How To Cut Laminate Flooring? A Quick And Easy Guide
Are you looking to cut laminate flooring but have no clue how to do it? It is a necessary step before you install the flooring, and if you don’t do it on your own, you will end up spending plenty of money on it.
Here is how to cut laminate flooring. Firstly, take the measurement of the plank and mark it accordingly. Next, pick the right tool about which we will talk in a bit and cut it carefully. Now wipe it down with a clean cloth to remove any residue.
For a little more detail about each step, keep on reading.
Laminate Flooring: Three Simple Steps
⦁ Taking The Measurements
Taking measurements is the first step. You’ll probably spend twice as much time measuring than cutting. Make use of a measuring tape and a fine pencil to mark where you need to cut. The pencil should be finer to give you an accurate readout.
Never proceed to cutting without actually marking the plank. It is quite possible to make mistakes when you rely on a guessing game instead of properly marking.
Choosing The Right Tools
After measuring, you need to choose the tools for cutting. There are numerous tools like a table saw, a circular saw, and a miter saw. While all are used for cutting, a jigsaw is the best for cutting laminate.
The reasons are plenty. It is not very costly, and purchasing it would help with your other DIYs as well. The minimum price is $30, though you can buy as expensive as $150. What’s more? You can do both straight and intricate cutting, which is not possible with other options like a circular saw. Also, it is easy to carry and doesn’t weigh much.
Therefore, a jigsaw is the right tool worth investing in for you.
Cutting The Laminate
Now comes the actual cutting part, which is undoubtedly going to create a lot of mess. Therefore, it is better to do it in an open area outside of your living room.
If you use a fine-toothed jigsaw, you will avoid having rugged edges. At the same time, don’t forget to take all the safety measures before cutting. Laminates contain materials that you wouldn’t want in your lungs. So wear a dust mask, gloves, and goggles.
Hiring A Professional Vs. A DIY Project
The process of cutting laminate flooring is normally handled by professionals. And, they’re the right choice with all the experience and the tools that you don’t have Anyhow, you can DIY as well. The main benefits of DIY is saving the money that you would need to pay to a professional.
Although DIY is tempting, it comes with its drawbacks. Since the current project involves sharp electric saws, there is a possibility of you hurting yourself or damaging the flooring. You certainly need a little practice before using them.
Also, if you’ve never handled a saw before, you shouldn’t do it without an expert.
Some Tips And Tricks To Cut Laminate Flooring
Make use of the following tips and tricks to improve your experience and the quality of your work.
⦁ It is a good idea to have a margin of 8 to 10 percent waste when buying flooring so that if you make mistakes, there is still something to work with.
⦁ Since flooring expands and contracts, it is necessary to keep an expansion gap to let it expand. Keeping a 1/4″ gap on both sides is enough.
⦁ If you rent a floor cutter, have its blade preferably new, so you have a nice smooth finish without blades being dull midway.
⦁ If the jigsaw doesn’t let you cut straight lines, use clamps. In this way, it will be easier for you to cut since the planks will be held tightly by clamps.
Conclusion
Overall, that was a quick glance at how to cut laminate flooring. Simply make use of the right tools and follow the instructions stated above. The process is quite straightforward and doesn’t take much of your time. And once you get your flooring cut, you can start installing it.
We’ve provided you with some of the most important information on how to cut laminate flooring. You may want to schedule a consultation at Kennedy Kitchens and Baths if you have any more questions about cutting your own laminate floors. Our team of experts is ready, willing, and able to answer all of your questions! Have you tried these tips for cutting laminate flooring?
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