How to cut laminate flooring lengthwise

This article is about how to cut laminate flooring lengthwise. You can choose to install laminate flooring by yourself, as to keep costs as low as possible, but you have to master a few techniques to get the job done as a professional. Cutting laminate flooring lengthwise is one of the trickiest techniques, as it requires attention, knowledge and taking proper measurements. Generally speaking, you need to cut laminate flooring lengthwise when installing the first and last rows of laminate flooring, along the walls. In order to fit the laminate planks into position, you might need to use a pull-bar.

Always install spacers (1/4 – 1/3”) along all the walls or other items of the room, as to leave enough room for expansion. As in the case of any floating flooring, the laminate planks tend to expand contract over time and due to humidity changes, therefore you must leave enough in every direction. If you don’t install spacers, the laminate flooring will create peaks. Take accurate measurements for every laminate board you install along the walls. In most of the cases the walls are not perfectly straight, therefore the width of the laminate planks will vary. We recommend you to draw the cut line on each laminate board, one by one, as to get the job done properly.

If you use a jigsaw blade with downward oriented teeth, you should place the boards with the face up. In this manner the saw won’t chip the edges and you will get proper cuts. If you have a blade with upward oriented teeth, you should place the laminate planks with the top-face down. Use a pull-bar to lock the laminate flooring boards to the rest of the rows. Check attentively the flooring and repeat the procedure if you identify gaps between the planks. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

 

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In order to cut laminate flooring lengthwise, you need the following:

Materials

  • Laminate boards
  • Spacers

 

Tools

  • Eye protection
  • Jigsaw / circular saw
  • Level, carpentry pencil, l-square
  • C-clamps, pull-bar

 

Tips

  • Use a smart setup when cutting the laminate boards
  • Use a blade with downward-oriented teeth, if you place the laminate board with the face up

 

Time

  • 5 minutes, one cut

 

 

How to cut laminate flooring lengthwise

Drawing cut lines on laminate boards

Drawing cut lines on laminate boards

 

Step 1: Place spacers along the walls. As we have already said, it is essential to leave about 1/3” around all walls, as the laminate flooring might expand due to changes in humidity.

Step 2: Lay the laminate flooring board down, making sure the tongue is oriented towards the wall. If you are going to cut it with a blade having downward oriented teeth, you should turn it with the finish face up, otherwise place it with the top-face down.

 

Cutting laminate flooring along wall

Cutting laminate flooring along wall

 

Step 3: Use a straight edge or another laminate flooring board to guide the jigsaw / circular saw, while doing the cut. In order to get accurate cuts, clamp the straight edge (or a laminate flooring plank) to your board, making sure the blade of the jigsaw goes exactly over the cut line, at both sides.

Step 4: Place the laminate flooring board on a sturdy surface (saw horse) and lock it into position (with several C-clamps or with the help of a friend). Last but not least, cut the laminate flooring plank, making sure you go along the straight edge.

 

how to cut laminate flooring lengthwise

how to cut laminate flooring lengthwise

 

Step 5: Lay the laminate flooring board into position, using a pull bar to connect it to the rest of the rows. Work with patience and with great care and make sure you don’t leave any gaps between the boards.

Step 6: Repeat the process by taking measurements for every laminate board and cut them in the same manner described above. Work with great care and make sure you wear eye protection during the whole procedure.

 

 

Thank you for reading our article on how to cut laminate flooring lengthwise and we recommend you to check out the rest of our projects. Don’t forget to share our articles with your friends, by using the social media widgets.




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