Installing laminate flooring is one of the most affordable ways to give your house a facelift. It’s tough, fashionable, and easy to use even for beginners. But here’s the twist: unless you know how to cut laminate flooring properly, you may be stuck with chipped edges, uneven seams, or wasted planks.
The best part? With the right equipment, a bit of patience, and advice from the experts at Guy Buras Fine Wood Floors, you can cut laminate flooring accurately like an experienced installer.
Why Cutting Laminate Flooring Is Tricky (But completely doable)
Laminate flooring has a fiberboard core and a tough wear layer on top. This makes it durable but also prone to chipping if cut incorrectly. The trick lies in employing the proper tools and methods for clean, precise cuts that will result in your floors appearing seamless and professional.
Before You Begin: Prep Like a Pro
Measure Twice, Cut Once
Start by measuring your room carefully. Take note of irregular corners, door frames, and vents. Accurate measurements reduce waste and ensure tight-fitting planks.
Gather Your Tools
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pencil and measuring tape
- Utility knife
- Jigsaw or circular saw
- Miter saw (optional for angle cuts)
- Laminate cutter (manual tool for straight cuts)
- Safety goggles and dust mask
Different tools serve different purposes, some are better for straight cuts, while others handle curves and angles better.
Various Methods of Cutting Laminate Flooring
Let’s move on to the cutting techniques. Pick according to your skill level, equipment, and the cuts you need.
Straight Cuts
Use a Laminate Cutter or Circular Saw
For most of your straight cuts (lengthwise planks, in particular), a laminate cutter is an excellent hand tool, it’s silent, clean, and dust-free. If you are cutting with a circular saw, turn the plank over so that the top layer won’t chip.
Tip: Always clamp the board down when cutting for improved control.
Curved Cuts Around Objects
Use a Jigsaw
Need to work around a toilet pipe or base? Your friend is a jigsaw. Score the curve, then create a starter hole if necessary and guide the jigsaw slowly along your line.
Tip: Insert a fine-tooth blade to reduce splintering.
Notch Cuts for Door Frames
For close fits against door jambs or wall corners, cut notches using a utility knife or jigsaw. That way, your planks will be flat and beautiful.
Pro Hack: Cut the back of the door casing by a little bit with a handsaw, so the plank can fit underneath for a neat finish.
Which Side to Cut Facing Up?
It varies by tool:
- Blade comes up (table saw, for example): Cut with plank down
- Blade descends (e.g., circular saw): Grain side facing up
- The objective is always to keep the exposed surface from splintering.
How to Save Money and Cut Down on Waste
Laminate planks aren’t extremely costly, but waste mounts up. These are the ways of minimizing it:
- Plan your layout in advance
- Use offcuts for the succeeding row where possible
- Monitor where your seams land (stagger them for integrity and appearance)
And if you’re budgeting for your entire project, a flooring installation cost calculator can assist you in determining the number of planks you will require, plus some extra for cuts and errors.
Pro Bonus Tips
Let Planks Acclimate
Always allow your laminate flooring to sit in the room for 48 hours prior to installation. This allows it to acclimate to the room’s humidity level and keeps the possibility of buckling in the future at a minimum.
Use Spacers for Expansion Gaps
Leave a ¼-inch space along the edges of the room. Laminate expands and shrinks with temperature and humidity fluctuations.
Clean as You Go
Saw dust and laminate debris can accumulate. Vacuum frequently to keep your work area clean and your cuts sharp.
When to Call in the Pros
Cutting laminate flooring isn’t rocket science but it’s also not for everyone. If you’re short on time, lack tools, or just want a picture-perfect finish, hiring a professional is the way to go. Companies like Guy Buras Fine Wood Floors offer expert laminate flooring installation with precision cuts, flawless layout, and zero stress.
A DIY project could be less expensive in terms of labor, but a faulty laminate floor installation in New Orleans LA cost more to correct. Other times, peace of mind is worth it.
Conclusion
Cutting laminate flooring is not difficult once you know what to do. Clean straight cuts are done using a laminate cutter, curves using a jigsaw, and double-check all measurements before cutting. It takes patience and applying some smarts, but you should have fun doing this, as you’re actually setting the foundation of your room.
And what if you’re unsure? Guy Buras Fine Wood Floors has your back. Whether you’re going at it yourself or having someone professionally install laminate flooring, we’ve got your back every step of the way.
Ready to make your flooring dreams a reality? Contact Guy Buras Fine Wood Floors today and let’s discuss laminate, layout, and long-lasting results!