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How to Cut Laminate Flooring Lengthwise

Robin Hewitt

Laminate flooring can be installed by the do-it-yourself homeowner, and the installation process is straightforward.

While standard installation instructions tell how to cut and lay the laminate panels ito properly stagger the joints of the plank widths, there's often a need to cut the laminate flooring plank lengthwise when you're beginning and ending the installation. A typical example is when the beginning wall is not straight or square, and the first row of planks must be scribed to fit the irregular wall.

  1. Draw a line lengthwise on the first plank where the cut needs to be made with the pencil or china marker, taking care to subtract any area needed to accommodate the required expansion space.

  2. Place the plank on a sturdy surface such as a work bench; adjust the plank so that the excess area of plank overhangs the edge of the bench.

  3. Cut the plank along the cutting line, using a jigsaw with a laminate cutting blade.

  4. Repeat the process with each plank that requires lengthwise cuts.

Warning

Always wear eye protection when cutting laminate flooring.