What Are the Ideal Tools To Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring? Useful Method To Cut The Flooring

If you are thinking of vinyl plank flooring as the modern alternative to hardwood flooring, then you are thinking well. Vinyl plank flooring is very versatile and also good-looking. It is highly affordable as compared to hardwood flooring and is also resistant to water and fire. Besides, it is really to install and you can easily conduct the project yourself, without having to spend on professional assistance.

While installing the flooring, the primary goal is to cut the planks skillfully, because once you cut the planks right, it is easy for you to install the flooring according to the staggering method. The ideal tool for the cutting of the floor will help you make fine cuts.

So, if you want to learn about the tools used to cut vinyl plank flooring, this article is for you. Today, I am going to discuss all the tools that are used by professionals to cut vinyl planks, which ones are the best, and how to cut the vinyl planks like a pro. So, without any delay, let’s start the discussion.

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 Dremel. Read the description of the tools to know how to use them and which tool is best for you to cut the planks perfectly.

1. Tile Cutter

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 many types of tile cutters available in the market, however, the tile cutter that is used for ceramic tiles is not ideal for the cutting of vinyl planks.

You’ll need to have the laminate or vinyl tile cutter for the vinyl flooring because of the sharp guillotine blade of this cutter. This sharp blade helps you cut the vinyl planks finely, without any chips.

2. The Hand Saw

The Hand Saw

If you are not a pro and want to cut the vinyl planks, then the handsaw is the best option for you because you can easily use it. Note one thing: that the teeth of the saw should not be rough, since you won’t be using it for wood or similar surfaces. Always use a saw that has very fine teeth, so you can easily cut the planks.

3. Jigsaw

Jigsaw

The jigsaw is the tool that is mostly used by experts for the cutting of vinyl planks. The versatility of the jigsaw lets you can cut any shape perfectly with it. You can easily cut planks according to the odd corners of your place with the help of a jigsaw. However, ensure to use the correct blade in a jigsaw to get the ideal cut for your vinyl planks.

Use a blade in your jigsaw that is less aggressive and has fine teeth so it can finely cut the planks of your flooring without damaging it. You can easily cut sharp ends with a jigsaw, making the unusual ends fit the adjacent plank, in order to help you attain a smooth and finely finished flooring system.

4. Miter Saw

Miter Saw

A Miter saw is also used to cut vinyl plank flooring. Though it is not ideal for all types of cuts, it can help you cut most of your vinyl planks. The mitre saw mostly works as a table saw. But it is not ideal 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. Always use a blade in the miter saw that has a high tooth per inch count so you can finely cut the planks of the vinyl flooring.

5. Circular Saw

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 can cut the vinyl planks much faster than other tools. You can easily use a cheap circular saw for this task because it works finely for nearly every use.

If you think that a circular saw is a very bulky machine and you can’t properly use it, then you can use the alternative of a circular saw, which is also smaller and easy to handle. You can use a mini-handheld circular saw, which is easy to handle for the cutting of the vinyl planks yet as efficient as the circular saw.

6. Table Saw

Table Saw

If you want to cut your vinyl planks, then a table saw is the best tool. 90% of the professionals in vinyl flooring use a table saw for the cutting of the planks. A table saw is ideal for all the types of cuts that you need while installing the vinyl planks at your place. 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. Blades having low teeth per inch make the cut uneven, so always use high tooth per inch blades to make your cuts more accurate.

7. Dremel

Dremel

Other small and useful tools that can cut vinyl plank flooring easily are the Dremel range and Dremel trio. They are both tiny but can cut the planks finely. They never create chips on the corners of the planks, helping you make a precise cut.

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. Also, you can easily buy this tool because it is not as expensive as a circular saw or table saw.

8. Utility Knife

Utility Knife

The big question is whether you use a utility knife for the cutting of vinyl planks or not. As a matter of fact, there are many knives that you can use for the cutting of planked floorings. When you cut the vinyl planks with a knife, your knife should be sharp and you have to use it properly. Otherwise, it can ruin the beauty of your floor.

It is advisable to not use a utility knife for the cutting of the vinyl planks. You can use a utility knife for minor cuts, but it is not a tool for the entire cutting process. However, you can buy a linoleum knife if you just want to use a knife in the cutting process.

How To Cut The Vinyl Plank Flooring?

After selecting the ideal tool for the cutting of the vinyl plank flooring, it’s now time to look at the method of cutting the vinyl planks like a pro. Follow the steps while cutting the planks so you can easily have your favourite flooring installed with greater efficiency.

1. Measure The Cut

Measure The Cut |Tools To Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring

First, measure the surface of the floor and determine what type of cut you need on the plank so it can perfectly fit in your place. After deciding on the type and length of the cut, take measurements of the area so you can measure the plank according to the subfloor.

2. Use A Straight Edge

Use A Straight Edge

After measuring the cut, place the measurement on the plank carefully. Draw a line according to your measurement on the plank. Now place a steel straight edge along the marked line so you can cut the plank exactly according to your measurement.

3. Score The Vinyl Plank

Score The Vinyl Plank

Now, after placing the straight edge along with the measurement, use the utility knife to make a sharp cut at the required measurement so you can easily cut the plank with the tool. Make sure the knife has scored the plank up to 2/4 to make a prominent cut.

4. Flip And Snap The Vinyl Plank

Flip And Snap The Vinyl Plank

Now flip the plank so the decorative part of the plank doesn’t get damaged by any of the cuts. Now grip the piece of the plank firmly and place it on a flat surface so you can get a fine cut. And then cut the plank with the chosen tool along with the measurements. So your plank is now cut according to the measurements.

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

The best tool to cut vinyl planks is a table saw. Most professionals use table saws to cut the vinyl flooring planks perfectly. You can also use a utility knife for the cutting of planks. It should have a sharp blade so it does not create chips on the corners of your flooring.

No, you can’t use an oscillating tool for the cutting of the vinyl plank flooring because it is not safe for it. You can’t cut the length and width of the flooring with this tool, but you can cut sharp edges around doorways and window vents.

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. These knives are best for people who are installing their flooring on their own without taking help from professionals.

Yes, you can cut vinyl planks with a simple saw. They are not too difficult to cut, so you can use simple cutting tools for the cutting of vinyl flooring planks. A saw can easily cut your planks, but remember one thing: don’t apply too much force to the planks.

Author Bio

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Fill out this field
Fill out this field
Please enter a valid email address.
You need to agree with the terms to proceed