The Best DeWalt Tools To Have On Hand When Installing New Flooring

If you're installing new flooring — be it hardwood, vinyl, tile, or carpeting — you don't want to overlook the tools you'll need on hand to get the job done right. Some of these tools can include a trusty tape measure, a utility knife, and a level. Depending on the type of flooring that you're installing, you may also need a circular saw, a wet-dry saw, and/or a flooring stapler. Even if you know what you're doing, subpar flooring tools will make the task challenging and could negatively impact the finished results. There are several options out there, however, there is one tool brand that is consistently praised for its quality and reliability by consumers: DeWalt.

So, when you're looking for the best of the best to help you properly install new flooring in your home, you won't want to overlook the wide selection of tools available through DeWalt. To help you get started, we've rounded up a list of some of the top DeWalt tools that can be invaluable as you begin this major home improvement project. We used customer reviews on various sites including Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe's, and Ace Hardware, looking at both the average star rating for each tool as well as the number of customers who had reviewed it. We also consulted professional reviews on YouTube to hear from experts about what they like — and don't like –  about each model. Additionally, we sought to include options to help with installing different flooring types. 

You won't be able to install any floors in your home without a good tape measure. Accurately measuring the dimensions of the room and then cutting down the vinyl or wood planks, carpeting, or tiles to match the available space is crucial if you don't want to have gaps, uneven sections, or other unsightly — and unsafe — errors. Fortunately, DeWalt has you covered. The DeWalt Atomic Compact Series 30-Foot Tape Measure is designed to be both functional and easy to use. It offers a more compact size, while still enabling you to measure lengths up to 30 feet. It has a 13-foot max reach for use on your own without worrying about it bending or twisting, which should be sufficient for many flooring installation needs.

It has a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, which is based on more than 700 reviews, a 4.6-star rating with more than 1,000 reviews at The Home Depot, and a 4.7-star rating with nearly 50 reviews at Ace Hardware. Many reviewers praise its quality of the durability, with several highlighting how its long reach without bending makes it easier to use on their own. The locking mechanism is another feature that is mentioned in various customer write-ups. Users share that it works well and keeps the tape extended so they can complete the task at hand. Others also like that they can easily use their finger to stop the tape instead of always having to rely on the lock.

A level is another tool every DIY flooring installer will want to have on hand. Whether you're looking for flawless vinyl plank flooring installation tips or want to lay carpeting, tile, or hardwood floors, it is essential to start with a level subfloor. If the subfloor isn't level, then the new flooring you install over it also won't be level. Beyond looking "off," an uneven floor can present a tripping hazard and your materials likely won't stay bonded properly. Avoid these and other catastrophes with the DeWalt 72-Inch Premium I-Beam Level. It is accurate within 0.0005 inches and offers v-shaped grooves to help ensure it is accurate on a variety of surface types. To protect the level from accidental damage in the event it is dropped or bumped, it offers over-molded end caps.

Customer reviews on Amazon for this level from DeWalt are overwhelmingly positive. It has a 4.9-star rating based on nearly 50 reviews. Users share that they are pleased with its performance and find it to be both lightweight and durable. Many reviewers also noted that it was worth the price and that they're glad they decided to purchase it.

The DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless 7 ¼-Inch Circular Saw will be a real asset when you're installing a range of flooring types, including hardwood, vinyl, and laminate. For these projects where you have to cut several planks to match the dimensions of your room, you'll appreciate how quick and efficient a circular saw can make the task. This circular saw from DeWalt is a cordless option with a brushless motor. It can make up to 330 crosscuts before needing to be recharged. The 7 ¼-inch blade allows you to cut material up to 2 ⁹⁄₁₆-inches thick. If you need to make any angled cuts, you'll appreciate that the saw can also bevel up to 57 degrees.

It has consistently high reviews at Amazon, The Home Depot, and Lowe's (4.6 stars, 4.7 stars, and 4.6 stars, respectively) with a total of over 6,000 reviews. Users share that it is sturdy, convenient to use without being tethered by a power cord, and offers a long runtime (though you will need to purchase the battery separately). Many also highlight the integrated safety features, noting that they provide peace of mind when cutting different materials. One reviewer on YouTube was also impressed with the overall quality and performance of this tool. Though, he did note that its power is very dependent on the battery, sharing that there was a noticeable drop in the power when switching from an 8.0-Amp battery to a 5.0-Amp.

When you're looking for the right tool to help you install hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider the DeWalt 2-in-1 Flooring Tool. Its pneumatic driving action — which is activated with the included mallet — helps ensure each fastener is driven into the wood material cleanly and easily. The tool is designed to be easy to use and comfortable with its longer handle and rubber grip. It is also designed for versatile use with different wood flooring types with its adjustable and interchange base plates and compatibility with different flooring fasteners (16ga "L" clean nails and 15.5ga staples).

This flooring tool from DeWalt has been reviewed by over 700 Amazon customers and maintains a high, 4.7-star rating. It has a similarly high rating at The Home Depot, earning an average of 4.6 stars, with more than 200 reviews. One thing that several customers highlight in their reviews is how much it simplifies the task of installing new wood floors. They share that it allows them to work much more quickly than they would have otherwise been able to. Several also mention that it sets nails properly and rarely jams, further adding to its overall functionality. A professional on YouTube also reviewed this tool, highlighting it as an excellent buy due to its flawless performance and relatively low price compared with other more expensive options.

Simplify the task of putting down a new tile floor with the DeWalt 4 ⅜-Inch Wet/Dry Handheld Tile Cutter. It will ensure you're able to work more efficiently when following the best tips for installing a tile floor. The handheld tile cutter features a compact design, making it easy to work wherever is convenient for you. It also only weighs 6.6 pounds, so moving it to a new location to work should be a breeze. DeWalt also designed this tile cutter with comfort in mind; it has a rubber overmold grip to keep your hands from getting fatigued as you cut each tile to the correct size.

If you ask customers what they think about this tile cutter from DeWalt, you'll hear a lot of positive feedback. It has a 4.2-star rating at both Amazon and The Home Depot, with more than 1,300 customer reviews between the two retailers. Overall, reviewers find the tool easy to use. They find that it allows them to make smooth cuts, ensuring a neat and clean installation of their new floor. However, while reviews are overall positive for this model, a few customers shared that they are not as impressed with the water system. They share that they've had some issues with water leaking between cuts.

You might also want to take a look at the DeWalt Retractable Utility Knife when you're installing new flooring in your home. It can come in handy when cutting carpeting, scoring vinyl planks, or even carefully cutting opening packaged materials. The knife features a retractable blade that makes it possible to cut at different depths with ease. You can also easily slide the blade in or out for use or safe storage. DeWalt designed the tool to be durable; it features a heavy-duty metal body. It also has a textured handle to ensure you maintain a controlled grip as you work.

With over 1,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, this utility knife from DeWalt looks like a solid pick. One feature that many users highlight in their write-ups is its overall quality. They note that the knife feels well-made and sturdy and that the blade doesn't wobble like they've experienced with other tools. Many also find this tool comfortable to hold thanks to its ergonomic handle. A professional reviewer on YouTube also had a lot of positive things to say about the knife. He shared that he likes how it feels in the hand, noting that it feels substantial but has a comfortable grip. He also highlighted the quick-change blade feature, sharing that it was easy to switch to a new blade.