How To Cut LVP Flooring: Best Ways & Tools To Cut Vinyl Floor

If you're learning how to cut LVP flooring easily, you're in the right place. Today, we're breaking down the top tools and methods you'll need to achieve perfect cuts for a flawless finish. Our tips will make your vinyl flooring cutting job easier and more precise, keep reading!

Tools You'll Need to Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring

Before we dive into the specific cutting techniques, here's a quick overview of the tools you might find helpful for a vinyl plank flooring project:

• Utility knife (with sharp blades)

• Jigsaw

• Circular saw

• Vinyl cutter

• Measuring tape

• Straight edge or T-square

• Cutting board or a protective surface

• Clamps (for securing planks)

• Safety gear (gloves, glasses)

Best Tools for Cutting Vinyl Plank Flooring

1. Utility Knife

The most basic and essential tool for cutting vinyl plank flooring is the utility knife. It's perfect for making straight cuts and scoring the planks before snapping them. The key here is to use a sharp blade to ensure clean edges and reduce the chance of cracking or damaging the plank.

• How to Use:

  • Measure and mark the plank.

  • Use a straight edge to guide your utility knife.

  • Score the plank deeply enough to snap it cleanly.

2. Jigsaw

For more intricate cuts around corners or objects like door frames, the jigsaw is your best friend. Its small blade and high maneuverability make it ideal for cutting curves and odd shapes. Use a fine-tooth blade to prevent chipping.

• How to Use:

  • Mark your cuts carefully.

  • Use slow, precise strokes to avoid mistakes or rough edges.

3. Circular Saw

If you need to cut multiple planks quickly, especially for long straight cuts, the circular saw is the way to go. Pair it with a fine-tooth blade for smooth cuts with less debris.

• Pro Tip: Always secure your planks with clamps and wear safety gear to avoid accidents. This tool is especially useful for larger projects.

4. Vinyl Cutter (Guillotine Style)

A vinyl cutter is designed specifically for cutting vinyl plank flooring, making it a worthwhile investment for large projects. It works like a large paper cutter, providing a fast, straight, clean cut without generating dust.

• How to Use:

  • Align the plank with the cutting blade.

  • Apply pressure and snap for a clean, precise cut.

5. Miter Saw (For Small Pieces)

For small, difficult-to-snap pieces, a miter saw can be a great alternative. It’s particularly useful when cutting small pieces that lack leverage for hand-snapping.

How To Cut LVP Flooring for Different Purposes (Line & Shape)

Below we will tell you how to use the above tools to cut LVP floor for different purposes, including the way to cut vinyl flooring around objects:

1. Cutting to Length

The most common cut in vinyl flooring is cutting planks to length. You’ll frequently need to trim planks at the end of every row.

• How to Do It:

  • Measure the space where the plank will go.

  • Use a utility knife or vinyl cutter to cut the plank to the correct length.

  • For small, precise cuts, consider using a miter saw or jigsaw.

2. Cutting to Width

Occasionally, you’ll need to cut planks lengthwise to fit the width of a room. This requires a more robust tool, like a circular saw or jigsaw.

• How to Do It:

  • Measure the required width and mark the plank.

  • Use a circular saw or jigsaw for a clean, straight cut.

  • Ensure you’re cutting on a backer board or a surface that won’t damage your blade or workspace.

3. Cutting Notches (Corners and Edges)

If your room isn’t a perfect rectangle, you’ll need to cut notches to fit around objects like cabinets or corners. Use a utility knife or jigsaw for these cuts.

• How to Do It:

  • Measure and mark the length and width of the notch.

  • Use a utility knife or jigsaw to carefully cut out the notch.

4. Cutting Curves

If you need to cut around curved objects like a toilet flange, a jigsaw is your best tool. For perfect fitting, use a contour gauge to match the curve.

• How to Do It:

  • Use the contour gauge to trace the curve onto the plank.

  • Cut along the marked line with a jigsaw, using a fine-tooth blade for smooth curves.

5. Cutting Holes (For Vents or Pipes)

Sometimes, you’ll need to cut holes in the middle of a plank for things like air vents or pipes. A multi-tool or jigsaw can handle this.

• How to Do It:

  • Measure and mark the location of the hole.

  • Use a Forstner bit or spade bit to drill starter holes, then use a jigsaw to finish cutting the hole.

  • Alternatively, a multi-tool works well for plunge cuts.

How To Cut Vinyl Flooring Around Objects (Detailed Steps)

When cutting around obstacles like door frames or corners, precision is key. Here's how to do it:

1. Measure Carefully:

   • Measure the space where the plank will fit, ensuring you account for any expansion gaps.

   • Mark your plank using a pencil (avoid permanent markers).

2. Score and Snap:

   • Use a utility knife to score the plank along your marked lines.

   • Snap the plank along the score line for a clean break.

3. For Complex Shapes:

   • Use a jigsaw for more intricate cuts around irregular shapes.

   • Take your time and make small adjustments to ensure a perfect fit.

Pro Tips for a Clean Cutting Finish

1. Use a Backer Board: Always have a backer board or a scrap piece of vinyl to lay under your plank when cutting to avoid damaging the floor underneath.

2. Clamp Your Planks: Secure your planks with clamps when using power tools to prevent movement and ensure a straight cut.

3. Use Fine-Tooth Blades: When using a jigsaw or circular saw, opt for fine-tooth blades to reduce chipping and get cleaner cuts.

Cutting vinyl plank flooring may seem daunting, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s a straightforward task. Whether you’re using a utility knife for simple cuts or a jigsaw for more intricate shapes, the key is to measure carefully, take your time, and use sharp, appropriate tools.