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Must-Have Tools For A Successful Laminate Flooring Installation
By SAKSHI KHAITAN
While DIY-savvy homeowners love to install laminate flooring due to its quick and easy click-lock mechanism, a common mistake they make is not gathering all the required tools.
You’ll need a tape measure to determine and mark the plank length. For a perfect cut, use a chop saw with a specialized blade, but be prepared for loud noise and lots of dust.
On the other hand, a jigsaw may result in rough cuts but will have less noise and dust. Use a sharp utility knife to smooth out jagged edges — it’s better suited for circular cuts.
To perfectly fit laminate flooring, arm yourself with a sliding T-bevel or use a combination square for accurate 90- or 45-degree cuts to ensure it fits snugly along wall contours.
Grab a rubber mallet to lay the pieces without gaps, but avoid hitting the edges directly to prevent damaging the click-lock mechanism. Instead, use a tapping block to close seams.
Use a pull bar in tight spaces where a tapping block isn't effective, and place spacers along walls to allow for the planks' expansion and contraction due to weather and humidity.