When we talk about flooring tools, we’re referring to the diverse range of equipment that helps you accurately measure, cut, and install various flooring types. The right tools are your best friends when ensuring a seamless and successful flooring installation. Having the right tools is crucial to achieving the results you want. Let’s look at some essential tools you need for flooring installation.
Safety Gear
Make sure you’re able to keep yourself safe while installing new floors. Heavy work gloves with reinforced fingertips are ideal for handling materials and tools. They’ll provide just the right amount of durability and grip throughout the project. Knee pads designed specifically for contractors provide good support and comfort, especially when working on hard surfaces (like floors) for extended periods.
Wood Flooring Installation Tools
You’ll need the exact tools to install any type of flooring to ensure a tight, secure fit. A tapping block ensures you snugly connect each plank, while a pull bar helps close the gaps between boards. A flooring stapler or nailer is essential for securing the planks to the subfloor.
Carpet Installation Tools
If you’re installing carpets, you’ll need a few specific tools to get the job done right. A carpet stretcher is crucial for achieving a tight, wrinkle-free fit, while a “hawks blade” / carpet tucker and stair tool can help you press the carpet edges into corners and stair crevices. Finally, a knee kicker can help you stretch the carpet for a professional appearance.
Sandpaper
The sanding process usually involves a drum sander, several different rotary sanders, and palm sanders. The largest areas are removed first, and then the perimeter is worked with the smaller sanders. This step is crucial in preparing the surface for refinishing. It may involve multiple passes with different coarsenesses of sandpaper, ensuring a smooth and even surface.
When installing new flooring, the appropriate sandpaper grit depends on the type of wood and its condition. Typically, a coarse grit like 36-grit sandpaper is used as a starting point to level the surface, followed by progressively finer grits like 60 and 120 grit to smooth out scratches and prepare the floor for finishing.
Flooring Tool Brands We Carry
Our vast inventory of flooring, sundries, accessories, and tools is unlike any other in the industry. We established decades of vendor relationships to provide the flooring industry with top-quality products. Here are just some of the vendors we partner with that provide high-quality flooring machines and tools:
- 3M
- Norton Abrasives
- Dewalt
- BOSTITCH
- Powernail
- Corus Fastening
- Troxell
- Galaxy Machines
- American Sanders
Indiana Floor, Inc.: Your One-Stop Shop for Quality Flooring Products
Since 1993, Indiana Floor has been the leading choice of contractor supply to the hardwood flooring trades. We offer a vast inventory of finished, unfinished, engineered flooring, sundries, and tools to meet customers’ needs. With 5 locations in the MD and VA areas, we are dedicated to providing quality flooring products to our clients. Contact us today at (703) 550-0020 or fill out the contact form on our website!