Vinyl plank flooring has become one of the most popular choices for homeowners who want the look of hardwood without the high price or maintenance. Its durability, waterproof nature, and simple installation make it especially attractive to DIY enthusiasts. But even with its click-lock or glue-down system, one step can make or break your project: cutting the planks accurately.
Whether you’re trimming for the perfect wall fit, making rip cuts along a narrow hallway, or shaping planks around tricky corners, knowing how to cut vinyl plank flooring properly is essential for a seamless finish. This guide walks you through the tools, methods, and pro tips to get clean, professional results—even if it’s your first flooring project.
Why Accurate Cutting Is Essential
Vinyl planks are designed to interlock tightly. If your cuts are jagged, uneven, or slightly off-measure, you’ll notice gaps, misalignment, or edges that lift over time. Precise cuts also:
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Maintain the strength of the locking system.
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Keep expansion gaps consistent (important for temperature and humidity changes).
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Prevent wasted planks from cutting errors.
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Ensure a polished, professional look that boosts your home’s value.
In short, clean cuts aren’t just about appearance—they also protect your investment.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the right tools and safety gear. Vinyl is relatively easy to cut compared to ceramic tile or hardwood, but having the right equipment makes the job faster and cleaner.
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Safety gear: gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask (especially when using power saws).
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Utility knife with a fresh, sharp blade.
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Straightedge or T-square for scoring accurate lines.
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Jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade for irregular cuts.
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Miter saw or table saw with a fine blade for long or rip cuts.
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Flooring cutter/guillotine (optional) for dust-free straight cuts.
Pro tip: Always keep blades sharp. Dull blades can tear the vinyl surface and leave jagged edges.
Preparation: Acclimate & Measure First
Before cutting a single plank, allow the flooring to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity for 24–48 hours. This prevents expansion or contraction after installation.
When measuring:
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Always leave a 1/4″ expansion gap around walls and fixed objects.
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Measure twice to avoid mistakes.
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For unusual shapes (like door jambs or pipes), create a cardboard template first and trace it onto the plank.
Proper preparation ensures that your cuts will fit perfectly when you lay the planks down.
Straight Cuts: The Score & Snap Method
For most situations, the simplest way to cut vinyl plank flooring is the score-and-snap method.
Steps:
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Mark the cut line with a pencil and straightedge.
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Score deeply with a utility knife along the line.
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Bend the plank until it snaps cleanly.
This method is quick, dust-free, and effective for standard cuts across the width of a plank. It works best for thinner planks and smaller adjustments.
Using a Saw for Clean Cuts
While a knife works for most projects, sometimes you’ll need a power saw—especially with thicker planks, long rip cuts, or if you’re handling large square footage.
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Miter saw: Great for crosscuts and angled cuts.
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Table saw or circular saw: Best for ripping planks lengthwise.
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Tips for cleaner results:
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Cut with the decorative side facing up.
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Use a fine-tooth or laminate/plastic-specific blade.
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Keep hands clear and clamp the plank for stability.
Unlike the score-and-snap method, saws will produce dust and small vinyl shavings, so be ready to vacuum your workspace often.
Irregular Shapes: Jigsaw Method
Obstacles like pipes, vents, and corners require more creative cutting. This is where the jigsaw comes in.
How to cut irregular shapes:
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Make a cardboard template of the shape.
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Trace it onto the vinyl plank.
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Drill a pilot hole if needed for the jigsaw blade to enter.
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Cut slowly with a fine-tooth jigsaw blade.
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Smooth edges with a utility knife.
With patience, you can achieve curved or complex cuts that still fit tightly against obstacles.
Ripping Planks Lengthwise
At the end of a row—or in narrow areas—you may need to rip planks lengthwise. This is more challenging with a knife, so many DIYers prefer a table saw or circular saw for this task.
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Always measure carefully to avoid waste.
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Clamp the plank firmly for stability.
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Guide it steadily through the saw, without forcing the cut.
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Sand or trim edges lightly if needed.
For very narrow strips, take extra care: vinyl can flex and crack if unsupported.
Using a Flooring Cutter (Guillotine)
If you’re handling a large project, a flooring cutter (also called a guillotine cutter) can save time.
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Pros: Silent, dust-free, and quick for repetitive straight cuts.
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Cons: Limited to straight cuts; won’t handle rip cuts or curves.
It’s an excellent choice for beginners who want clean, mess-free results without investing in multiple saws.
Safety Best Practices
Cutting vinyl plank flooring is relatively safe, but following basic precautions makes a big difference:
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Wear gloves to avoid cuts from sharp blades.
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Use safety glasses to protect from flying chips when sawing.
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Work on a stable, flat surface.
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Keep kids and pets away from your workspace.
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Replace blades often to reduce slipping or tearing.
Fitting & Finishing Touches
After cutting, always dry-fit the plank before snapping it into place. This ensures the cut is accurate and you won’t waste material.
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Small adjustments can be trimmed with a utility knife.
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Leave expansion gaps for seasonal changes.
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Cover edges with baseboards or transition strips for a finished look.
Quick Recap Checklist
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Acclimate planks before cutting.
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Use score-and-snap for most straight cuts.
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Switch to saws or jigsaws for long or irregular cuts.
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Consider a flooring cutter for efficiency.
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Measure twice, cut once, and always prioritize safety.
Conclusion
Learning how to cut vinyl plank flooring doesn’t require professional training—just the right tools, techniques, and patience. By combining simple score-and-snap methods with saws or jigsaws for special cuts, you can achieve a seamless, professional look in any room.
For more home design inspiration and quality tile solutions, visit Tile Hub, your trusted destination for modern flooring and wall décor. Be sure to also check out their stunning pebble tile collection for natural, textured finishes. Tile Hub’s parent company, Pebble Tile Shop, offers even more variety for homeowners and designers who want to bring nature indoors.
With these resources and the guidance above, you’re ready to transform your space—one precise cut at a time.
