You can use a foldable ruler instead of a measuring tape if you’d like. Foldable rulers are good for measuring cuts because they snap into place to create a straight edge.
A framing square is sometimes called a carpenter square.
If your vinyl plank is darker in color, you probably won’t be able to use a carpentry pencil. You could opt for some white chalk though.
If you can, remeasure the location that you plan on putting your plank as well. This will give you two independent measurements to confirm your calculations.
You can only use this method to cut vinyl planks horizontally. If you try to use this method to make lengthwise cuts, you’ll struggle to snap it cleanly.
Don’t worry about cutting all the way through the plank. You’re only making these cuts to create a wedge for the section you’re going to snap off.
Hold on to the section that you snapped off. You may be able to use it later when you’re installing your vinyl flooring if you run into a smaller area that needs to be filled in.
Wear your protective eyewear. A jigsaw is going to cause small pieces of vinyl flooring to shoot all over the place, so you’ll want to make sure that your eyes are protected. [7] X Expert Source Lui ColmenaresHandyman Expert Interview. 18 August 2020. If you’re experienced with a jigsaw, you can hold the board in place with your nondominant hand instead of using clamps or a heavy weight.
If you’re using a saw, be aware that there will likely be a lot of dust. [9] X Expert Source Lui ColmenaresHandyman Expert Interview. 18 August 2020. Instead of a jigsaw, you can also use a laminate flooring cutter. It has two blades that will cut the laminate off without sawing or sawdust. [10] X Expert Source Lui ColmenaresHandyman Expert Interview. 18 August 2020.
If you’re making a smaller cut, you can use a framing square or thick ruler as a straight edge to guide the base plate of your jigsaw. [12] X Research source
Your vinyl plank isn’t fully secured if it bounces up and down while you’re cutting. Add pressure to the plank by adding a heavier item, tightening your clamp, or holding it more firmly with your off-hand. You can wrap the jigsaw’s power cable around your forearm to keep it from flying around. [14] X Research source
This is the preferred method if you want to control your cut, since you have the most freedom to move the blade cutting the board. You can use a circular saw if you’d like, but the base plate is probably too big for a standard vinyl plank. Circular saws also have issues with kickback when working with thinner materials. [16] X Research source Wood-cutting circular saws also can’t use metal-cutting blades, which is a problem for some vinyl planks. [17] X Research source A vinyl plank flooring is a great choice. [18] X Expert Source Mitchell NewmanConstruction Professional Expert Interview. 7 June 2019. It is very economical and durable. [19] X Expert Source Mitchell NewmanConstruction Professional Expert Interview. 7 June 2019. You can use it in any room. For example, you can use it in the kitchen because it does not get spoiled due to spills. [20] X Expert Source Mitchell NewmanConstruction Professional Expert Interview. 7 June 2019.
