Vinyl plank flooring is one of the easiest kinds of flooring to install. Furthermore, if done well, it can look expensive while still being inexpensive!
You can use a variety of tools, including a tile cutter, a saw, a jigsaw, a circular saw, or a table saw, to cut vinyl plank flooring.
We’ll go through the process of cutting vinyl plank flooring step by step. And we’ll give you some hints and tips to get a professional look.
Ready to find out more? Then let’s get started!
How to Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring
Step 1: Determine What Kind of Cut You Need to Make
Depending on the direction of the cut you must make, you’ll need to employ a specific technique.
If you’re going to shorten your vinyl plank, you can use the scoring technique. This is something you’ll frequently need to do to fit a plank at the end of a row.
But you might also need to make your plank narrower in width. Along the longest walls, that is frequently required. You’ll need a jigsaw to do that because it will require cutting a much longer length of plank.
Step 2: Measure and Mark Your Cut
You’re prepared to mark your cut line now that you know which technique you’ll employ.
Using your pencil or chalk, mark the length of the plank along the top surface. The framing square will then be in position. The horizontal side should be parallel to the side of the plank you won’t be cutting. You must align the vertical side with your chalk or pencil mark.
Now take your pencil or chalk and draw a line through the mark. To create a straight edge, trace along the side of the framing square. The edge of the plank you won’t be cutting will be perpendicular to your line.
By laying the plank on the ground, you can also mark where you made your cut. Then mark a line where the previous plank ends. Just remember to account for the necessary expansion gap. This YouTube video shows you how to mark up your plank without measuring.
Step 3 (For Shorter Cuts Only): Score Your Cutting Line
Now is the time to score your cutting line if you’re using the score-and-snap technique. Just remember to use this technique when you need to make quick cuts, like when you need to chop off the end of a plank.
Start by making sure the plank you’re going to cut is held firmly in place. Putting it on the ground and resting your knee on top of it is one of the simplest ways to accomplish this. But if you do this, put a scrap piece of flooring underneath the plank you’re going to cut. This will prevent any floor damage.
As an alternative, you can hold the plank firmly in place on a workbench or countertop using your hand.
Once again using your framing square, place one edge along the top of the plank. Along your cutting line is where the other edge should be placed. To hold the square in place, place your non-dominant hand on top of it. (So if you’re right-handed, this will be your left hand.)
Take your utility knife now, and firmly run the blade along the cutting line. You only need to cut through the plank about halfway, so don’t exert too much pressure. If you need to, you can run the blade down the cutting line a second or third time to form a deeper groove.
Step 5 (For Shorter Cuts Only): Snap Off the Cut Section
Next, flip the plank over. As before, you want to weigh down the larger section. Use your knee if you’ve placed the plank on the floor. Lean on it with your non-dominant arm if you have set it on a workbench or countertop.
In your dominant hand, take the end of the plank that you want to snap off. Sharply raise it up so that it faces you. It should simply snap off.
Do not pull if it does not snap right away because you run the risk of splintering the plank. Replace it with a new side of the plank. Use your framing square and utility knife to score the cutting line once more to make a deeper groove. The plank should then be turned back over, the longer end weighed down, and another attempt made.
Step 6: (For Longer Cuts): Secure Your Plank for Cutting
Clamp the plank to the top of your workbench if you have one. A table or countertop edge works equally well for positioning it lengthwise.
The section of the plank you’re going to cut off should extend over the side of the bench or counter, so clamp it in place. To accommodate your jigsaw blade, you’ll need a clear area beneath the cut line. Make sure the clamps are twisted as tight as they’ll go.
Put on safety goggles because the jigsaw can spew small pieces of vinyl and plank as you cut.
Step 7: Cut Along the Line With the Jigsaw
Place the jigsaw so that the smooth plate is perched atop the plank. You want the blade to be at the start of the cut line, with the teeth facing away from you. You will move the jigsaw away from your body as you cut.
In order to start your jigsaw, place both hands on top of it and depress the trigger. You must push the jigsaw in the cutting direction because it will only move the blade up and down. Use gentle pressure to avoid forcing the blade through the plank and to keep it aligned with your cutting line.
Which Tool is Best for the Cutting of Vinyl Planks?
There are many tools that you can use for the cutting of the vinyl plank flooring, such as a tile cutter, a saw, a jigsaw, a circular saw, a table saw, a miter saw, a utility knife, and a Read the tool descriptions to learn how to use each one and to determine which one will help you cut the planks perfectly.
1. Tile Cutter
You can easily find a tile cutter at any store or shop near you and can use it for the cutting of the vinyl planks. There are numerous varieties of tile cutters on the market, but the one designed for cutting ceramic tiles is not the best option for cutting vinyl planks.
You’ll need to have the laminate tile or vinyl tile cutter for the vinyl flooring because of the sharp guillotine blade of this cutter. You can cut the vinyl planks precisely and cleanly with the aid of this sharp blade. (Read More: 10 Best Mop For Laminate Floors – Best Ways to Clean)
2. the Hand Saw
The handsaw is your best option if you’re not an expert and want to cut vinyl planks because it’s simple to use. One thing to keep in mind is that since you won’t be using the saw for wood or other similar surfaces, the teeth shouldn’t be rough. Always cut the planks with a saw that has very small teeth.
3. Jigsaw
When experts need to cut vinyl planks, they typically use a jigsaw. The jigsaw’s versatility enables you to cut any shape precisely with it. Using a jigsaw, you can easily cut planks to fit the awkward corners of your space. To get the best cut for your vinyl planks, make sure to use the proper blade in a jigsaw.
Use a less aggressive jigsaw blade with fine teeth to precisely cut the flooring planks without harming them. To create a seamless and beautifully finished flooring system, you can easily cut sharp ends with a jigsaw, fitting the unusual ends to the neighboring plank.
4. Miter Saw
Cutting vinyl plank flooring also requires the use of a miter saw. It can help you cut most of your vinyl planks, though it is not the best method for all cuts. Most of the time, the mitre saw serves as a table saw. However, it is not the best option for longitudinal cuts.
Therefore, you’ll need to use another tool, such as a jigsaw or a tile cutter, for the cutting of vinyl or wooden tile flooring in this direction. To make precise cuts in the vinyl flooring planks, always use a miter saw blade with a high tooth per inch count.
5. Circular Saw
The circular saw is one of the most efficient tools for the cutting of vinyl planks. It is even better than a jigsaw. It is much faster than other tools at cutting vinyl planks. Because it works well for almost every use, it is simple to complete this task using a low-cost circular saw.
The circular saw is an alternative that is also smaller and easier to handle if you believe that a circular saw is a very large machine and you are unable to use it properly. For cutting vinyl planks, you can use a mini-handheld circular saw, which is lightweight and just as effective as a circular saw.
6. Table Saw
The best tool to use when cutting vinyl planks is a table saw. 90% of the professionals in vinyl flooring use a table saw for the cutting of the planks. When installing vinyl planks at your home, a table saw is perfect for all the different cuts you’ll need to make. Rip cuts, which were impossible to be made with miter saws, become a cup of tea with the table saw.
Use a fine blade on the table saw to make even cuts in your flooring. Use blades with high tooth counts to make your cuts more precise because low tooth counts result in uneven cutting.
7. Dremel
The Dremel trio and range are additional compact and practical tools that can easily cut vinyl plank flooring. Although they are both very small, they are able to cut the planks precisely. You can cut the planks precisely because they never chip the corners.
The Dremel Trio is the best tool to cut the odd shapes of the planks and fix them to the obstacles on your floor. With the help of this small tool, you can easily cut any shape out of the plank. Additionally, this tool is inexpensive compared to a circular saw or table saw, making it simple to purchase.
8. Utility Knife
Whether or not to use a utility knife when cutting vinyl planks is the big debate. As a matter of fact, there are many knives that you can use for the cutting of planked floorings. The knife you use to cut the vinyl planks must be sharp, and you must use it correctly. If not, your floor’s aesthetic appeal could be ruined.
It is advised against cutting the vinyl planks with a utility knife. A utility knife can be used for small cuts, but it cannot be used for all cutting operations. If you simply want to use a knife for cutting, you can purchase a linoleum knife, though.
Conclusion
Now you know all about the ideal way to cut vinyl plank flooring and what tools to use, so you can easily decide on the perfect tool for the cutting of the vinyl plank and then cut your plank accurately using the tool. Wishing you the most successful flooring installation projects!
FAQs| Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Tool to Cut Vinyl Planks?
A table saw is the most effective tool for cutting vinyl planks. The majority of experts use table saws to precisely cut the vinyl flooring planks. You can also use a utility knife for the cutting of planks. For the corners of your flooring to stay intact, it should have a sharp blade.
Can I Use An Oscillating Tool to Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring?
No, you can’t use an oscillating tool for the cutting of the vinyl plank flooring because it is not safe for it. With this tool, you can cut sharp edges around doorways and window vents but not the flooring’s length and width.
What is the Best Knife to Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Linoleum knives are the best to use in the cutting of vinyl plank flooring. They can easily cut the planks effortlessly and never damage the surface of the vinyl plank. The people who choose to install their flooring themselves without seeking professional assistance benefit the most from these knives.
Can I Use a Simple Saw to Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Yes, a simple saw can be used to cut vinyl planks. You can cut vinyl flooring planks using basic cutting tools because they are not particularly difficult to cut. Your planks can be easily cut with a saw, but keep in mind to not push too hard on the planks.
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