Everything You Need for a Successful Vinyl Floor Installation
Luxury Vinyl Tile, also called LVT flooring is becoming increasingly popular due to its durability, low-maintenance, and wide range of design options.
Whether you are planning to install the LVT yourself, or you are looking to hire a flooring professional, it's important to have the right tools to ensure a successful installation.
From measuring and cutting to levelling and cleaning, there are various tools available to make your LVT floor installation easier and more efficient.
With experience of over 10 years in the flooring industry, we are here to help you choose the essential LVT flooring tools you need to achieve professional and durable flooring finish. We will do our best to cover everything from LVT cutters and vinyl floor installation tools to additional accessories that can enhance your installation experience.
So, what tools do you need to install LVT flooring?
Vinyl Measuring Tools
Tape Measure or Folding Rule.
You need to use a tape measure or folding rule for accurately measuringing your room and to determine the layout of your LVT flooring project.
Here are some suggestions you can find in our shop: Stanley Powerlock Tape Measure 8m, and Leica Disto D2 Distance Measure.
Straight Edge
A long, straight piece of material (like a level or a metal ruler) assists in making straight cuts across the flooring.
The most popular straight edges are supplied by Pajarito brand: Pajarito 2M Flexible Straight Edge, Pajarito 2M Flexible Straight Edge with T-Square. You can also view our other Straight Edges options.
Pencil
A pencil is a simple yet essential tool for making notes, marking cutting and sawing lines on the LVT tiles. It allows you to accurately mark the tiles before cutting them, ensuring precise and clean cuts. Avoid using a pen for marking as this may leave permanent marks on the vinyl tile.
Calculator
A calculator comes in handy for calculating the number of tiles needed and for planning the layout of your vinyl flooring.
Tape
Tapes are used for fixing the underlay and for creating a stable substrate for the LVT flooring. We supply various tapes like: masking tape, duct tape, concrete tapes etc.
LVT Cutters
One of the most important tools you'll need for LVT installation is an LVT cutter. These tools are specifically designed to cut through luxury vinyl tiles with precision and ease. We offer a range of LVT cutters supplied by top brands like Roberts, Crain or Wolff and others:
Roberts R10900 Vinyl Tile Cutter - This 12-inch vinyl tile cutter from Roberts is lightweight and versatile. It's designed to cut LVT composition tiles with accuracy, allowing you to achieve professional finishes.
Crain 18inch Vinyl Tile Cutter - The Crain Vinyl Tile Cutter is a heavy-duty machine that cuts up to 18" vinyl tiles straight or 12" tiles on a 45-degree angle. It features a steel-reinforced blade carrier and a ridged base for a straight and accurate cutting.
Wolff 13357 Combi Scriber - The Wolff 13357 Combi Scriber is a versatile tool used for scribing and cutting vinyl floor coverings. It can be used as a scriber and counter scriber, making it a multi-functional tool. Using an LVT cutter ensures clean and precise cuts, allowing tiles to fit together seamlessly.
Using an LVT cutter ensures clean and precise cuts, allowing tiles to fit together seamlessly.A retractable utility knife with a sharp replaceable blades is vital for cutting LVT planks or tiles.
At Flooring Tools Direct we provide a wide range of vinyl tile cutters: Roberts Pro Utility Flooring Knife, Dolphin Knife, Wolff Knife, Janser Dolphin Knife Sky Blue
The most popular blades are in concave shape. A concave cutter knife allows for easy and precise cutting LVT flooring. Some suggestions of vinyl knife blades are: Floorfit Hook Blades, Roberts Heavy Duty Straight Blades, Sweeney Todd Concave Blades in Plastic Box, Stanley Concave Blades, Wolff 13419 Straight Blades etc.
Bevel Tool
A bevel tool is used to measure the corners and ensure accurate installations in angled areas of the room. It helps you determine the correct angle and shape for the LVT tiles, ensuring a seamless fit in any space. Janser Bevelling Master - is perfect for chamfering a tiny amount from the edge of a tile or removing the backing from LVT tiles.
t's a handy tool for achieving professional-looking finishes. Wolff 15621 Fas Trimmer - is designed to create a chamfered edge of 25 degrees to the surfaces of LVT's and design floor coverings after they have been cut.
Underlayment and Adhesive Tools
Trowels for Adhesive
For spreading adhesive, a notched trowel helps in achieving an even application of adhesive on the subfloor. You may also need LVT adhesive and adhesive trowels or spatulas. If you opt for a glue-down LVT, you will need a trowel to apply the adhesive evenly on the subfloor. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct trowel size and adhesive application.
Here are some suggestions of Adhesive spreaders: Adhesive Spreader Handle and Fixed Blade 18cm, Wolff 41784 Ergostar Spatula 21cm, Adhesive Trowel Blade A2, with Adhesive Trowel Handle Wooden.
Adhesives and Levelling Compound
Depending on the type of LVT flooring you choose, you may need a levelling compound to level your subfloor. There are a range of levelling compound brands available on the market: Don Construction levelling compounds, Mapei, F-Ball, Uzin etc.
The most popular and cost effective fast set levelling compound we provide is Cemflow Renovation, which contains reinforcement fibres and can be laid at 5-50 mm nominal. The adhesives we provide are: Uzin KE2000s Adhesive for vinyl, LVTs and Rubber, Uzin KE66 Adhesive.
Cutting Equipment
Jigsaw of Circular Saw
These power tools equipped with a fine-toothed blade can be used for cutting LVT planks or tiles when a flooring cutter isn't available.
Multi Tool or Oscillating Tool
Useful for intricate cuts or trimming around obstacles like door frames or pipes.
Installation Tools
Rubber Mallet / Crowbar and Tapping Block
These tools are used to click the floor firmly into place.
Rubber Mallet is crucial for gently tapping LVT planks into place without causing damage. Feel free to check our mallets available: Rubber Mallet Black, Rubber Mallet White.
These tools are used to click the floor firmly into place.Spacers make it easy to maintain a consistent distance between the walls and your vinyl floorboards, ensuring proper alignment. T-shaped or wedge-shaped spacers maintain consistent expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room and between flooring pieces.
Pull Bar
A pull bar, such as the Roberts Laminate and Wood Flooring Installation Kit, assists in fitting the last row of planks snugly against the wall.
Flooring Rollover
Essential for pressing down LVT planks or tiles onto the adhesive or underlayment, ensuring proper bonding.
At Flooring Tools Direct we supply LVT floor rollers like: Wolff 56403 Pressure Roller 68kg, Crain Steel Hand Roller, Wolff 73709 Duo Pressure Roller
Shaping Tools
When dealing with curved or irregular edges, using heat can soften the LVT, making it more pliable and easier to shape.
Health and Safety Gear / PPE for LVT installation
Health and safety are the most important part of the construction industry. When handling LVT tiles and using cutting tools, it's important to wear gloves and personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect your hands and body.
Also, gloves provide a better grip on the tiles and protect your hands from any sharp edges or cuts. PPE, such as safety glasses and knee pads, can also be beneficial during the installation process.
Gel-filled or foam knee pads provide cushioning and protect knees from strain during extended periods of installation. The most popular knee pads brand are Crain, Fento, Wolff and Sneekers.
We provide a range of professional, medically tested knee pads for flooring contractors as per below:
Crain 197 Comfort Knee Pads
Fento Original 200 Pro Knee Pads
Medical Knee Pads
Leather XL Supersoft Knee Pads 2019
Work Gloves
Protect hands from cuts, splinters, and sharp edges.Safety Glasses
Eye protection is crucial when cutting or working with materials that produce debris.Dust Mask / Respirator
Especially important when cutting LVT to reduce inhalation of dust particles.
Cleaning Tools
Cleaning tools are necessary for preparing the subfloor and for the necessary cleaning work during and after installation.
Vacuum Cleaner/Broom/Pail: Clearing the installation area of debris before and after laying the flooring.
Damp Cloth/Mop/Towel/Sponge: For wiping off excess adhesive or cleaning the surface of the installed LVT.
Additional tools for installing luxury vinyl tiles
Cleaning tools are necessary for preparing the subfloor and for the necessary cleaning work during and after installation.
Depending on the specific requirements of your installation, you may also need additional flooring tools like a hole cutter for cutting holes in vinyl sheets or tiles, a wall roller for rolling vinyl floor coverings, and a floor scraper for removing adhesives.
Where can you buy professional Vinyl Tools?
There is a variety of LVT flooring tools suppliers. You can find these LVT tools at various DIY centers, specialty flooring stores, and online retailers that sell flooring supplies.
It's important to ensure that you are using high-quality tools to achieve the best results in your LVT flooring installation.
If you're unsure about the specific tools needed or how to install LVT flooring, it's always a good idea to consult the manufacturer's installation guidelines for guidance and recommendations specific to your LVT flooring product.
These tools are some of the most commonly used in LVT flooring installations. However, it's important to note that the specific tools required may vary depending on the brand and type of LVT flooring you are installing. It's always a good idea to consult the
manufacturer's installation guidelines or seek advice from a professional for specific tool recommendations for your particular LVT flooring.
When it comes to installing luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring, having the right tools is essential for achieving professional results. LVT cutters, vinyl floor installation tools, and additional accessories make the installation process easier, more efficient, and more precise. With the right tools on hand, you can measure, cut, level, and clean your LVT flooring with confidence. Remember to source your tools from reputable suppliers to ensure quality and reliability.
So, get equipped with the essential LVT flooring tools, and enjoy a successful and satisfying vinyl floor installation experience!
