Laminate is one of the most popular flooring types across the world. It comes in many different styles and textures, and most importantly, it is an affordable flooring option.
Laminate is also very easy to maintain and equally easy to install. Slight warning, this type of flooring only comes in certain lengths, so usually it is not the exact fit for the room size.
Which brings us to today’s topic… How to cut the laminate to the correct size. While this sounds easier than done, cutting laminate can be quite challenging for a DIYer.
Follow along to find out what tools you need to cut your new laminate flooring to the right size, and specifically, 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. Not to mention, using a utility knife to cut a large area of laminate flooring can be much more time consuming than using a saw.
But, if you only have a small area, then a utility knife can be a good alternative for cutting laminate. Make sure that you use goggles and a mask to protect your skin, mouth, and eyes from the saw dust particles that are released when cutting laminate flooring, and gloves to save chopping into your fingers.
When it comes to the actual process, 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, but make sure that the blade is sharp. 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 using this guide and the right cutting tools will set you up for success, even if you’re a newbie to the world of laminate flooring.
Of course, it depends on the floor size you want to cover, but consider setting aside between 30 minutes and 2 hours for cutting laminates for an average sized room.
Materials You’ll Need
Here’s a list of items you’ll need for this fun activity.
- 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 mark a cutting line on the laminate plank. Use a measuring tape to measure the required width from the edge, then draw a straight line where you need to cut. It’s important that your measurements are 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 cut just 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 boards that you need to resize.
Step 5: Snap The Planks
Once you make 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 carefully snap it off.
Step 6: Laying Your Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring has a locking system, so each plank has grooves that perfectly fits the next plank. This makes laying your laminate floor quick and easy, and it prevents any gaps forming. Make sure to have enough patience left for the last board to snap in, that last plank is usually the test of your hard work.
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 we mentioned it above, 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, meaning there is a chance that the entire plank could chip or crack.
The best way to avoid this is by using a saw when cutting. 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, whatever the type. 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 material if you’re feeling adventurous.
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. Easy-peasy.
Jig Saw
Finally, a jigsaw allows you more flexibility when it comes to different shapes in your cut laminate. Again, we only recommend this option if you have a bit more experience under your belt with laminate flooring.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking to cut laminate floor boards, then we recommend you use a utility knife, even if it’s a little more tricky than some other DIY tasks.
Of course, depending on the type of laminate you are using, it may be easier and quicker to cut the planks with a saw, so you can reduce the risk of any cracked or splintered wood.
Our overall advice is; 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 for a bit of extra cost.