Vinyl plank flooring is very easy to install, however, there are sections that can be difficult to cut using the usual method of scoring the vinyl plank flooring using a utility knife and then snapping it off. Therefore, there are a few methods that work well for cutting curves, and square sections of vinyl plank flooring out. Below, is the best method to use that ensures the cuts are very precise, and the cut edge is very smooth and undamaged.
As a general rule, use a contour gauge or make templates for the cuts using cardboard. For corners cut one side using a saw, and then score the other side and snap it off. For curves, score the vinyl plank flooring and snap it close to the contour. Then sand the curved line using a grinder.
The exact method is very simple to do, the main thing is to mark out the cut very well so that the end result is perfectly flush against a contour or corner. Often it’s best to cut off a little bit less than required, then see how it fits, then after that cut or sand the remaining parts off until it’s perfect. Below, I will cover both of these methods in detail, as well as a really good video that shows both of these methods.
How to Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring Around Curves and Corners
A floor can have multiple corners both around the outer perimeter of the room, as well as, fixtures that are installed into the floor such as cupboards. There can also be round fixtures, more commonly found in bathrooms. So, these are instructions for how to cut vinyl plank flooring to fit around curves and corners.
In general, cut as close to a contour as possible, and then make then sand down the curved cut using a grinder with a sander attachment. Use a contour gauge, or cardboard templates to mark out the curve. For corner cuts, cut two sides using a power saw, and cut the other side using a utility knife.
Cutting curves is a bit different to cutting corners. So below are instructions for how to cut around curves, followed by specific instructions for how to cut square corners.
It’s also important to note that luxury vinyl plank flooring is thicker and harder to cut than regular vinyl plank flooring (source). However, the methods described below can be used to cut both luxury vinyl plank flooring, and regular vinyl plank flooring.
How to Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring Around Curves
Scoring and then snapping a curve in vinyl plank flooring does not work very well, and the end cut is not very accurate. Therefore, a different method is required. Here’s how to cut curves in vinyl plank flooring.
In general, mark out the curves using a contour gauge, or templates made out of cardboard. Then make a straight cut where the contour will be to make the vinyl plank to length. Sand down the remaining vinyl plank flooring of the curve using a grinder with a sander attachment.
It’s best to go slow, and err on the side of sanding off less than you think it should be. Then check how the contour fits. That way you won’t accidentally sand off too much.
The steps are to:
- Get all the tools you need
- Mark out the cuts
- Cut close to the curve (not required for corner cuts)
- Make the cuts
- Sand off the rest of the cut using a grinder with a power saw
1. Get all the tools you need
The tools you will need to make curved cuts and cuts around corners are:
- Utility knife
- Pliers
- Measuring tape
- Pen, pencil, or felt tip marker
- Grinder with a sander attachment or regular sand paper
- Old cardboard boxes, or cardboard
- A contour gauge for curved cuts (not required but very helpful)
2. Mark out the cuts using a contour gauge or cardboard template
A contour gauge is not a common gauge. For curved cuts a contour gauge is best for marking out the cut. But, a piece of cardboard cut to the size of a vinyl plank can also work well. If using cardboard, mark it with a pen, pencil, or felt tip marker.
When doing so, add a quarter of an inch (5 mm), so that when you cut the cardboard with a pair of scissors, you can mark out the curve a second time much more precisely. Use the same method for corners.
It can take a few tries to get the cardboard stencil you are making a perfect fit for a contour or corner. After a few tries you’ll get better at it.
3. Cut a straight line very close to the curve
A curve goes down on the sides. Therefore, one part of the curve forms the longest part of the vinyl plank flooring.
Make a straight cut using a utility knife so that you don’t need to remove as much of the curve using the grinder with a sandpaper attachment. Or regular sandpaper. If in doubt refer to the video above that shows the method.
5. Sand off the rest of the cut using a grinder with a power saw
Next, sand down the curve until you reach close to the line that you marked using a grinder with a sandpaper attachment, or a piece of sandpaper. After that, place it where it will be installed to see how well it fits. And then sand it down a little bit more if necessary.
How to Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring Around Corners
An interior cut in vinyl plank flooring can’t be done using the normal method for cutting vinyl plank flooring which is to score it using a utility knife, and then snap it off using your hands or a pair of pliers. For that reason, a different method is needed to cut out parts of vinyl plank flooring. This is how to do it.
Overall, cut as many sides as are needed using a power saw such as a jigsaw, or a circular saw. If you are cutting out a square, cut the two sides using a power saw, and the final cut using a utility knife. But, for a triangular cut, cut one side with a power saw, and the other with a utility knife.
Below are the steps to make a corner cut in vinyl plank flooring.
- Get all the required tools
- Mark out the cuts using a pen or pencil
- Make the cuts using a power saw and a utility knife
1. Get all the tools you will need
To make a corner cut you will need
- A power saw (jigsaw, circular saw, or dremel)
- A utility knife
- Measuring tape
- Straight edge
- Pliers (optional)
- A contour gauge or cardboard
- Pen, pencil, or felt tip marker
- Safety glasses
- Ear protection
When cutting vinyl plank flooring using a power saw, tiny pieces of the vinyl plank flooring fly everywhere. Therefore, you should wear safety glasses.
Many power saws are also very loud so ear protection is a good idea. Pliers are optional but make it easier.
2. Mark out the cuts using a contour gauge or cardboard template
A contour gauge is the easier thing to use to make the outline of the corner cut for your vinyl plank flooring. However, making a template out of cardboard also works well. When making a cardboard template, mark on the cardboard the shape of the cut as best you can.
Then cut it out, and place it against the corner you are cutting around. After that cut a little bit more and to make it fit perfectly. Once you have the template, use that as the guide and mark out the cut on the piece of vinyl plank flooring.
3. Make the cuts using a power saw and a utility knife
How you make the cuts depends on the shape of the corner cut. If it’s a triangle, then you only need to make one cut with a power saw. And the second cut can be made using a utility knife.
The reason is to snap off the piece of vinyl that has been scored, one side of the cut needs to be able to move freely. With a square cut such as around a beam, make two cuts using a power saw on the two sides. And then score the remaining line and snap it off using pliers.
In general, lay vinyl planks as close to a curve or corner as possible, then measure out where the curve or cut needs to be using a measuring tape, and a contour gauge. After that the cut can be made using a power saw or regular saw. A jig saw works the best for curved cuts.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on November 6, 2022.