If so, then look no further! Cutting laminate flooring lengthwise is a relatively straightforward job that can be completed with the right tools and techniques. In this blog post, I’ll show you how to do it correctly, step-by-step.
How to cut laminate flooring lengthwise [Easy Guide]
Cutting laminate flooring lengthwise can be challenging for even the most experienced DIYer. With the right tools and knowledge, though, it’s entirely possible to make professional-looking cuts with ease. The key is to use a saw blade with a fine tooth count and measure accurately. Additionally, having a cutting guide of the same width as the overlap is essential.
Step 1 – Select the right saw blade
Selecting the right saw blade is the key to getting a clean, precise cut on your laminate flooring. Before making any cuts, it’s essential to make sure you have the correct blade for the job. The best knives for cutting laminate flooring are carbide-tipped, durable, and achieve a fine finish.
Quality blades can be re-edged or sharpened several times, saving you money in the long run. Make sure to use an appropriate saw for the type of cut you need, such as a circular saw for straight cuts, a jigsaw for curved or intricate shapes, or a crosscut saw (or table saw) for lengthwise cuts.
Step 2 – Measure and Mark
When laying the laminate flooring, the second step is measuring and marking the area to be cut. This is an important step that requires both accuracy and precision. To start, measure the space you need to cover with the laminate flooring.
Double-check your measurements before you mark the area with a pencil or pen. Once you have kept the site, cut along that line with a sharp utility knife or a table saw for more significant cuts. Taking your time and ensuring you get a smooth and clean cut is essential. If you don’t have the right tools or feel comfortable making these cuts, it may be best to seek professional help.
Step 3 – Cut Along the Marked Line
Once you have measured and marked where to cut, it’s time. Using the right saw blade is essential when cutting laminate flooring lengthwise. You can use a circular saw, table saw, laminate flooring cutter, jigsaw, or even a hand saw.
When using any of these tools, ensure you wear the appropriate safety equipment and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Once you have your saw in hand, carefully line up the blade with your marked line on the laminate flooring and start cutting. Make sure to cut slowly and evenly for a clean cut.
Using a jigsaw or hand saw, use a straight edge or another laminate board to ensure you get a straight line. Once you’ve finished cutting along the marked line, you should have two pieces of laminate flooring that fit perfectly together.
Step 4 – Cut with a Table Saw
Making a straight cut with a table saw is one of the most reliable ways to cut laminate flooring lengthwise. To cut, you must set the rip fence according to your measurements and place the laminate plank against it.
It would be best to guide the saw along the fence, ensuring it stays straight with your markings. This will help you get an accurate cut and reduce splintering. Wear protective gear and use a sharp blade for the best results.
Step 5 – Cut with a Laminate Flooring Cutter
When cutting laminate flooring, a laminate flooring cutter is a must-have tool. This tool is designed for cutting laminate and provides the most precise and professional cuts.
It uses V-shaped support to keep the plank in place while cutting along the marked line. The cutter’s blade is adjustable to customize the depth of your cuts. With a laminate flooring cutter, you can easily make quick and accurate lengthwise cuts on your planks.
Step 6 – Make Clean Cuts on the Edges
Making clean cuts on the edges of laminate flooring can be tricky. Getting it right is essential because the edges need to fit together neatly. The best way to do this is to use a utility knife and a straight edge.
Start by laying down your laminate floor boards and marking them where you want to make your cut. Then, use your straight edge as a guide and slowly cut along the drawn line with your utility knife. This will help you get a smooth, clean edge that will fit perfectly with the rest of your laminate floor.
Step 7 – Trim the End Pieces
When trimming the end pieces of your laminate flooring, using the right tools and techniques is essential. Using a utility knife is the best way to ensure the cut is clean and precise.
Begin by shaving off the lip of the end piece, and then apply glue along all the joints before clamping it in place. Ensure that the cutting edge lines up correctly with the edge of the surface.
Make sure to double-check your measurements before making any cuts. Once you’re confident that everything is lined up correctly, use your utility knife to make a clean cut along the marked line. This will ensure your laminate flooring looks great and fits perfectly into your space.
Tools and Materials Needed
When cutting laminate flooring, having the right tools and materials is critical. Before you start, make sure you have a saw blade designed specifically for cutting laminate flooring, a tape measure, a pencil or pen, a miter saw, a jigsaw, a utility knife, gloves, goggles, a dust mask, and an electric saw.
Additionally, if you need to make angle cuts, you may need to invest in a laminate flooring cutter. Finally, if you’re making end cuts, you may also want to use a choice. Make sure you have all these tools and materials ready before you start your project so that your cuts will be as clean and precise as possible.
Do you cut laminate flooring face up or down?
When it comes to cutting laminate flooring, it’s essential to determine which direction the teeth of your saw blade should be facing. Generally, placing the boards face-up with a jigsaw blade with downward-oriented teeth would be best.
This will help prevent chipping or splintering as the saw exits the wood. Similarly, the face should be up when using a table saw for rip cuts. However, the beginning should be down when using a circular or miter saw for angle cuts.
Carbide-tipped blades are recommended for all types of laminate flooring cutting as they provide a fine finish. Finally, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t use a Stanley knife to cut laminate flooring, which will lead to an unsatisfactory result.
How to make an angle cut on laminate?
Making an angle cut on laminate flooring is a job that requires precision and the right tools. I recommend using a jigsaw with downward-oriented teeth for a perfect angle cut. Place the boards with the face up so the saw won’t chip the edges.
Also, measure the length and width of the center of the pipe before you begin to cut. A laminate flooring cutter is also an excellent tool for making an angle cut, as it is highly accurate and can make clean cuts on the edges.
Lastly, use a sanding block to smooth out rough edges after cutting. With these tools and tips in mind, you’ll have no problem making an angle cut on your laminate flooring!
How to Make Straight Cuts on Laminate?
Making straight cuts on laminate can seem intimidating, but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be. You will need a jigsaw, table saw, or laminate flooring cutter for straight cuts. The jigsaw is the most versatile and works great for making detailed cuts. A table saw is great for making quick, straight cuts on laminate floors and is the fastest and most accurate way.
Finally, the laminate flooring cutter is the best choice for cutting your boards to length. For all three of these tools, measure and mark your cut lines beforehand with a pencil or chalk. You can quickly make straight cuts on your laminate flooring with the right tools and patience!
Can you cut laminate flooring with a Stanley knife?
Cutting laminate flooring with a Stanley knife is possible, but it’s not the best tool. The Stanley knife has limited power and cutting capacity to cut through the laminate, and it can ruin the cutting edges of the blade.
Additionally, the Stanley knife can only be used to make straight cuts, so you won’t be able to achieve any angled or curved cuts. If you’re looking for a more efficient way to cut laminate flooring, I recommend investing in a carbide-tipped blade that can be used in a miter saw or circular saw.
This will give you a much cleaner and more precise cut than a Stanley knife.
Final Verdict
After completing the steps above, it’s time to come to a final verdict. Cutting laminate flooring lengthwise can be done in several ways, depending on the cut you need.
For straight cuts, a circular or table saw is best; for angle or specialty cuts, a laminate flooring cutter is ideal; and for more minor amounts, a hand saw may be sufficient. It’s also important to remember that the décor side should face up when cutting laminate flooring. Choosing which tool to use depends on the specific project and your preferences.
