Laminate flooring is simple to install, and thousands of homeowners and contractors use it to give their rooms a new look every day.
However, more ambitious installations, such as laying the material over a full floor of a house or finishing a huge basement, might wear out your power tools and blades.
The cause is straightforward, although it isn’t well known: they make Laminate flooring from components such as strong plastic resins and powdered limestone, which quickly dull even the toughest carbide-tipped blades.
When cutting stacked slabs of laminate flooring at the same time to speed up a huge project, this rapidly becomes apparent.
A gang cut is a technique for stopping a dull saw blade in its tracks and leaving you with an incomplete slice.
To manage even a huge floor project, you don’t need to spend a fortune on equipment. You will, however, need to purchase the appropriate best tools for laminate flooring and supplies.
And if the items you buy for flooring installation also serve other functions in your DIY endeavors, you can get a double whammy.
Here’s a list of best tools for laminate flooring and specialty saw blades that help you make smooth, accurate, and rapid cuts in durable laminate flooring to help you gain the upper hand and keep cutting.
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Table of Contents
- What is Laminate Flooring?
- Types of Laminate Flooring
- What are the Factors to consider for Laminate Flooring?
- How to Choose the Right Laminate Flooring for Yourself
- Benefits of Laminate Flooring
- List of Relevant Best Tools for Laminate Flooring
- 10 Best Tools for Laminate Flooring in 2024
- #1. A Budget 7.25-Inch Circular Saw – Best Tools for Laminate Flooring
- #2. A 7.25-Inch Circular Saw Blade
- #3. The Jigsaw for Perfect Notches and Curves
- #4. A Laminate-Specific Jigsaw Blade
- #5. Laminate Cutter
- #6. Premixed Drywall Joint Compound
- #7. Undercut Saw or Oscillating Multi-tool
- #8. Pneumatic Nailer
- #9. Wood Glue
- #10. Latex Sealant
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- References
- Recommendations
What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is a synthetic substance, unlike natural flooring options such as wood, stone, or cork. Wear, décor, core, and backer are the four layers that are sealed together during the lamination process.
It was created to be both sturdy and inexpensive. It can imitate the look of more expensive flooring kinds like wood, tile, or stone thanks to the décor layer (a printed picture).
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Types of Laminate Flooring
Materials
Plastic
Plastic laminate flooring is entirely man-made. Because of this, some people avoid it, but it can be half the price of engineered wood laminate.
It’s waterproof and resistant to dents, scratches, and stains, making it ideal for use in filthy or high-traffic areas. Plastic laminate has come a long way to resemble the substance it’s imitating (whether it’s wood, stone, tile, or something else).
Engineered wood
Engineered wood flooring combines layers of actual wood besides acrylic lamination for individuals who want real wood but still want the benefits of laminate flooring.
It can cost twice as much as plastic laminate and is less resistant to damage and wetness. It can, however, be sanded and refinished a few times, making it endure longer than plastic laminate.
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Installation Type
Glueless click
Because it is the simplest to install, this is the most common laminate flooring kind. It’s easy to do and doesn’t make a mess. To completely lock into place, most laminate flooring in this type requires a double-click procedure.
Glued
Laminate flooring was initially introduced in this manner. Applying the adhesive might be a messy operation, but when done correctly, it is a very long-lasting installation method.
Pre-glued
Pre-glued laminate flooring uses a peel-and-stick approach for an easy and mess-free installation. Before they attach the panel to the floor, the pre-applied adhesive may need to be moistened.
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Surface type
Smooth
This is the simplest sort of surface to maintain, but it may appear less realistic if you want your floor to look like natural materials.
Textured
Textured or embossed laminate flooring might resemble the materials it’s modeled after more closely. It is, however, more difficult to clean because of the nooks and crannies.
Distressed
Laminate flooring that has been distressed or hand-scraped appears aged. This is a surface to consider if you want an antique look at a cheaper cost and with greater endurance.
Pattern
Traditional
Originally, laminate flooring looked like wood flooring, therefore, a traditional pattern would follow the breadth and layout of traditional wood floors.
Thin
Thin laminate planks can give a room a more modern feel, yet they may not look as authentic as real wood because narrow hardwood plank flooring isn’t as prevalent.
Wide
Wider plank laminate flooring has a more solid appearance and is more reflective of earlier architectural forms.
Chevron
A chevron or herringbone pattern adds complexity to the decor and can be a standout element.
What are the Factors to consider for Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is quite adaptable. It comes in several finishes to get the aesthetic you want, in addition to the numerous types of materials, installation methods, surface types, and patterns.
It can replicate tile or stone flooring, as well as various types of wood flooring in finishes such as oak, walnut, hickory, and maple.
Varied materials have distinct advantages and disadvantages, but laminate flooring is often a very cost-effective alternative, especially when compared to wood and stone floors.
Material expenses are inexpensive, and the fact that it’s a DIY project keeps renovation expenditures low as well.
Another important factor to consider while buying laminate flooring is its durability. Engineered wood and plastic laminate are two different types of laminate flooring, but laminate is a strong alternative that can withstand things like moving furniture, puppy claws, and broken dishes.
It is waterproof or water-resistant, depending on the material you choose, and cleaning it does not cause the use of specific techniques or products.
Although manufacturers have been able to create laminate flooring that appears to be quite similar to the “genuine thing,” when it comes down to it, this can be the most significant disadvantage.
It may not satisfy you with a laminate flooring alternative if you have a very specific aesthetic in mind that requires wood, stone, tile, or other similar material.
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How to Choose the Right Laminate Flooring for Yourself
With so many types of laminate flooring to choose from, there are a few crucial aspects to consider before deciding on the best one for you.
Wear and Tear
Is it being put to use in a high-traffic area? Choose a model that is particularly sturdy and has a scratch-resistant surface.
Check the AC rating on laminate flooring—AC stands for abrasion criteria, and it’s a rating system for durability, abrasion resistance, and impact resistance. You can use a lower rating in places with less traffic.
Resale value
Engineered wood flooring might increase the value of your home more than plastic laminate if you plan to sell it soon.
Price
Is this part of a broader renovation, or are you just looking to update your flooring? Laminate flooring is cost-effective, and if you’re prioritizing other aspects of a renovation, it might be a wonderful way to save money.
If you want to go all out with your flooring, you may be willing to spend extra on different types of flooring.
Installation
Laminate flooring is a great alternative if you want to do it yourself. If you want a more complicated style, you might want to employ a professional.
Benefits of Laminate Flooring
- Laminate flooring is exceptionally durable: A laminate floor is significantly stronger and more scratch-resistant, impact-resistant, and longer-lasting than any hardwood, vinyl, or carpet because a robust exterior layer and resin coating protects it. It’s almost impervious to dogs, cats, children, and even high heels.
- Stain, fade, and moisture resistance is all features of laminate flooring, and most laminate flooring manufacturers provide lengthy warranties against stains, fading, and moisture damage. Our design studio offers a 25-year warranty on the laminate we sell.
- Laminate flooring is simple to clean and maintain: The improved stain and moisture-resistant surface layer of laminate make spills and other messes a breeze. To keep this unique surface looking wonderful, no waxes or varnishes are required.
- Laminate flooring is cost-effective: Laminate flooring is normally less expensive than other hard surface floors, to begin with, but when you factor in its durability and lifespan, it becomes a particularly cost-effective option.
- Laminate flooring comes in a wide range of styles: While many laminate floors imitate the look of hardwood or stone, the variety of shapes and colors available is virtually endless. You can match the floor to the atmosphere and style of your room with a selection of color tones and patterns, whether it’s rich and elegant or cool and contemporary.
List of Relevant Best Tools for Laminate Flooring
- Underlayment tape:To connect pieces of underlayment tape.
- Utility knife: This makes cutting easier.
- Flooring saw or laminate cutter: To deliver perfect laminate cuts.
- Premixed drywall joint compound
- Drywall knife: For spreading drywall compound.
- Installation tools
- Pry bar
- Wood glue.
- Oscillating multi-tool
- Baseboard
- Finishing nails
- Nail set
- Latex sealant
- T-molds
10 Best Tools for Laminate Flooring in 2024
Wondering about the best tools for laminate flooring and their prices? Below are the best tools for laminate flooring and where they can be purchased:
#1. A Budget 7.25-Inch Circular Saw – Best Tools for Laminate Flooring
A table saw, a miter saw, or a flooring saw are just a few of the specialized tools that can help speed up the installation of laminate flooring.
If money is scarce, though, you can get by with simply a circular saw. To produce the thin strip of flooring that goes parallel to a wall, use the saw to make a rip cut along the board’s length.
When you need to shorten the flooring where it butts to a wall or when offsetting end joints on flooring pieces so they don’t line up, use the saw again, guided by a square head to the flooring’s edge. This 7.25-inch circular saw stands among the best tools for laminate flooring.
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#2. A 7.25-Inch Circular Saw Blade
For modest work, a regular carbide-tip saw blade will suffice. For a larger job, though, you’ll need a blade with more teeth, like this one from DeWalt, which has only four and is formed by fusing commercial polycrystalline diamond grit (also called PCD).
We haven’t tried this blade yet, but we have used others with PCD teeth, and they are as robust as any material we’ve seen.
This DeWalt blade cuts laminate flooring and cement board siding, one of the most hard building materials. I highly recommend this tool as one of the best tools for laminate flooring in 2024.
#3. The Jigsaw for Perfect Notches and Curves
It’s not uncommon to need to cut notches and curves in laminate flooring, and a jigsaw is equipment for the job. Few firms have put as much effort into developing the tool as Bosch has.
Nothing else came close to the JS365’s predecessor in terms of absence of vibration, power, cutting speed, and simplicity of handling.
It, like the Skil, saw above, will be useful for years after the laminate floor installation is complete, as it can be used to cut wood, steel, ceramic tile, plastic, and metal tubing. Its cutting speed and simplicity rank it among the best tools for laminate flooring.
#4. A Laminate-Specific Jigsaw Blade
Apart from the engineering and product development that Bosch has put into jigsaws, the business has put the same effort into jigsaw blades, which explains why there are so many different varieties for every possible material and combination of materials.
The teeth on this carbide-tooth laminate flooring blade point in both directions (toward the blade’s base and de’s tip).
This blade arrangement (we’re not aware of any others) is designed to provide a clean cut in the toughest laminate flooring while reducing chipping along the top edge.
#5. Laminate Cutter
One can’t talk about the best tools for laminate flooring and not mention the powerful laminate cutter.
While you can cut laminate flooring using a conventional circular saw or table saw, I don’t advocate it unless you’re very experienced with those saws. A unique laminate saw makes cutting straight cuts on laminate boards a breeze.
A laminate cutter, like a laminate, saw, delivers flawless, straight-across cuts by cutting almost like a paper cutter.
A laminate cutter’s only drawback is that it can’t be used to cut boards lengthwise (also known as ‘tear’ the boards), something you’ll almost certainly need to do at some time.
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#6. Premixed Drywall Joint Compound
Before placing your underlayment, use a drywall joint compound to patch tiny defects in your subfloor.
You don’t have to worry about combining a powdered solution with water because the premixed kind comes in a tub.
Scoop it out, fill in the gaps, and let it cure, exactly like putty. If at all workable, choose the quick-drying variety so you don’t have to wait for it to dry for 24 hours.
This is not a fix for large holes or other severe damage to your floor; it’s just for filling in small gaps or evening-out regions with less than a 12-inch variation.
Consider using self-leveling underlayment to hide larger flaws or to level the entire floor of the room. Do you still think this premixed drywall joint compound is not part of the best tools for laminate flooring? Then check it out!!
#7. Undercut Saw or Oscillating Multi-tool
You’ll undoubtedly run into some unique edges, door frames, built-in cabinetry, and so on that aren’t perfectly aligned with the surrounding walls, depending on the area you’re covering.
Making a cut in the wood and sliding the flooring underneath is much easier than butting the flooring up against the edge and trying to cover it later with molding. You’ll need an undercut saw to make this strangely positioned cut.
An oscillating multi-tool (they could have come up with a better name for it if you ask me, but what do I know?) is another fascinating choice and the one I used when I couldn’t find an undercut saw for rent.
This multi-purpose tool can be used for a variety of tasks, including making small cuts in wood and metal.
It turns out that it’s ideal for cutting around door frames. It may also be used for sanding, which is a pleasant bonus when finishing your project. One of the features of the best tools for laminate flooring is their durability and efficiency. This undercut saw possesses this feature.
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#8. Pneumatic Nailer
Finishing nails should be driven flush with the baseboard so they don’t protrude. If you try to do this with simply a hammer, the baseboard will get a hammer-head-shaped dent in the nail.
The trick is to push the nail almost all the way in, then finish the job with a tool called a nail set. A nail set is a long, pencil-like metal item with a tip that is somewhat smaller than the nail head.
Place the nail set against the nail head, then finish driving the nail in with the hammer without ever contacting the baseboard.
If you want to get fancy, you can use a pneumatic Nailer.
#9. Wood Glue
The tongue-and-groove system built into most laminate boards will allow them to fit together. However, you may need to trim irregular-shaped boards to fit into tight spaces, which may necessitate removing the tongue, groove, or both.
Because there is no tongue and groove to hold two boards together, you’ll want to use a line of wood glue to establish a solid bond where they meet.
#10. Latex Sealant
This will be utilized to fill up the small gap between your molding and the wall. It’s also useful for concealing the points of your finished nails in the baseboard.
You won’t even have to paint over the top if you choose a color that matches your baseboard (white is a wonderful choice). I can boldly say that this latex sealant is one of the best tools for laminate flooring out there in 2024.
Conclusion
As you can see, for you to laminate flooring effectively, you need the right and best tools for laminate flooring. These tools also require proper maintenance if it’s going to function efficiently over time.
You can endeavor to go through this article again to gain full knowledge of the best tools for laminate flooring. we hope this article has fully enlightened your mind regarding the best tools for laminate flooring in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Laminate flooring is available in a variety of thicknesses, including 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm. The more expensive the flooring, the thicker it is. The thickness of a board only refers to the distance between the base and the top of the board. This measurement does not include a pad that is attached to the board. If you want the floor to appear like real wood, 10mm-12mm is highly recommended.
Laminate flooring offers several advantages: it is less expensive than other options, it can be installed yourself, it comes in a variety of styles, and it is generally easy to clean and maintain. However, it is unlikely to boost resale value, and some alternatives are less durable due to varied AC ratings and thicknesses.
For laminate flooring, underlayment is strongly advised. It impacts how the laminate feels, sounds, and lasts. Underlayment helps to eliminate difficulties caused by subfloor irregularities that might cause laminate flooring to split apart.
Laminate floors have an average life expectancy of 15 to 25 years, but this might vary between 10 and 30 years.
You need the best tools for laminate flooring for effective and efficient flooring.
References
- Popular mechanics. com — Laminate Flooring Tools | Tools for Installing Laminate Flooring
- Pratthomes. com — 5 Benefits Of Laminate Flooring
- Homebuilding. com — Tools for Laminate Flooring: What do I Need?
- Cabanastateofmind. com — Tools For Installing Laminate Flooring
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