Best Tools for DIY Flooring: Save Time and Get Pro Results

When it comes to installing luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, having the right tools can make all the difference between a frustrating weekend project and a smooth, professional-looking finish. That's where The Ultimate Flooring Guy comes in—sharing decades of experience to help DIYers and homeowners install flooring with confidence.

In this post, we're diving into one of his latest tips: how to cut and install quarter round like a pro using one of his most valuable tools. Whether you're trimming a single room or taking on your whole house, these insights will save you time and help you get cleaner results.

Why Polystyrene Quarter Round Is a Game Changer

One of the first tips The Ultimate Flooring Guy shares is his go-to material for quarter round: polystyrene. It's waterproof, cost-effective, and blends seamlessly with most baseboards. Even better? It doesn't require painting—an added bonus for busy homeowners or installers looking to cut down on finishing time.

While polystyrene doesn't always cut as cleanly as wood, there are workarounds to make it look flawless. With the right tools and caulking technique, you can achieve crisp, professional edges that blend into your baseboards perfectly.

Planning Ahead: Lay Out Your Trim

Before any cutting happens, he recommends laying out all your quarter round pieces in the room where they'll be installed. Break them roughly to size, leaving a little extra length for final trimming. This not only speeds up the process but ensures you've got every piece you need before you start locking things into place.

His Most Valuable Tool: The Manual Angle Cutter

Years ago, cutting quarter round required a chop saw or miter saw, which meant running back and forth between the room and your cutting station—slowing down the process and adding a lot of unnecessary work.

But times have changed. Now, one of The Ultimate Flooring Guy's favorite tools is a manual angle cutter—a compact, efficient tool that allows you to make clean angle cuts right where you're working. No power tools, no mess, and no constant back-and-forth.

This little tool is so effective that he calls it his MVT: Most Valuable Tool.

Making the Right Cuts

With a bit of practice, The Ultimate Flooring Guy has gotten so efficient with this tool that he can eyeball most of his cuts. For door jambs, he suggests a 33° angle, matching the shape and layout of the trim. For corners, you'll use 45° cuts, just like you would for baseboards.

Once the pieces are cut, he test-fits them to ensure the angles match and the edges come together cleanly. And if there's a small gap? No problem.

Caulking for a Seamless Finish

After your pieces are cut and installed, it's time for the finishing touch—white caulk. Caulking fills in any gaps, smooths the joints, and gives the quarter round a seamless, built-in look.

He also suggests checking for leftover caulk from a previous install (especially if you're replacing old quarter round). A simple utility knife will help remove it so the new trim sits flush.

Final Thoughts

With a simple shift in materials and tools, you can transform the way you approach LVP flooring projects. Using polystyrene quarter round and a manual angle cutter not only speeds up your workflow but delivers professional results that look amazing in any space.

For more pro-level tips and tool recommendations, be sure to visit UltimateFlooringGuy.com and follow along on YouTube. Whether you're a DIYer or a professional, you'll find all the knowledge and tools you need to install beautiful floors with confidence.