How To Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring Around Corners
Vinyl plank is widely used for homes and office floors because of its durability and ease of use. They come in multiple designs and patterns to suit your work or living space. Though thick, you can cut it with different tools to size. If you plan on installing this flooring, you must be bothered about how to cut vinyl plank flooring around corners.
It’s necessary to know how to make these cuts around the corners for proper fitting. This article will tell you all that there’s to know about cutting vinyl plank flooring around the corners and how to install it.
All at a Glance
Cutting Vinyl Plank Flooring from the Corners
It is not impossible to install vinyl plank flooring from the corners. However, it will only make things far more complicated. When it comes to this type of flooring, you should always start from the center of the space.
First, you have to measure the room. Measuring the planks follows before leaving some space around the sides for filling at the end. This is where cutting the planks is needed. Following it in this sequence will ease the installation process and cover those leftover areas conveniently.
To cut vinyl plank flooring around corners, you need the following tools;
- Measuring tape
- Jigsaw
- Utility knife
- Clamps
- Marker
- T-square
- Chalk line
Step-by-Step Procedures
Step 1: Plan the Layout
You have to plan for the corners as they are delicate areas. We recommend you set aside some planks for those areas to avoid any issues in front.
Step 2: Measure the Area
Take measurements of the corners with a measuring tape. The numbers need to be as accurate as possible because you will be cutting the plank based on the metrics. To avoid any surprises, make sure to leave an inch gap.
Step 3: Consider the Shape of the Corners
Most people forget to take note of the corners’ shape during measurement. In the end, they make mistakes. You have to ensure that the shape aligns impeccably with the corners. But, how do you check the shape of the corner? Use a piece of cardboard or paper to cut out the accurate perimeter of the corner.
Step 4: Measure the Plank with a T-Square
It’s time to measure the plank with a T-square. With this, you’ll be able to ascertain the angles accurately. T-square also helps in cutting the vinyl planks more evenly.
Step 5: Set Aside Irrelevant Things
At this point, all there’s to do is to cut the flooring. So, take some time off and remove anything that you no longer need for the project.
Step 6: Stabilize the Planks with Clamps
There’s a tendency that the plank would move during cutting. To make precise cuts, you need the plank to be as stable as possible. You can achieve this by holding it with a clamp. Ensure to keep the part you want to cut outside.
Step 7: Cut with a Jigsaw
Jigsaw is the most preferred tool for cutting vinyl corners because of its precision and ease of use. You can also use a table or miter saw if the flooring material is relatively large and thick.
Put the tool inside the plank through a narrow opening on the mark and start to cut along. Try to cut without damaging the grooves.
Once you have cut, check the edges for smoothness. If it isn’t as smooth as you want, smooth them out with a utility knife moderately and with caution.
Step 8: Check If the Planks Fit Into the Designated Areas
The last final step is to examine the area and determine if the planks will fit into them perfectly. If they can’t, you need to make some adjustments. You can do that with knives.
That’s how to cut vinyl plank flooring around corners. Based on the steps above, you can deduce that it isn’t a challenging process. The most important thing is to get your measurements accurate.
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Best Vinyl Plank Flooring Cutter
Vinyl plank flooring is straightforward to work with and install. It requires no specialized tools to cut the material to length or width. Since they are not as thick as hardwoods, you can use several cutting tools to shape them to size.
Many people always ask if they can use any tool to cut vinyl planks. The groovy edges often raise concern over the best way to cut this lightweight material. The truth is although many tools would cut vinyl, they could leave jagged edges or damage the groove.
Let’s take a look at the best cutters for vinyl planks.
i. Tile Cutters
If you have a tile cutter in your house or workshop, you can consider using it to cut your flooring. However, it depends on the type of tile cutter. Ceramic tile cutters are not an option because they score surfaces rather than cut deep, no thanks to their diamond edges.
Laminate vinyl cutters are a better option. They have sharp guillotine blades that will cut through vinyl in no time.
ii. Saws
Handsaws are fine for cutting vinyl, but they are labor-intensive and time-consuming. If you are to use a handsaw, avoid rip saws. They cut through wood and will damage the vinyl edges. The best handsaws to use are hacksaws and finish cut saws.
Another great option is a flush-cut pull saw. Like hacksaws and finish cut saws, it produces fine cuts and leaves smooth edges.
Table saws can also cut vinyl planks smoothly, mainly when cutting along the length. They are efficient at trimming planks to length. However, changing the blade to a fine-tooth type with a high TPI is necessary.
A miter saw is another convenient option. However, it works on certain types of vinyl planks. Its design is only suitable for large and thick planks. Also, it performs crosscuts well.
Jigsaws are also ideal options. We previously discussed that they cut vinyl planks due to their versatility and precision. However, you need to install a blade that has finer teeth as they guarantee smoother cuts.
Circular saws are good alternatives. They can perfectly cut vinyl planks, especially if you want to make rip cuts. They make these cuts quicker than jigsaws. Note that cutting with circular saws generates enormous dust and noise.
iii. Dremel
Dremel can cut vinyl sheets, although it depends on the type. The Dremel Trio and Dremel Saw-Max work best for vinyl. The trio is better for cutting the plank to size. However, you can’t use it for rip cuts or crosscuts. On the other hand, you’ll be able to make rip cuts and crosscuts with the Saw-Max.
iv. Utility Knife
Utility knives are probably the most common for cutting vinyl planks. It’s the most recommended for vinyl cutting because of its ease of use. The best types are the ones with a steel or wooden handle.
Frequently Ask Questions on How To Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring Around Corners
- Can you use an oscillating tool to cut vinyl plank flooring?
You can’t use an oscillating tool to cut vinyl plank flooring. However, you can use it for plumbing, cutting metal and plastics, floor vents, etc.
- Can I use a Dremel to cut vinyl plank flooring?
Dremel tools are adequate for cutting vinyl planks. Plug it into a wall outlet and power it onto a setting of 15. It is the recommended setting for cutting flooring materials like vinyl.
- What kind of knife do you use to cut vinyl plank flooring?
Many utility knives can cut vinyl plank flooring. However, we recommend the Roberts Multi-Purpose Utility Knife. The tool is perfect for sizing thick and rigid vinyl sheets and other materials.
Conclusion: How To Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring Around Corners
Cutting vinyl plank flooring around corners is not as difficult as it seems. It’s a DIY process that anyone can do. The good thing is once you know how to make these cuts, installing them won’t be problematic because you have escaped the critical part. As earlier said, taking the accurate dimension is critical.
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