Before you start: preparation and moisture
Wood moves with changes in moisture, so flooring jobs begin with preparation:
- Moisture meter to check the wood flooring and, depending on the subfloor, the subfloor itself. Follow the flooring manufacturer’s guidance for acceptable readings and for how long to let boards acclimate.
- Straightedge and level to check the subfloor for flat spots and dips. Many manufacturers specify a flatness tolerance.
- Scraper, floor leveling supplies and a vacuum to clean and prepare the surface.
Measuring and layout tools
- Tape measure for the room and board lengths
- Chalk line for a straight starter line across the subfloor
- Speed square or combination square for marking square cuts
- Pencil and utility knife for marking and trimming underlayment
Cutting tools
- Miter saw for fast crosscuts of boards
- Table saw or circular saw for ripping boards to width for the first or last rows
- Jigsaw for curves and cuts around pipes and vents
- Undercut saw or oscillating multi-tool to trim door casings and jambs so boards can slide underneath
- Handsaw for small adjustments
If you are new to these tools, our overview of carpenter tools explains what each saw does.
Fastening and installation tools
- Flooring nailer or stapler. Used for nail-down installations of tongue-and-groove hardwood. Manual versions are struck with a mallet, and pneumatic versions need a compressor. Use fasteners and settings recommended for your flooring.
- Air compressor and hose for pneumatic tools
- Rubber mallet or dead-blow hammer to tap boards and strike a manual nailer
- Tapping block and pull bar. A tapping block protects board edges when closing joints, and a pull bar lets you tighten boards where there is no room to swing a hammer, such as the last rows near a wall.
- Spacers to maintain the expansion gap around the room, which most manufacturers call for
- Pry bar for removing baseboards and shoe molding
- Finish nailer or brad nailer for reinstalling trim, covered in our finish carpentry tools list
Removing old flooring
- Flat bar and pry bar to lift boards and trim
- Hammer and nail puller for stubborn nails
- Reciprocating saw or oscillating tool to cut boards into sections
- Floor scraper for glued-down floors or adhesive residue
- Utility knife for carpet and underlayment
- Knee pads, gloves, safety glasses and heavy trash bags for cleanup
Older floors, adhesives or underlayments can sometimes contain hazardous materials. If you suspect this in an older home, have the material tested before disturbing it.
Refinishing tools
Refinishing needs different equipment than installation:
- Floor sanders. A large drum or orbital machine does the main sanding, an edge sander handles areas near walls, and hand tools cover corners. The differences between machines are covered in our guide to floor sander types.
- Sandpaper in a graded series and replacement belts or discs
- Scraper and detail sander for corners and stair edges
- Shop vacuum and tack cloths for dust removal between steps
- Applicators. Lambswool or microfiber applicators, brushes and pads for stain and finish.
- Respirator, ear protection and eye protection. Sanding and finishing create dust and fumes. Check the finish label for the type of respirator and ventilation needed.
Safety and cleanup
- Safety glasses and hearing protection
- Knee pads for long sessions at floor level
- Dust mask or respirator as appropriate
- Broom, shop vacuum and clean rags
Rent, borrow or buy
Many homeowners rent the large, specialized items such as a floor sander, edger or pneumatic flooring nailer, since they are rarely needed again. Common hand tools like a tape measure, chalk line, mallet, pull bar and spacers are inexpensive and usually bought. Ask the rental shop to explain the machine and its safety features before you leave.
Frequently asked questions
What tools are needed to remove hardwood floors?
A flat bar, pry bar, hammer, nail puller, reciprocating saw or oscillating tool, scraper, utility knife and basic safety gear. A floor scraper helps with glued-down boards.
How much does it cost to refinish 1,000 square feet of hardwood floors?
Prices vary widely by region, floor condition, finish type and whether you hire a professional or rent equipment. Get at least a few local quotes and compare their scope, such as the number of sanding passes, stain, coats of finish and furniture moving. A do-it-yourself job lowers labor cost but adds rental, supplies and the risk of mistakes.
What are the most common types of flooring materials?
Common choices include solid hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, vinyl, tile, carpet and natural stone. Each calls for different tools and installation methods.
What is the best thing for hardwood floors?
Follow your flooring manufacturer’s care instructions. In general, regular sweeping or vacuuming with a soft attachment, quick cleanup of spills, felt pads under furniture and a cleaner made for your type of finish are widely recommended.