Laminate flooring is layered like plywood and the top layer usually consists of a coating of hard plastic.
Proper way to cut laminate floor.
Using a miter saw.
As a diy project laminate flooring is one of the easiest types of flooring to install but it s not the easiest material to cut.
If you took accurate measurements and used our tips to cut the planks you shouldn t have any issue while laying it into position.
To avoid this follow these steps when cutting your new flooring.
The best way to cut laminate flooring step by step.
A miter saw is nice because all you need is a simple little mark and the saw will do the rest of the work this is the ideal tool and can cut perfect 90 degree cuts or any other angle up to 50 degrees for most saws.
Mark and measure where you want to cut the boards beforehand with chalk or pencil.
You may make a false cut or two but those pieces can be salvaged for later when a shorter piece is required.
This coating chips easily so you need to cut.
To lay laminate flooring first clear out any furniture in the room you ll be laying the floor in.
Remember that you have to place spacers around the walls otherwise the laminate might expand in time and create issues.
A simple underlayment of foam sheeting is usually sufficient as a base for laminate planks.
Next cut strips of underlayment to size and lay the strips down across the exposed floor.
This process can take up to 2 hours depending on how many boards you need to cut.
Prepare the subfloor.
Most diyers can complete laminate floor installation in one day.
For proper installation the subfloor or old flooring surface must be flat smooth and clean.
Cutting laminate to length.
W hen laying a new laminate floor you should be looking to stagger the laminate boards.
The best way to cut laminate flooring.
How to cut floor boards without chipping.
This quick guide covers all the laminate flooring cuts you ll need to make.
If it seems quite easy be sure that it is with a little practice.
After you have cut the laminate flooring board you have to lay it on the sub floor to see if it fits into position.
You can of course cut laminate flooring with a table saw circular saw or jigsaw just as you do solid wood flooring but the results can be disastrous if you don t take the time to do it right.
You can use either a sliding model or a non sliding model just make sure the blade is large enough to cut the entire width of the laminate flooring in one pass.
Laminate boards can chip if separated incorrectly.
While there are no steadfast rules to doing this if you understand the basic concepts as to why it matters you will more likely than not lay a floor that is more aesthetically pleasing likely to last a lot longer and require much less ongoing maintenance.
In fact laminate flooring can be installed in almost every room in your home including kitchens since it doesn t have to be glued down and doesn t involve grout or mortar.