If you are wondering what to use to cut vinyl panels, be sure to check out our guide.
What to use to cut vinyl panels? What tools to use?
Precise cutting of vinyl panels requires the use of appropriate tools. Their proper selection affects not only aesthetics but also the efficiency of work and the durability of the floor.
What to use to cut vinyl panels? Here are a few devices that can help:
- circular saw;
- hand saw;
- jigsaw;
- vinyl panel knife;
- vinyl panel guillotine;
- angle grinder.
All of the mentioned tools are suitable for precise cutting of LVT panels. Some professionals recommend not using saws or other electric devices. Why? The cutting area can heat up significantly, increasing the likelihood of warping the board.
A better, relatively inexpensive solution, is to use a special knife for vinyl panels. The appropriate blade allows for making precise cuts in a straight line. Classic hand saws are also used for cutting LVT flooring.
At Mexen.pl, you can buy vinyl panels with dimensions of 1240 x 1862 mm. Knowing the dimensions of individual boards makes it easier to plan their arrangement. Moreover, you avoid material shortages or excess.
How to cut vinyl panels?
After selecting the right tool for cutting flooring panels, you can prepare for work.
The first step will be to measure the floor in the given room very carefully. This will allow you to estimate how many panels of a given size will be needed to complete the flooring. Also, pay attention to the information included 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 designate the place where the cut should be made. Make sure that the edge at the cut point is perfectly straight. To do this, use a protractor. Mark the cutting line of the panels clearly with chalk or a pencil.
Cutting vinyl panels – start
Follow these steps:
- Step 1: place the flooring panels to be cut on a stable surface, and then secure them so that they do not move during work.
- Step 2: start trimming the panels with a gentle blade movement, controlling its speed and being careful not to scratch their surface. If you are using a jigsaw or another electric tool, remember about safety and keep your hands away from the rotating blade.
- Step 3: gradually move the blade along the cutting line, trying to maintain even pressure on the panels - this allows you to achieve even edges.
Cutting panels – finishing vinyl flooring
Regardless of what tool you decided to use to cut the flooring panels, you need to ensure their proper finishing, as you will need perfectly smooth edges to lay the panels.
If you had to trim the panels at the correct angle, check simply whether you achieved the desired effect – measure the edge of the panel using a protractor.
Pay attention to whether there are any irregularities or burrs at the cut points. If necessary, sand the edge and remove any debris generated in the process. Even and smooth edges will allow you to better fit the individual panels together - this way you will achieve the desired effect of a perfectly smooth vinyl floor.
Finishing panels - why is it important?
In homes and apartments with a functional room layout created in a square or rectangular plan, finishing floors is much easier, but it is still necessary to cut the panels and adapt them to the conditions of the interior - and this for several important reasons:
- It is obvious that the precise fitting of the board to the substrate influences the aesthetics and functionality of the place. This is especially important when rooms have both regular and irregular shapes. Accurate cutting of panels allows for creating a coherent, even surface;
- The necessity to account for an expansion joint at the edges of the room is fundamental. This gap allows the panels to expand and contract freely in response to natural changes in temperature and humidity. Lack of a proper gap can lead to swelling, warping, or even damage to the boards;
- The last aspect concerns fitting the panels around already existing obstacles, such as pillars, pipes, or other installation elements. In this case, cutting requires not only precision but also technical skills. This combination ensures that the panels will be properly arranged and adequately protected around the objects.
What to use to cut vinyl panels? Choose a tool suited to your needs
The issue of what to use to cut flooring panels is not as troublesome as it might seem. Vinyl panels are made of a material that is easily amenable to mechanical processing. Whether you are dealing with vinyl panels or laminate panels, the most important thing is to choose the right tool.
A good solution would thus be to use a hand saw or a special knife. Precise cutting is possible without resorting to electric tools, which is certainly an advantage during DIY installation.
Even cutting requires a stable surface and good lighting. When considering how to cut panels, special attention should be paid to taking precise measurements before starting work.
During work, be careful not to scratch the panels with the saw teeth or knife blade. In the case of electromechanical devices, such as a circular saw, it is worth familiarizing yourself with their operation and following safety rules.