In this blog post, we will show you how to cut vinyl plank flooring in order to get the perfect fit for your space. We will also provide some helpful tips on how to avoid damaging your flooring during the installation process.
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Tools Needed
You will need a few tools to cut your vinyl plank flooring. A utility knife, a straight edge, and a measuring tape are the basics. You will also need a saw to cut the planks to length. A jigsaw, circular saw, or hand saw will work. If you are using a jigsaw, you will need a blade that is made for cutting vinyl.
Jigsaw
A jigsaw is a type of power saw that uses a blade with a toothed or serrated edge for making irregular cuts, such as curved or pie-shaped ones, in wood, metal, or other materials. Typically, the blade is moved up and down by a reciprocal sawing action.
This type of saw is also used for cutting Puzzle joints (tab-and-slot joints). The advantage of using a jigsaw is that it can make very intricate cuts that would be very difficult to make with any other type of saw.
Measuring Tape
You will need a measuring tape to measure the width and length of your room. You will also need it to measure the width of your vinyl planks.
Straight Edge
A straight edge is an important tool when cutting vinyl plank flooring. It is used to ensure that the cut is straight and to avoid chipping or damage to the flooring. A straight edge can be made out of any material that is strong and stiff, such as wood, metal, or plastic. It is important to use a straight edge that is longer than the length of the cut you are making. This will help to prevent the vinyl plank from moving while you are cutting it.
Cutting the Flooring
If you are install vinyl plank flooring, you will need to know how to cut it. This can be done with a few different tools, but the easiest way is with a utility knife. You will need to score the plank first and then snap it.
Measure and mark the plank
Vinyl plank flooring is a do-it-yourselfer’s dream product. It is easy to install and cut, and it is very versatile. You can install vinyl plank flooring in almost any room in your home, including bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and basements. It is important to take the time to properly measure and mark the plank before cutting it.
1. Measure the length of the vinyl plank that you need to cut.
2. Place the plank on a cutting surface. Use a straight edge to mark the length you need to cut off of the plank.
3. Cut along the line you marked with a utility knife or a saw designed for cutting vinyl flooring.
Cut along the marked line
Place the vinyl plank on the flooring and align it with the pencil line. Press it down to adhere it to the flooring.
Use a utility knife to cut along the marked line. You may need to go over the line several times to cut through the vinyl.
Remove any loose pieces of vinyl from around the cut and dispose of them properly.
Repeat for all pieces
After you have installed the first row of vinyl plank flooring, you will need to cut the pieces for the next row. You will use the same process for each row until you reach the end of your project.
1. Measure the width of the room and subtract the width of the first row. This will give you the amount of space that you need to fill with your vinyl planks.
2. Divide this number by the width of your vinyl planks. This will give you the number of whole planks that you need for your second row.
3. Measure and mark your planks for cutting, using a straight edge and a pencil. Be sure to allow for any expansion gaps that may be necessary around doors or other openings.
4. Cut your planks with a sharp utility knife or a saw, following your marked lines. If using a utility knife, be sure to score your cut line several times before snapping the plank in two.
5[install the second row of Vinyl Plank Flooring](https://www.familyhandymanHow to Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring) pieces, starting at one end of the room and working your way towards the other end, using a generous amount of adhesive on each piece as you go. Make sure to stagger each piece so that the joints do not line up with those in adjacent rows
Finishing Up
It’s finally time to install your new vinyl plank flooring. In this section, we’ll go over how to cut vinyl plank flooring so that it fits perfectly in your space. We’ll also talk about how to trim vinyl plank flooring and how to install vinyl plank flooring around obstacles.
Remove any burrs or sharp edges
Using a sharp utility knife, trim away any burrs or sharp edges from the cut edge of the plank. Be sure to hold the blade perpendicular to the plank so you don’t end up with a crooked cut.
Install the trim
After you have cut and laid all your vinyl plank flooring, it is time to install the trim. Baseboard molding and shoe molding are two types of vinyl trim that can be used with this flooring. Baseboard molding is installed first, along the bottom of the wall. Shoe molding is installed next, along the edge of the floor where it meets the baseboard molding.
To install baseboard molding, use a miter saw to cut the pieces to length. The longest wall in the room will require two pieces of baseboard molding, one for each end. The other walls will only need one piece each. Dry fit the baseboard molding against the wall to make sure all the pieces fit together nicely. Once you are happy with the fit, remove the molding and apply a bead of construction adhesive to the back of each piece. Press the molding into place and nail it to the wall every 12 inches or so with finishing nails.
To install shoe molding, again use a miter saw to cut the pieces to length. You will need one piece for each wall in the room. Fit each piece into place and mark where it needs to be trimmed. Remove the piece and trim it as needed with a utility knife or saw before putting it back in place and nailing it down.
Enjoy your new vinyl plank flooring
Now that you know how to cut vinyl plank flooring, you can finish your project and enjoy your new flooring. Be sure to follow all manufacturer’s instructions for installation, care and maintenance of your vinyl plank flooring. With proper care, your new floor will last for many years to come.
