The Most Commonly Rented Tools for Home Renovation Projects

Home renovation projects can be exciting, but they often require specialized tools that many homeowners don’t own. Buying these tools outright can be expensive—especially if they’re only needed for one project. That’s where equipment rentals come in. At Equip Rentals, we provide Ontario homeowners and contractors with access to high-quality, affordable tools that make renovations more efficient and less stressful.

If you’re planning to upgrade your home, here’s a guide to the most commonly rented tools for home renovation projects—and why renting is often the smarter choice.

1. Power Drills and Impact Drivers

No renovation project is complete without a reliable power drill or impact driver. These tools are essential for everything from hanging drywall to installing cabinetry. Renting ensures you have the latest model with plenty of torque and battery life, without the long-term investment.

Why homeowners rent them:

• Affordable for short-term projects.

• Professional-grade drills provide better performance than basic homeowner models.

• Perfect for high-demand projects like deck building or basement finishing.

Tip: Choose an impact driver for heavy-duty fastening tasks and a standard drill for more versatile applications.

2. Tile Cutters and Wet Saws

Bathroom and kitchen renovations often involve new tile, which means you’ll need a tile cutter or wet saw to achieve precise cuts and a professional finish. These tools can be costly to buy but are easy and affordable to rent.

Benefits of renting tile tools:

• Ensures clean, accurate cuts for backsplashes, flooring, or shower walls.

• Saves time compared to manual scoring tools.

• Allows you to work with materials like porcelain, ceramic, or stone.

Tip: Rent a wet saw with a diamond blade for larger tile jobs or natural stone installations.

3. Floor Sanders and Polishers

Refinishing hardwood floors is one of the most common DIY renovation projects in Ontario homes. A floor sander is a must-have to strip old finishes, while a polisher helps achieve a smooth, professional result.

Why they’re popular rentals:

• Buying sanding machines is expensive, and most homeowners only need them once.

• Professional-grade equipment produces more even results than hand tools.

• Saves significant time compared to manual sanding.

Tip: Always pair floor sanding with proper safety gear like dust masks and goggles to protect yourself from fine wood dust.

4. Jackhammers and Concrete Breakers

For bigger projects like basement renovations, landscaping, or tearing up driveways, a jackhammer or concrete breaker is essential. These heavy-duty tools are rarely owned by homeowners, making them a popular rental.

Why homeowners rent them:

• Perfect for breaking through concrete, asphalt, or stone.

• Renting avoids the high purchase and storage costs.

• Available in electric or pneumatic models depending on the project.

Tip: If you’re working indoors, an electric jackhammer is quieter and easier to maneuver.

The Most Commonly Rented Tools for Home Renovation Projects

5. Pressure Washers

A pressure washer is one of the most commonly rented tools for outdoor renovation projects, from prepping decks and siding to cleaning driveways.

Benefits of renting pressure washers:

• Ideal for one-time seasonal cleanups.

• Helps prepare surfaces for painting or sealing.

• Available in gas or electric models for different levels of power.

Tip: For delicate surfaces like wood decks, choose a lower PSI washer to avoid damage.

6. Nail Guns and Staplers

Framing, flooring, and trim work are much faster and more precise with a nail gun or stapler. These tools save hours compared to using a hammer and nails, especially on large-scale projects.

Why homeowners rent them:

• Wide variety available, from framing nailers to finish nailers.

• Saves time on repetitive fastening tasks.

• Ideal for basement finishing, fencing, and flooring.

Tip: Rent the right size and type of nail gun for your specific project—framing nailers for structural work, finish nailers for trim.

7. Scaffolding and Ladders

Many home renovations—like painting, siding, or ceiling repairs—require working at height. Scaffolding and ladders are popular rentals because they provide stability and safety without the need for permanent storage.

Benefits of renting:

• Safer than makeshift solutions like chairs or unstable ladders.

• Adjustable scaffolding is ideal for exterior projects.

• Easy to set up and take down after the project is complete.

Tip: Always rent scaffolding that fits the height and scale of your renovation safely.

8. Air Compressors and Spray Guns

Painting projects are much faster and smoother with air compressors and spray guns. They allow for professional-grade coverage on walls, ceilings, fences, or cabinets.

Why they’re popular rentals:

• Achieve smooth, even finishes with less effort.

• Perfect for large-scale painting projects.

• More efficient than rollers or brushes.

Tip: Rent a compressor that matches the spray gun’s requirements to ensure consistent performance.

9. Demolition Tools and Saws

Renovations often start with demolition, which requires tools like reciprocating saws, demolition hammers, and angle grinders. These are some of the most commonly rented tools because they’re powerful but not often used after the project is complete.

Benefits of renting demolition tools:

• Makes tearing down walls, flooring, or old cabinetry much easier.

• Saves time and energy compared to manual demolition.

• Access to heavy-duty saws that can cut through wood, metal, or drywall.

Tip: Equip yourself with safety glasses, gloves, and dust masks when using demolition tools.

10. Generators and Lighting

If you’re working in a basement, garage, or outdoor space, access to power and proper lighting can be a challenge. Generators and jobsite lighting are commonly rented to keep projects running smoothly.

Why Ontario homeowners rent them:

• Portable generators provide reliable power for tools.

• Jobsite lighting ensures safe working conditions.

• Essential for larger renovations or projects in unfinished spaces.

Tip: Rent LED floodlights for energy efficiency and bright, consistent lighting.

Why Renting is Smarter Than Buying

Renting tools from Equip Rentals offers Ontario homeowners significant advantages over buying:

• Cost Savings: Avoid the high upfront cost of rarely used tools.

• Convenience: No need to store bulky equipment.

• Quality: Access professional-grade tools that deliver better results.

• Flexibility: Choose the exact tools you need for each project.

  
  

Final Thoughts

From power drills and tile cutters to floor sanders and jackhammers, the right tools make all the difference in home renovation projects. But owning every tool isn’t practical—or affordable. That’s why renting from Equip Rentals is the easiest, most cost-effective way to tackle renovations with confidence.

Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, refinishing your floors, or tearing out an old deck, we provide the tools you need to get the job done right.