Tools & Materials Vol.2: Cushion Floor Installation

u270fufe0f Originally published: 2021-07-25 / ud83dudd04 Updated: May 8, 2026

u270fufe0f 2026 Update from DIY Dad: DIY Renovation Tools & Materials Guide for Apartments

This post introduces the tools and materials DIY Dad actually used in apartment renovations. Knowing what to gather is the first step toward doing the work yourself. ^ ^

Tools for Wallpaper Installation

Essential tools:

• Wallpaper cutting knife (stock extra blades)
• Smoothing brush (for pressing out air bubbles)
• Straight edge (cutting guide)
• Joint roller (for pressing seams)
• Sponge (for wiping excess paste)
• Stepladder (for ceiling work)

Tools for Cushion Floor Installation

Essential tools:

• Heavy-duty cutting knife (thick-blade type for CF)
• Straight edge (for trimming CF edges)
• Roller (for pressing down after adhesive application)
• Hand saw (for cutting base molding)
• Template paper (for complex shapes)

Materials:

• Cushion floor roll (buy 10u201320 cm more than room size)
• Double-sided floor tape or dedicated adhesive
• Base molding (if replacing)

Purchase CF in a single roll and cut on-site. One sheet per room is ideal u2014 seams are visible and best avoided. ^ ^

Wall Base Preparation Tools

• Sealer (primer/consolidant)
• Putty (leveling compound)
• Putty trowel
• Sandpaper
• Masker and masking tape

Older properties often have fiber walls, sand-plaster walls, or Juraku clay walls that can’t be wallpapered as-is. The sequence is: sealer u2192 putty u2192 sanding. m(_ _)m

The Importance of Masking

Thorough masking keeps paint and adhesive where they belong, produces clean lines, and dramatically reduces cleanup time. Don’t skip it. ^ ^

ud83cudfe2 For Anyone Considering Apartment Investment or Renovation

Cost-effectiveness is everything. DIY Dad drastically reduces costs by doing the work himself. ^ ^

Marutoku Shop | Renovation materials and lumber online u00bb

Hello, this is DIY Dad. ^ ^

This post introduces the tools and materials used for cushion floor (CF) installation. Key tools: CF press roller, trowel, utility knife, and notched trowel. Key materials: CF adhesive and sealer bond.

CF Press Roller

Rolls over the installed cushion floor to press out any trapped air bubbles after bonding.

Trowel

DIY Dad shares the same trowel between wallpaper and CF work. Used to press the CF down flat and as a guide for the utility knife when trimming.

Utility Knife

Heavy-duty, large-format type u2014 needs to handle firm pressure when cutting CF.

Replacement Blades

Always keep plenty on hand u2014 blades dull quickly when cutting CF.

CF Adhesive (Large Container)

This one comes in a large size, so DIY Dad transfers it into the smaller container shown below for actual use.

CF Adhesive (Working Container)

Always use the proper dedicated adhesive for cushion floor installation. There’s advice online suggesting wood glue works as a cheap alternative u2014 but over time, the CF will lift. DIY Dad has seen plenty of people dealing with lifted CF they bonded with wood glue. He has never once met anyone who successfully used it long-term.

This adhesive requires an open time (flash time) before bonding. In summer, that’s roughly 10u201315 minutes.

Wood Glue u2014 What NOT to Use

This is the wood glue that will get you into trouble. For cushion floor: wood glue u2014 absolutely not!

Notched Trowel (Kushi-hera)

Used to spread the CF adhesive evenly across the floor in consistent ridges.

Seam Sealer

Used on cushion floor seams. It apparently works by chemically fusing (dissolving) the two CF pieces together u2014 essentially welding them. Honestly, looking at the finished result, it’s hard to tell that’s what happened u2014 but that seems to be the principle.

That’s all for today! (^^)/~~~

ud83dudd27 DIY Dad’s Recommended Power Tools

A compact, USB rechargeable cordless driver set that’s easy for anyone to use u2014 even beginners.

ud83dudcdd DIY Dad’s note u2014 Premium Article

Real Cost & Timeline Database for DIY Renovation
Detailed actual cost records for renovating every room across apartments and two houses. Estimate comparison data broken down by wallpaper, flooring, and plumbing.
u00a5500 u2014 View the real numbers u2192

ud83dudcdd DIY Dad’s note u2014 Premium Article

DIY Renovation Estimate Review Manual
How to read renovation quotes through the eyes of a mechanical engineer. Unit price benchmarks, how to spot inflated figures, and negotiation tactics u2014 fully disclosed.
u00a5300 u2014 Scrutinize the quote u2192

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