Vinyl plank flooring is an excellent way to enhance the beauty of your floors. It’s a versatile and durable option, and with the right tools and expert guidance, you can easily install it yourself. To get started, it’s important to learn how to cut vinyl plank flooring correctly. Tools like a hand saw, utility knife, miter saw, jigsaw or circular saw will help you make precise cuts. Let me walk you through the easiest way to cut vinyl plank flooring to fit your room’s specific dimensions.
How To Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Cutting vinyl plank flooring is a crucial step in the installation process, requiring precision and care. Vinyl planks are popular for their aesthetic appeal and are available in various textures like wood, stone, and more.
Homeowners often choose vinyl sheets and shiplap accent walls for both flooring and walls, as they enhance the beauty and style of home. In addition to their visual appeal, vinyl planks are water-resistant and offer long-lasting durability. To achieve clean, accurate cuts, it’s essential to have the proper tools.
Step 1: Required Tools & Materials
We used the following tools to accurately cut the vinyl planks, along with safety gear to ensure a secure and safe cutting process.
- Measuring Tape
- Marker or chalk
- Cardboard
- Straight edge or T-square
- Utility knife with a sharp blade or jigsaw
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
- Dust mask
- Work surface
- Clamps
Step 2: Acclimate the Vinyl Sheets
Precise measurements are crucial when cutting vinyl plank flooring. To ensure accuracy, we allowed the planks to acclimate to the room for 48 hours before cutting. It helps prevent shrinkage or expansion due to environmental changes.
Step 3: Measurements & Marking
For straight cuts, I measured and marked the cut point on the plank with chalk. Then I used a straight edge to align with the mark and drew a line as a precise cutting guide.
In areas with cabinets, I created a cardboard template to trace the exact shape onto the vinyl plank. This method can also be used for other irregular objects, like pipes.
Step 4: Scoring and Cutting The Planks
I used a utility knife to score the vinyl planks. If you’re using a jigsaw, you can skip this step. To cut, I placed the plank on an old vinyl scrap on the table, with the section to be cut hanging off the edge. Using a straight edge, I scored along the marked line with firm pressure, cutting about halfway through. I repeated the scoring until I could easily snap the plank along the line. For any rough edges, I used the utility knife to smooth them out.
If you’re using a jigsaw, start by making a small hole or notch where you want to cut. Then, guide the saw along the marked line, keeping it flat on the plank and applying steady pressure.
For Irregular Shapes
To make irregular cuts for my cabinets, I secured the plank to a table with clamps. I then placed a cardboard template, held in place with masking tape, on the plank. Using a utility knife, I scored the cutting line carefully, applying increasing pressure until the plank was fully cut through.
Step 5: Check The Fit
I made small adjustments with the utility knife on some pieces to ensure a perfect fit. After these adjustments, all the pieces were accurately sized and ready for installation.
Be sure to double-check the length and fit of each plank. If necessary, make small adjustments to avoid gaps or mismatches. This will help you avoid common mistakes when installing vinyl plank flooring.
Best Power Cutters To Cut Vinyl Planks
Power tools are highly recommended for large-scale vinyl flooring installations, as they make the process more efficient and streamlined. Let’s dive into the best power tools for cutting vinyl flooring and explore the recommended electric cutting tools.
1. Table Saw
A table saw is an excellent choice for cutting vinyl plank flooring with precision. It allows for custom shaping of the planks. For the smoothest finish, use a blade with a high number of teeth per inch or TPI to avoid rough cuts and ensure clean edges.
2. Jigsaw
A jigsaw is ideal for making curved cuts and cutting around irregular shapes such as pipes or corners. This tool is particularly useful when working with vinyl tiles and planks that need to fit around obstacles in the room.
3. Miter Saw
A miter saw is similar to a table saw but is generally not suitable for cutting along the length of the planks. However, it excels at making precise crosscuts. Be sure to use a blade with sharp teeth to achieve the best results when cutting vinyl tiles or planks.
4. Circular Saw
A circular saw offers quick and efficient cuts for vinyl planks. You can choose between a mini handheld version for more detailed cuts or a full-size circular saw for larger tasks, depending on the scale of your project.
5. Dremel
A Dremel is a versatile rotary tool used for routing, engraving, and shaping. Its compact size makes it highly effective for detailed cuts on vinyl plank flooring, and it’s perfect for polishing and grinding edges. The Dremel is easy to use and affordable, making it an excellent choice for smaller, intricate tasks.
Manual Tools For Cutting Vinyl Planks Flooring
Manual vinyl plank flooring cutting tools are a range of handheld devices that require physical effort for operation. Let’s explore each one in detail.
1. Utility Knife
A utility knife is perfect for making small cuts or scoring vinyl flooring. It’s especially useful for scoring the surface to guide your cuts. However, it’s not suitable for cutting through the entire floor, especially thicker planks.
2. Scissors
Scissors can be used to cut soft vinyl flooring sheets. They are also a good substitute for a utility knife when marking and guiding your cuts. However, scissors are limited to soft vinyl sheets and may not work effectively on thicker planks or tiles.
3. Hand Saw
A hand saw is a versatile manual tool that’s easy to use, requiring no special expertise. For smooth cuts, it’s best to use a fine-toothed hand saw. It works well for cutting vinyl planks but requires a bit more effort compared to power tools.
4. Wall Trimmer
A wall trimmer is designed for trimming vinyl sheets along wall edges or surfaces. This tool is often used for fine-tuning and making precise cuts. Its control knob allows for quick and accurate cuts, ensuring a clean edge along the walls.
5. Tie Cutter
A tie cutter, also known as a snap cutter, features sharp blades designed for cutting vinyl tiles and sheets without leaving behind debris or crumbs. You can choose the type of tie cutter that suits your flooring needs, making it an efficient tool for clean, straight cuts.
Conclusion
Vinyl planks are also a fantastic choice for creating a modern boho dining room or boho kitchen. By following these steps and using the right tools, you can cut your vinyl plank flooring with ease and precision.
I hope the instructions above have answered your question on how to cut vinyl plank flooring. Remember to always prioritize safety and take your time for a professional-looking finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is The Best Way To Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring?
The best way to cut vinyl planks is by scoring the plank with a utility knife and snapping it. Vinyl cutters are also a good solution. You can use a jigsaw or miter saw for more complicated cuts.
What is The Best Cutter For Vinyl Plank Flooring?
A snap cutter or a tile cutter is the best tool to cut vinyl plank flooring.
Do You Need a Special Blade To Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring?
No, you don’t need a special blade with a utility knife to cut vinyl planks. You just need a knife with a sharp blade to easily cut it.
What Saw is Best For Cutting Vinyl Flooring?
A table saw is the best if you prefer a saw for cutting vinyl flooring. Many professionals prefer a table saw over a jigsaw.
What Tool To Use To Cut Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring can be cut with a utility knife. Thin tiles are cut through directly, while planks are scored and snapped.