If you're wondering what to use to cut vinyl flooring, be sure to check out our guide.
What tools to use for cutting vinyl flooring?
Cutting vinyl flooring precisely requires using the right tools. The proper selection affects not only aesthetics but also work efficiency and the durability of the floor.
What to use to cut vinyl flooring? Here are a few devices that can help:
- circular saw;
- hand saw;
- jigsaw;
- vinyl flooring knife;
- vinyl flooring guillotine;
- angle grinder.
All of the mentioned tools are suitable for precisely cutting LVT panels. Some experts recommend not using saws or other electric devices. Why? The cutting area can heat up significantly, increasing the likelihood of the board deforming.
A better solution, which is also relatively cheap, is to use a special knife for vinyl flooring. The right blade allows for precise cuts in a straight line. Classic hand saws are also used for cutting LVT flooring.
On Mexen.ie, you can buy vinyl panels with dimensions 1240 x 1862 mm. Knowing the dimensions of individual boards makes it easier to plan their placement. Moreover, you avoid material shortages or excess.
How to cut vinyl flooring?
Once you have chosen the appropriate tool for cutting flooring panels, you can prepare for work.
The first step will be to measure the floor in the given room very precisely. This will allow you to estimate how many panels of a certain size will be needed to finish the floor. Also, pay attention to the information on the product packaging - you will find the number of panels, which will definitely make it easier for you to estimate how many packs of the product you need to order.
Depending on the shape and size of the room, it will be necessary to cut the flooring panels to the appropriate size.
Important!
Before you start working, measure the panel very carefully and mark the place where you need to cut. Make sure the edge at the cutting point will be perfectly straight. Use a protractor for this purpose. Mark the cutting line of the panels clearly with chalk or a pencil.
Cutting vinyl panels - start
Follow these steps:
- Step 1: lay the flooring panels intended for cutting on a stable surface, then secure them in such a way that they don't move during work.
- Step 2: start trimming the panels with gentle blade movements, controlling its pace and being careful not to scratch their surface. If you're using a jigsaw or another electric tool, remember about safety and keep your hands away from the rotating blade.
- Step 3: gradually slide the blade along the cutting line, trying to maintain even pressure on the panels - this allows for even edges.
Cutting panels - finishing the vinyl floor
No matter what tool you decided to use to cut flooring panels, you must ensure their proper finishing because perfectly smooth edges are needed for laying panels.
If you had to cut the panels at a certain angle, easily check if you achieved the desired effect by measuring the edge of the panel with a protractor.
Make sure that no irregularities or burrs appear in the cutting areas. If necessary, sand the edge and remove any dust that appears during this operation. Even and smooth edges will help you better match individual panels - this way, you will achieve the expected effect, which is a perfectly smooth vinyl floor.
Panel processing - why is it important?
In homes and apartments with a functional layout of rooms created on a square or rectangular plan, finishing floors is much simpler, but cutting panels and adapting them to the interior conditions is still necessary - for several important reasons:
- It is obvious that precise adjustment of the board to the floor affects the aesthetics and functionality of the place. This is particularly important when rooms have both regular and irregular shapes. Accurate panel trimming allows creating a cohesive, consistent surface;
- The necessity to consider the expansion gap at the edges of the room is fundamental. This gap allows the panels to expand and contract freely in response to natural temperature and humidity changes. Lack of an appropriate gap can lead to swelling, deformation, or even damage to the boards;
- The last aspect concerns fitting panels around existing obstacles, such as columns, pipes, or other installation elements. Then, cutting requires not only precision but also technical skills. Such a combination ensures that the panels will be properly laid and adequately secured around objects.
What to use to cut vinyl flooring? Choose the tool that suits your needs
The question of what to use to cut flooring panels is not as problematic as it might seem. Vinyl panels are made of material that easily undergoes mechanical processing. No matter if you're dealing with vinyl or laminate panels, the most important thing is selecting the appropriate tool.
A good solution would be to use a hand saw or a special knife. Precise cutting is possible without resorting to electric tools, which is definitely an advantage for DIY installation.
Even cutting requires a stable surface and good lighting. When thinking about how to trim panels, special attention should be paid to making precise measurements before starting work.
During work, be careful not to scratch the panels with a saw blade or knife edge. In the case of electromechanical devices, such as a circular saw, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the way they are used and follow safety rules.