How to cut thick vinyl plank flooring

How to cut thick vinyl plank flooring: Advice from professionals

If you’re thinking about vinyl plank flooring being the new alternatives to hardwood floors it is likely that you’re on the right track. Vinyl flooring plank is flexible and attractive. It’s a lot cheaper when compared with hardwood flooring. It is resistant to both flame and water. Additionally, it’s very easy simple to put up and you could perform the installation on your own, and not hire a professional. How to cut thick vinyl plank flooring?

When installing flooring it is important cutting the planks with precision since once you have the right tools and get the planks cut right it will be simple to put in the flooring in accordance with the awe-inspiring method. The best tool to use for cutting the flooring will assist you in cutting the planks with precision.

How to cut thick vinyl plank flooring
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If you’re looking to understand the equipment employed to cut vinyl plank flooring then this post is for those of you. This article is going to talk about every tool utilized by experts for cutting vinyl plank flooring. I will also discuss other tools which are the most effective and the best way to cut vinyl plank flooring as professional. Therefore, with no delay, let’s begin this discussion.

Vinyl Flooring Installation and Construction


Before we get into the necessary cutting tools to lay out vinyl flooring at house, let’s look at the installing procedure it self. This is something we discussed in detail with our guide to installing vinyl flooring However, there are few things everyone needs to be aware of prior to the installation.

Vinyl plank flooring is available in various formats and the ones most commonly used in the present are LVP, WPC, and SPC flooring. Vinyl plank flooring that peel and stick are also included within this group, but they’ll be discussed in a different section.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when dealing with this kind of vinyl is the fact that it’s comprised of several layers. Certain forms have more flexibility than others also, and although rigid vinyl may be more straightforward to put in however, it might require a different kind of blade. Although these boards are manufactured from synthetic material, you may nevertheless damage the edges of the boards in a number of different ways.

Tools Vinyl Flooring you need will

To cut Vinyl plank flooring successfully you need get the appropriate power tools to do the job. It includes several small power tools and equipment including a saw and cutter. Here is a listing of the power tools required to cut vinyl flooring. You must rely on several different power tools for the cutting process and of installation.

1. Tile Cutter

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It is easy to find tiles cutters at the nearest shop or in any retail store where you live and utilize it to cut the planks of vinyl. There are numerous types of that are available tile cutters on the market. However, the one that’s employed for ceramic cutting tiles is not suitable for cutting of planks made of vinyl plank.

The vinyl tile cutter flooring made of vinyl plank to cut the due to the razor-sharp cut of the guillotine blade on this vinyl cutter too. This blade is sharp and can help cut vinyl tile cutter your vinyl plank flooring with precision with no chipping.

2. The Hand Saw

If you’re not an expert and like would to cut planks of vinyl plank and planks, the handsaw is the most suitable option to consider since you are able to effortlessly utilize it. Be aware the teeth of the saw must not be abrasive, as you will not be using it to cut wood or other materials vinyl plank. Use a saw which has extremely fine teeth to make it easy to make cuts on the planks.

3. Jigsaw

The jigsaw is a tool typically used by specialists for cutting of planks made from vinyl plank. The power of jigsaw permits you to make any cut by using it. It is easy to cut planks in accordance with the irregular angles of your home by using the JIGSHAW. Be sure that you use the right blade on a Jigsaw so that you get the perfect cut you want for the vinyl planks you’ve purchased.

Choose a blade for your jigsaw that’s not as aggressive and features fine teeth that allow it to finely cut your planks of floor without causing damage to the floor. The easiest way vinyl plank to do this is by cutting sharp ends using an jigsaw. The unique ends fit into the planks, to ensure the appearance of a perfect and smooth flooring.

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4. Miter Saw

Miter saw are also utilized to cut vinyl flooring. Although it’s not the best choice to cut all kinds of materials however, it is able to help cut the majority of your vinyl planks. The mitre saw is used primarily in the same way as table saws. It isn’t ideal for cutting longitudinally vinyl plank.

This means that you’ll need employ a different tool like the jigsaw, or even a tile cutter for cutting vinyl flooring or wood tile flooring in this manner. Make sure to double check that the miter saw which use a blade on has a an extremely high tooth-per-inch count, so that you can precisely cut the vinyl flooring planks from vinyl plank.

5. Circular Saw

The circular saw is considered to be one of the best instruments for cutting vinyl planks. It’s even more efficient than an JIGSHAW. It cuts vinyl planks more quickly than any other tool. It is possible to use the circular saw that is inexpensive for this purpose since it’s perfect for virtually all uses.

If you believe that a circular saw an extremely bulky tool that you aren’t able to use it, you may make use of an alternative circular saw that is also less bulky and simple to operate. A mini-handheld circular saw that can be handled easily and cut vinyl planks but as powerful as the circular one.

6. Table Saw

If you’re looking to cut vinyl planks using a table saw, it is the ideal option. Most experts in vinyl flooring employ tables for cutting of planks. Table are ideal to make all kinds of cuts required to make when putting the planks of vinyl plank on your property. Rip cuts that weren’t possible to make by miter saws are now the norm by using the table saw.

Make use of a sharp blade for the table saw in order for even cuts across the flooring. Blades that have small teeth per inch will cause the cuts to be uneven and therefore, always choose high teeth per inch blades in order for cutting more precise. This saw can also be used to cut laminate countertops.

7. Dremel

Another small but useful tool which can cut planks of vinyl flooring quickly include the Dremel range as well as the Dremel trio. Both are small, but will cut your planks precisely. They will never cause chips to the edges of planks and help you to make precise, straight cuts.

It is the Dremel Trio is the best tool for cutting the irregular plansks into shapes and then fix them to flooring obstacles. Thanks to the power tools this tiny machine, you will be able to make any design from the plank. Additionally, it is possible to purchase this tool since it’s not as costly as circular saws or table saw.

8. Utility Knife

The most important question to ask is what you should use as a utility knife to cut vinyl planks. Actually there are a variety of cutting tools that are suitable to cut planked flooring. When cutting the vinyl plank using the help of a knife, it is important that your blade must be razor sharp, and you should make use of it in a safe manner. In the wrong hands, it could harm the appearance of your flooring.

It is recommended not to employ a knife to do cutting the vinyl plank. It is possible to use a util knife for small straight cuts but it’s not the best tool to complete the cutting procedure. You can however purchase an linoleum-based knife if you only want to employ an instrument for cutting procedure.

How to cut thick vinyl plank flooring Step by Step Instructions

Since it is a synthetic material vinyl plank is cut differently from wood, or metal. A good blade will assist in making a perfect cut, however it’s crucial to move slowly in order to avoid burned wood or edges chipped by the flooring made of plastic in any form.

1. How to Cut Vinyl Flooring to Length

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One of the most popular straight cuts that you’ll have to do in the process of making vinyl flooring will be cutting the boards into length. Each run the boards will have to be precise cut in order that the joints are spaced. This is not the most difficult cut but it’s also the one that you’ll have to make the most of.

Make use of the tape measure to draw the boards for cutting. Use the reverse side of the flooring made from vinyl to reduce pencil marks and destruction to the to a minimum. It also wear protective gear the layer of wear from being damaged by miter or table saws.

Utilize the speed-square to draw the cut line along the side of the piece. For circular saws the board will have to be secured to your workspace or to sawhorses. No matter what saw is used be sure to slow down be patient, and stay on the right line. If you practice this on every board, and you have the right blade, you’ll get the perfect cut.

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2. Cutting Vinyl Flooring to Width

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If you have to cut a planks of vinyl to the desired width the process can be complex rapidly. This precise cut is not possible by using a compound miter or handsaw. Therefore, you’ll have to use a circular saw or the head of a table saw to make this kind of cut.

Make sure you mark the board’s back, just like you would for any other cut. But, take care to be attentive to the edges that the wood has. You must ensure that facing the wall. The edge that faces the wall. This is the one that is cut. If not you’re contributing excess material to the trash pile.

Tape measure is used to determine the measurement and mark every edge of the plank for cutting. Use the chalk line to join the clip on the other end of the plank and then gently drag through the plank until the second cut line. Draw the line in a straight line to have someone else “pop” the line. Based on the length of the board, straight edges can also work.

If you’ve got access to the table saw, cutting an area of vinyl flooring into a width is extremely simple as you’ll be equipped with an rip fence or guiderail. For circular saws however, it’s a bit more complicated because you must make sure that the material remains in its place through the entire cut.

3. Cutting Vinyl Flooring around Pipes and Corners

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If you’re installing vinyl flooring inside a space that has plumbing or a corner, you’ll need cut a couple of unusual cuts. Even though you need to leave room for expansion and contraction expansion, the objective is to get the cut as clean and precise as you can.

It is here that the oscillating multitool or jigsaw can be used, though it is often the toughest component. There are many options to do the same thing, depending on the placement of pipes as well as the floor vents proximity to walls. Make sure you know the measurement before making the cut. Don’t be afraid to design a template that you can use to cut radial cuts.

If the pipes and planks are near to the walls the flooring installation company may “notch” a cut where the pipes should go, but while this is effective the cut isn’t always clean. A hole is rated for flooring saw that made of vinyl is another choice, but we would prefer oscillating and jigsaws they can be useful in the because doorways too.

4. Stick vinyl plank floor and Cutting Peel Flooring

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A powered flooring cutter or saw can be used for the most luxurious vinyl flooring or EVP flooring, they’re not suitable for planks of luxury vinyl plank flooring that are thin or flooring that are in the peel and stick category. It is all you need is a top-quality razor knife and some elbow grease. Traditional utility knives work however, newer models such as the one made by Klein allow blade replacement easy.

5. Klein Folding Utility Knife

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For cutting peel and stick planks of vinyl tiles or flooring just take measurements, cut and mark pieces using the knife. If the blade is razor-sharp and sharp, you will get an even, smooth edge. Be sure to slow down and use the square for guidance as you keep something under the floor you are planning to cut.

If you’re looking for vinyl flooring that’s slightly thicker it is possible cut the plank to take it apart. It is important to create the cut in the area of the wear layer and not the reverse side to create a smooth cut. Cuts of any kind can be made using the thinner flooring, or by peeling and stick using an ice-cream knife or straight edge. This includes cut-style cuts, as well as cuts that go around plumbing.

Snapping Smaller and Scoring Pieces

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one: Lay your vinyl flooring flat on the floor or table. If you’re cutting the vinyl flooring in the floor, you should put an additional section of flooring under the area is being cut to ensure that you won’t harm the flooring under it. Make sure that your plank of vinyl stays in place by placing an unsupported knee on the floor. If you’re putting it on tables, you can use clamps to hold it down on the table. Also, you can make use of something heavier to help weigh the plank.

  • It is only a method to cut planks of vinyl horizontally. If you attempt to apply this technique to create cut lengthwise, it will be difficult to secure it properly.

two: Set your frame square in the direction that you wish to slice. Use your non-dominant hand to apply pressure on the upper straight edge of your square. For keeping your square stable, place your thumb in the area that is closest to cutting, and place your fingers in the highest point of the angle that is right.

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three: Utilize a utility knife to cut half-way across your plank of vinyl. Using the framing square as a guide for your knife to cut according to the lines marked with 45 degrees. It is recommended to apply a moderate pressure to marked line that cuts about halfway through your plank of vinyl.

  • You don’t have to be concerned about cutting all the entire length of the plank. The purpose of these cuts is in order to form a wedge for that section to take off.

four: Turn your board upside down and then secure it using the knee of yours. Move your luxury vinyl plank floor on to the floor, If it’s not there yet then flip it over to ensure that the completed side is down. Your knee should be placed over the flooring’s larger portion to hold it down. Your knee should rest on the larger area of luxury vinyl plank floor in order to make sure you’re not applying too much force to the smaller section.

five: Cut the extra vinyl by pulling it away from your. Grab thestraight edge of the vinyl flooring you’re taking off and pull it very hard. It will snap out of its place, leaving only a clean edge. If you pull, and the plank of vinyl isn’t able to fall off, stop it immediately and turn it over. Then you’ll have to create your cut a bit deeper.

  • Be sure to hold onto the area that you ripped off. You might be able to utilize it as you install your flooring made of vinyl when you come across small areas that need to be filled.
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Tips Extra

  • Be sure to consider the required expansion gap of the expansion gap of your vinyl plank flooring before cutting it to the desired size. The gap that exists between planks and the walls allows for the flooring to expand as well as shrink as temperatures change. Follow the recommendations of the manufacturer to determine the proper dimension.
  • A variety of carpenter’s square is a good choice to trace the cutting line. If you do not have the framing square, or even you can use a speed the combination square or square. They will be equally effective.
  • After you’ve drawn the cutting line, take it and measure it once more. Check it out against the portion of the floor you’re planning to wear protective gear. Doing this twice will ensure that you’re cutting exactly the right amount of your vinyl plank floor.
  • Check that you have the blade in the proper position within the jigsaw before begin cutting! If it’s not directed towards you It’s simple to let it go and then reposition the blade. The button opens the blade and let you turn it in the opposite direction.
  • Jigsaws tend to give perfect cut. However, there are times when you will find pieces of vinyl sticking out. In this case, cut them away with the utility knife, giving the perfect edge.
  • Make use of a measuring tape made from metal to determine the location of the cutting lines. The tape will be fitted with a metal clip at the top that you could place on top of your plank. It’ll ensure the tape isn’t moving and help you to get an accurate measure.
  • A ruler made of wood that folds up can be a great alternative. This will give an even straight edge on which for drawing the line. If you choose to use this method, you must take the distance two times and draw at the very least two lines. You must ensure that your cutting line runs across both marks so that the line is in a straight line.
  • Utilize a pair of pliers for when you must remove only a tiny piece of plank.

FAQ

How do you cut thick vinyl plank floor?

The product is on sale for purchase the cutting tool specially designed for the cutting of these products. I recently cut an entire floor of vinyl using scoring and snap methods to determine the length of the floor by using a tablesaw for the correct size. I used the above cutting saw called a coping.

Can you cut vinyl flooring with a laminate flooring cutter?

Vinyl flooring is easily cut flooring by using the majority of cutting tools for laminate flooring, because the style of the cutter almost identical to vinyl flooring and some models are made to serve both functions.

Do you need a special utility knife blade for vinyl flooring?

The standard blade of a use a utility knife can cut flooring made of vinyl more easily but some homeowners prefer swapping it in favor of a curve blade that can help in cutting curvings.

Will a saw chip cut vinyl plank flooring?

To prevent chipping the vinyl flooring while cutting it by a saw, employ a blade that has an extremely high TPI (teeth per inch) number and replace the saw when it becomes too dull.

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