Laminate is one of the most popular flooring types across the world. It comes in many different styles and textures.
Laminate is also very easy to maintain and equally easy to install but as this type of flooring comes in certain lengths, it doesn’t usually exactly fit the size of a room.
This means that you will have to cut the laminate to the correct size. While this sounds easier than done, cutting laminate can be quite challenging for a DIYer.
We find out what tools you need to cut your new laminate flooring to the right size, and how you can cut the laminate with a utility knife.
Can You Cut Laminate Flooring With A Utility Knife?
Yes, it is possible to cut different types of laminate flooring with a utility knife, including vinyl plank flooring and wooden laminate flooring. However, it is important that you use an extremely sharp blade to ensure that the wood doesn’t splinter.
Using a utility knife to cut a large area of laminate flooring can however be much more time consuming than using a saw.
If you only have a small flooring area, then a utility knife can be a good alternative for cutting laminate. Make sure that you use goggles, gloves and a mask to protect your skin, mouth and eyes from the saw dust particles that are released when cutting laminate flooring.
Typically, you can use a utility knife to score the laminate finish, so that you can snap the board on the cut line and then install it.
Almost any type of utility knife is suitable for cutting laminate, including a carpet knife, but make sure that the blade is sharp. That’s why, a carpet knife is usually the best option because it is often much sharper than other standard utility knives.
In addition, a carpet knife has also been designed to work accurately, which means you can cut your laminate flooring with much greater precision.
This comes in handy especially when you want to cut out corners, curved shapes, curved cuts, or odd angles to allow room for pipes and plumbing.
Step-By-Step Guide On How To Cut Laminate With A Utility Knife
Cutting laminate floorboards, laminate tile, or other laminate material can be difficult, but not if you use this guide and the right cutting tools.
If you are new to cutting laminate or putting down laminate flooring, and you do not have a saw at hand, then you can work with a utility knife to help you cut the flooring planks to size.
Here is a guide on what you need for this DIY task, and step-by-step instructions on how to cut the laminate planks.
Depending on the size floor that you want to cover, you can expect this to take between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
Materials You’ll Need
- Utility knife
- Laminate flooring planks
- Tape measure
- Tape or marker pen
- A floor area
- An old towel
Step 1: Measure Carefully
First, use a tape measure to find the exact length of your laminate and the thickness. You will need to know both measurements for when you mark the laminate.
Step 2: Mark Your Laminate
Next, use a piece of paper and place it on top of the laminate plank. Now, mark your first cut with a pencil.
It’s important that your cuts are a certain distance away from the edge. You can use the measurement of the thickness for this.
It’s a good idea to use a straight cutting board or a large ruler to ensure that the cut is straight.
Step 3: Make Your First Cut
Now, it’s time to make a line mark on the laminate plank. Use your measuring away and measure a thickness length away from the edge. Start your mark from there and make sure that you cut in a straight line.
It’s important that your measurements were accurate because incorrect measurements may mean your laminate won’t interlock properly.
One of the biggest issues when cutting wooden laminate flooring is chipping. You can avoid this by putting masking tape around the cut.
Once you placed the masking tape and marked your cutting line, it’s time to cut. Again, you can use a large, heavy ruler or cutting board as a straight edge to help you keep the line straight.
Depending on how sharp your blade is, you will need to cut along the line several times to ensure that the cut is deep enough. This is important when you get to step five.
Step 4: Cut The Rest Of Your Laminate Planks
You may need to just cut one laminate plank or you may find that most laminate planks will need to be cut to the correct size of your floor.
Proceed in the same way as in step three for all the laminate boards that you need to cut.
Step 5: Snap The Planks
Once you made the cut to a laminate plank, you can gently start to bend the edges and snap the excess laminate off.
Your cut in the laminate planks has to be deep enough to snap the planks without chipping or splintering.
We recommend that you bend the shorter edge slowly, and slowly snap it off.
Step 6: Laying Your Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring has a locking system, so each plank has groves that perfectly fits the next plank. This makes laying your laminate floor quick and easy, and it prevents any gaps forming.
What Are The Best Tools To Cut Wood Laminate Flooring?
When it comes to cutting wood laminate flooring quickly and effectively, using a utility tool isn’t always the best option, especially when you want to cut several planks.
As utility tools do not have a sharp enough blade to cut all the way through wooden laminate planks, you will need to snap the excess wood off.
This means, there is a chance that the entire plank could chip or crack. The best way to avoid this is by using a type of saw.
The right saw will make all of the difference. Here are some of the best saws that you can use for cutting wooden laminate flooring.
Circular Saws
A circular saw is one of the best tools that you can use to get a straight cut in a laminate plank. Thanks to its rotating blade, you just hold your plank up to the blade and it cuts it easily.
You can even cut different shapes into the laminate. Plus, a circular saw can cut any type of laminate.
Table Saw
The advantage of a table saw is that it comes with a flat surface where you can place your laminate board and cut it.
Jig Saw
A jigsaw allows you more flexibility when it comes to different shapes in your cut laminate.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking to cut laminate floor, then we recommend you use a utility knife. Cutting laminate flooring with a utility knife is a little more tricky than some other DIY tasks.
Depending on the type of laminate you are using, it may be easier and quicker to cut the planks with a saw.
This can also reduce the risk of any cracked or splintered wood, which is much greater with a utility knife.
If you do not have the right tools or you are not sure how to cut your laminate flooring, then it’s a good idea to speak to a flooring specialist. They may be able to give you some advice, and if in doubt, they will also help you put down the floor.