Wondering how to cut vinyl flooring? Measure and mark your plank, score it with a utility knife and snap it cleanly. For thicker planks or intricate cuts, use a vinyl cutter or jigsaw.
With the right tools and a little patience, learning how to cut LVT flooring is a DIY-friendly job you can confidently tackle at home. And don’t forget to wear your safety gloves!
Jump to:
- Utility knife – perfect for the score and snap method.
- Vinyl floor cutter – handy for bulk cutting, especially with thicker planks.
- Jigsaw – ideal for corners, curves and tricky shapes.
- Straight edge or a ruler and pencil – for accurate marking.
- Safety kit – gloves to protect your hands and knee pads for comfort.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Vinyl Flooring
Cutting vinyl flooring doesn’t have to feel daunting. This step-by-step guide is here to help you feel confident and at ease. Remember to take your time, keep blades sharp and always cut away from your body.
- Measure and mark accurately:
Measure the space where the plank will sit and leave a small gap at the edges for movement if you’re fitting SPC or Click LVT. Mark the top side with a pencil for a clear and removable line. You’ll then need a metal ruler (or a spare plank) to draw a straight line.
For straight end cuts, line the plank up with another plank to keep it square. For cutting long lengthways, hold or clamp a straight edge and score along it so the knife doesn’t drift.
- Choose your method:
Next, choose the tool that matches the job.
A utility knife is the easiest for most planks and tiles as it’s quiet, clean and accurate.
A vinyl floor cutter is perfect for big rooms and thicker planks, as it makes fast, repeatable, straight cuts.
A jigsaw, on the other hand, is best for curves and awkward shapes with its fine-tooth blade, as it supports the plank on both sides and goes at a steady speed.
- Score and snap:
Don’t force the cut! Instead, make a few light slices across the line on your plank.
From there, bend the offcut backwards so the plank snaps before slicing through the backing to separate it.
For very stiff or thick planks, it’s best to score both the front and the back before snapping. Alternatively, you can switch to a cutter. For long cuts with the grain, you should keep even pressure along the straight edge and take extra passes until the snap is clean.
- Cut intricate shapes:
For pipes, measure to the centre of the pipe, mark it on the plank and drill a hole slightly bigger than the pipe. Then cut a straight line from the nearest edge to the hole, fit the plank and glue the small piece back in. You can finish with a matching pipe cover.
For door frames, you can trim the bottom of the frame so the plank slides under, or mark and cut the plank to fit around it. Drill a small hole in the inside corners to prevent tearing, then follow your lines with a jigsaw or knife.
For toilets and curved bases, make a quick paper template with masking tape, draw the curve and transfer it to the plank or sheet. From there, cut slowly, trimming a little at a time until it sits snug.
- Test fit pieces before installing:
Place every cut plank into position before you click or glue. From there, you can check the gaps at the edges with spacers, make sure the patterns line up and that the edges are smooth. Don’t forget to trim any rough spots with a fresh blade. Finally, vacuum away any dust to ensure the joints close tightly. If you’re working in a big room, it’s a good idea to write a quick note on the back of each piece to show where it goes, ensuring a smooth installation.
How to Cut Different Types of Vinyl Flooring
Different types of vinyl flooring may need slightly different cutting approaches.
Click & Glue-Down LVT: The score and snap method with a utility knife works best for this flooring.
SPC or Rigid Core Vinyl: These denser planks may require a vinyl cutter or a fine-toothed jigsaw.
Vinyl Sheet Flooring: Use a utility knife for long cuts, but trim carefully around walls and fixtures.
Tips for Clean Cuts
For a neat, professional-looking finish, keep these tips in mind:
- Always work on a stable surface to avoid slips and cut away from your body to avoid injuries.
- Change your blades often, as blunt blades can tear the vinyl.
- Cut face-up to protect the design layer of your LVT flooring.
- Practice on an offcut first if you’re unsure.
Ready to Install Your Vinyl Flooring?
Once you’ve got the hang of cutting vinyl flooring, you’re ready for the next step.
Dry lay a few rows to double-check the layout, then move on to fitting. Our simple guide on how to lay luxury vinyl tiles walks you through preparation, installation and finishing your floor, helping you complete the job confidently.
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