Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Laminate sheets
Fine-grit sandpaper
Lint-free cloth
Paper
Painter’s tape
Stain pen

Before You Begin

Consider these factors before cutting a laminate flooring:

Acclimation: Keep the laminate flooring in the room where you plan to install it. Allow it to acclimate in that environment for at least two days. This will help ensure that the laminate fits flush in the space.
Type of cut: Any project often requires cutting laminates in different angles and shapes. You may need to use different power tools during this process. A miter saw, circular saw and laminate floor cutter are suitable for both straight and angled cuts. You can use a table saw or handsaw for a straight cut only. On the other hand, a jigsaw is only suitable for making curved or circular cuts.
Safety: Refer to the user manual of the power tool you plan to use. Be sure to follow all instructions for cutting a laminate. Since cutting laminate can produce small wood chips or wood shavings, wear safety gear like goggles and a respirator.

5 Steps on How to Cut Laminate Flooring

Follow these steps to cut laminate flooring with precision:

One of the easiest ways to cut laminate flooring is to use a miter saw. Circular saws and laminate floor cutters are also popular options for this task. But you must use a jigsaw to make a circular cut.

Whichever tool you select, make sure it has a fine-toothed blade. Also, confirm that the TPI of the blade is around 18 teeth per inch. This is necessary to avoid any chipping of the laminate sheet.

Tip

If you’re using a miter saw or circular saw, stick painter’s tape along the cutting line. Now, redraw the cutting line over this tape. Cutting the laminate after sticking the tape will help prevent any chipping.

Set the laminate on the cutting surface or fence of the miter saw. Ensure that it is flush with the fence. If you’re using any other power tool, it's best to use a workbench. Use clamps to secure the laminate on the workbench. Take care that the pencil markings you made are easily accessible.

Caution

Use blades specifically designed to cut laminates. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before cutting the laminate.

Once the laminate is secure in place, you can start cutting it.

1.Cutting with Milter Saw

Check that you are using a fine-tooth blade that is suitable for cutting laminates. Ensure that the blade is taut.
Adjust the miter saw to position it along the marked cutting line. For a straight cut, set the miter angle at 0 degrees.
If you are making an angled cut, you will have to loosen the miter lock first. Locate the lever in the front of the saw’s base. Pull the lever outwards to disengage the lock. Now, turn the saw at the desired angle. Once the angle is set, push the lever back into the original position.
Press the trigger to start the miter saw and let the blade reach full speed. Now, carefully lower the blade to cut the laminate.
Once the laminate is cut, release the trigger. Wait for the blade to stop completely before lifting it up.

2. Cutting with Circular Saw

Use measuring tape and pencil to mark the cutting line on the backside of the laminate. Confirm that you have marked the cutting line correctly.
Turn the board over and secure it with clamps.
You must now adjust the saw’s depth. The ideal depth is when the blade barely peeks out from the bottom of the laminate after cutting it. Lesser depth may not cut the laminate properly while cutting deeper increases the risk of kickback. Locate the depth adjustment knob or lever on one of the sides of the circular saw. Use it to raise or lower the saw’s base relative to its blade. For instance, if your aminate is ⅜ inches in depth, you must adjust the saw depth to a little more than that, say 7/16 inches at most.
Start the saw and start pushing it lightly along the marked cutting line.

3. Cutting with Jigsaw

Make sure you are using a blade suitable for cutting laminates. Use a fine-tooth blade with a high TPI for cleaner cuts.
Locate the speed control knob on your jigsaw. You can set the speed from medium to high depending on what works best for you. Low speed is not recommended when cutting laminate as it can cause the blade to bind or overheat.
Position the saw along the marked cutting line. Now, start the saw and allow the blade to reach full speed.
Guide the jigsaw along the marked line or the traced circular shape. Avoid any sharp turns when making a circular cut.

Caution

Wear safety glasses and a respirator when cutting the laminate.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Now, use a sander to smoothen the cut edges. You can also use fine-grit sandpaper for this task. Check to see if the laminate has chipped. If yes, then cover these areas with a stain pen. Make sure that the stain pen’s color is either the same or very similar to that of your laminate.

Caution

Wear safety glasses and a respirator when sanding the laminate.

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How to Cut Laminate Flooring

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Before You Begin

5 Steps on How to Cut Laminate Flooring

Step 5: Finishing Touches

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