines. Or just to rip down the length of aboard to fit in the last row along the wall.

I use a jig saw for this. This would be a little difficult trying to do this on a miter or table saw.

Jig saws come in a wide range of choices. The inexpensive brands don't give you the control you need in some cases. The less expensive models usually come with a fixed speed which can be difficult to make more precise cuts. Variable speeds work a lot better for this and gives you more control.

Return to Home Page From Laminate Flooring Tools Page

footer for laminate flooring tools page