To cut laminate flooring you will need a sharp, carbide-tipped sawblade to ensure a precise and clean cut, a circular saw or jigsaw, a pull bar, and a tapping block. Depending on the type of installation and the size of the boards, you may also need a utility knife, a miter saw and/or a table saw and waxed paper or a similar barrier material.
To protect the laminate flooring and prevent chipping, it is important to use sharp blades, take care when sawing, and to use a scrap piece of laminate as a backing while cutting. Before cutting, be sure to measure twice and mark clearly where the cuts will be made.
Once the boards have been cut, use a pull bar and tapping block to ensure proper fitting and a sealed seam. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any dust or debris after the installation is complete.
What circular saw blade Do I need to cut laminate?
The type of circular saw blade you need to cut laminate depends on the thickness and type of laminate you are working with. If you are cutting thin laminate flooring (about 8mm thick), a crosscutting blade with 30-60 teeth and a 10 degree hook angle is recommended.
For thicker laminates (around 12-20mm), a 12 inch blade with 50-80 teeth and a 6 to 10 degree hook angle is the best option. If you are cutting composite laminates, like laminate countertops, look for a dedicated 12″ composite cutting blade with 100 teeth, 4 degree hook angle and a deep gullet design to minimize chipping.
Always use a sharp blade for cutting laminate as blunt blades can chip the edges and produce a poor finish.
Which saw is for flooring?
The most commonly-used saw for flooring projects is a circular saw, which is a type of power saw that uses a rotating blade to cut materials with great speed and accuracy. To properly use a circular saw for flooring projects, a special flooring blade with a fine-toothed configuration and anti-kickback teeth should be used.
This blade is designed to minimize tear-out and provide a clean, precise cut. Furthermore, a guide rail or track should be used to ensure that the flooring material is cut in a straight line and to ensure accuracy.
For very large flooring projects, a table saw, miter saw, or jigsaw may also be used in place of a circular saw.
How many teeth blade for laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring typically requires a blade with between 80-90 teeth. However, different types of laminate may require a different number of teeth depending on their thickness and quality. It is important to use the correct type of blade as using the wrong one can cause chipping or splintering of the flooring, or even damage the saw! Generally speaking, a blade with a higher number of teeth will provide a smoother cut and will help reduce damage to the flooring, but it is important to match the blade to the type of flooring material you are cutting.
If you are unsure, it is best to seek professional advice to ensure the right blade is chosen.
How can I cut laminate without chipping?
For best results, use a carbide-tipped saw blade to cut laminate without chipping. To begin, make sure to have the right saw blade — a carbide-tipped saw blade is recommended as it is the most precise and chip-resistant.
If the room is dusty, use a vacuum to get rid of the dust. Make sure to support the material with a straight edge while cutting and clamp down the material if possible. When cutting, use a slow, steady speed to make sure the saw blade is able to cut through the material smoothly.
If necessary, score the area multiple times with a utility knife before attempting to saw through. Finish by sanding the edges of the laminate with sandpaper or a power sander to make sure the edges are smooth and free of chips.
Is laminate flooring hard on saw blades?
While laminate flooring can be harder on saw blades than other types of flooring, there are still some tips to keep in mind in order to make sure blades last as long as possible. It is important to purchase a quality saw blade designed for cutting laminate flooring as a lesser quality blade might not hold up to the pressure and will dull quickly.
Additionally, make sure the blade is sharp and properly aligned so it cuts cleanly and evenly.
Before making any cuts, always measure and mark the spot where the cut will be made. Assemble a jig to the saw to keep the blade following a straight line. Additionally, make sure the blade is not set too deep before starting to cut as this will not only create more unnecessary strain on the blade but also decrease accuracy.
When cutting the laminate, apply a steady, moderate pressure and make sure to keep the blade moving at all times. Letting the blade stay still in one spot will cause it to heat up and result in a warped cut.
By taking a few extra steps to ensure accuracy and by using a good quality blade, saw blades should last a reasonable amount of time.
Can laminate flooring be cut with a utility knife?
Using a utility knife to cut laminate flooring is possible, but it is not the most recommended method and is not recommended for precision cuts. Laminate flooring is thin, so it can be difficult to get a precise line and it is easy to accidentally cut the wrong piece or make a saw line that is visible through the floor.
For those reasons, it is recommended to use a circular saw, table saw, or jigsaw for cutting and installing laminate flooring. A circular saw with a fine-toothed blade is ideal for straight cuts, while a jigsaw is better for curves.
When using any of these tools, it’s important to use a guide rail or other straightedge to ensure accuracy. It is also important to wear the appropriate safety equipment, such as eye and ear protection and dust masks, to protect yourself and your surrounding environment when cutting laminate flooring.
Do you cut the tongue off the first row of laminate?
No, you do not cut the tongue off the first row of laminate. Laminate flooring has a tongue-and-groove system which allows each piece to interlock with the other and create a secure, seamless installation.
As such, when you install your first row, you will cut off the groove of the plank, also known as the ‘end-joint’, and the tongues of each plank will fit together to create a properly aligned installation.
Therefore, no tongue should be removed, as it plays a vital role in this healthy connection and alignment of the planks.
Can you cut laminate flooring with a circular saw?
Yes, you can cut laminate flooring with a circular saw. You should first measure the plank and mark the cutline on both sides, so you have a straight line to follow. You should then use a pencil to draw the cutline into the surface of the plank.
When you’re ready, position the saw to your cutline on the plank and make sure it is level so the cut is even. Secure the plank on sawhorse and clamp it down. Make sure to use a saw blade designed specifically for laminates – blades with fewer teeth produce a smoother cut.
Outfit the saw with a scrap lumber piece beneath the cut line to act as a backing and to prevent splintering. Once you’ve gone through the steps, go ahead and make the cut. When you’re finished, remove the sawdust and test the fitting with the plank adjacent for accuracy.