How to Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide

Knowing how to cut vinyl plank flooring is the most essential skill for a successful installation. Every room requires cuts along walls, around door frames, near pipes, and at transitions. The good news is that vinyl plank is one of the easiest flooring materials to cut, and you do not need expensive power tools to get professional-quality results.

This guide covers every cutting method, the tools you need, and step-by-step instructions for every type of cut you will encounter. For a broader overview of vinyl plank products, visit our vinyl flooring guide.

Tools for Cutting Vinyl Plank Flooring

Several tools can cut vinyl plank flooring. The best tool depends on the type of cut, the vinyl product you are using, and what you already own.

Utility Knife

A sharp utility knife is the most basic and commonly used tool for cutting vinyl plank flooring. It works for straight cuts on all types of vinyl, from thin peel-and-stick to thick rigid-core SPC planks. No power is needed, there is no dust, and it produces clean, precise cuts. A straight edge or T-square guides the blade for accuracy.

Vinyl Plank Cutter (Guillotine Cutter)

A vinyl plank cutter is a hand-operated guillotine designed specifically for cutting vinyl flooring. Place the plank in the cutter, align the cut mark, and press the handle down. The blade slices through cleanly in one motion. This tool is fast, quiet, dust-free, and produces perfectly straight cuts. It is the best investment if you are installing a large area. Prices range from $30 to $100.

Miter Saw

A miter saw makes fast, precise straight and angled cuts. It is the power tool of choice for large vinyl plank installations because it handles cuts quickly and accurately. Use a fine-tooth blade (80 to 100 teeth for a 10 or 12-inch saw) to prevent chipping. A miter saw is essential for angled cuts at doorways and room transitions.

Jigsaw

A jigsaw is the go-to tool for curved cuts, notches, and cuts around pipes and obstacles. Use a fine-tooth blade and cut from the back of the plank to minimize chipping on the visible surface. A jigsaw provides the versatility to handle any shape that straight-cutting tools cannot.

Oscillating Multi-Tool

An oscillating multi-tool is useful for undercutting door casings so vinyl planks slide underneath for a clean transition. It is also helpful for making plunge cuts and trimming in tight spaces where other tools cannot fit.

Tin Snips or Heavy-Duty Scissors

For thin, flexible vinyl plank (WPC and non-rigid products), tin snips or heavy-duty scissors can make quick curved and notch cuts. They are not suitable for thick, rigid SPC planks.

How to Make Straight Cuts (Rip and Cross Cuts)

Straight cuts are the most common cuts in any vinyl plank installation. You will make them at the end of every row and along the last row that meets the wall.

Score-and-Snap Method (Utility Knife)

This is the simplest and most commonly used technique for cutting vinyl plank flooring.

1. Measure the required length and mark the cut line on the face of the plank with a pencil or marker.
2. Place a straight edge or T-square along the cut line.
3. Score the surface of the plank firmly with a utility knife, making 2 to 3 passes along the straight edge. You do not need to cut all the way through.
4. Bend the plank along the scored line. The plank will snap cleanly along the score.
5. If any rough edges remain, smooth them with sandpaper or run the utility knife along the edge once more.

This method works on all vinyl plank types and produces clean, chip-free cuts. For rigid-core SPC planks, you may need to apply more pressure and make additional scoring passes.

Guillotine Cutter Method

Place the plank in the cutter, align the cut mark with the blade, and press the handle down firmly in one smooth motion. The cutter slices through the plank instantly. This method is faster than scoring and snapping and is ideal for repetitive cuts when you are working through many rows.

Miter Saw Method

Mark the cut line on the face of the plank. Place the plank on the miter saw table, face up, with the cut mark aligned to the blade. Hold the plank firmly and make a smooth, steady cut. Let the blade reach full speed before contacting the material. A miter saw is the fastest method for cross cuts and essential for angled cuts.

How to Make Lengthwise (Rip) Cuts

The last row of vinyl plank flooring almost always needs to be ripped to a narrower width to fit the remaining space between the second-to-last row and the wall.

Using a Utility Knife

Measure the required width at multiple points along the length (walls are rarely perfectly straight). Transfer the measurements to the plank and connect the marks with a straight line. Score along the line with a utility knife using a straight edge, making multiple firm passes. Snap the plank along the scored line.

Using a Table Saw or Circular Saw

For long rip cuts, a table saw provides the straightest, most consistent results. Set the fence to the desired width and feed the plank through face up. A circular saw with a guide rail also works well. Use a fine-tooth blade and cut slowly to avoid chipping.

How to Cut Around Pipes and Obstacles

Pipes, posts, and other obstacles that penetrate the floor require precise notch cuts.

1. Measure the position of the pipe relative to the plank edges. Mark the center point of the pipe on the plank.
2. Using a drill with a hole saw or spade bit slightly larger than the pipe diameter (typically 1/2 inch larger), drill a hole at the marked center point.
3. Cut a straight line from the hole to the nearest edge of the plank. This allows the plank to be placed around the pipe.
4. Install the plank, sliding it around the pipe. Glue the cut piece back in place if needed.
5. Cover the gap around the pipe with a floor escutcheon plate for a finished look.

How to Cut Around Door Frames

Door frames and casings require two types of cuts: undercutting the casing and notching the plank.

Undercutting Door Casings

Use an oscillating multi-tool or a flush-cut saw to cut the bottom of the door casing so the vinyl plank slides underneath. Place a scrap piece of vinyl plank (or the plank plus underlayment) against the casing as a height guide. Cut along the top of the scrap piece to remove just enough casing material for the plank to slide under cleanly.

Notching Planks Around Door Frames

For door frames that protrude into the room, you may need to notch the plank to fit around the frame. Measure the notch dimensions carefully, mark the plank, and cut using a combination of a straight-edge utility knife cut and a jigsaw for the perpendicular cuts.

How to Cut Angles

Angled walls, bay windows, and diagonal transitions require angled cuts.

1. Use a sliding bevel gauge or angle finder to determine the exact angle of the wall.
2. Transfer the angle to the plank using the bevel gauge as a guide.
3. Cut the angle using a miter saw set to the appropriate angle, or score along the angled line with a utility knife and straight edge and snap.

How to Cut Curved Lines

Curved walls, rounded columns, and decorative elements require curved cuts that straight-cutting tools cannot handle.

1. Create a cardboard template of the curved shape.
2. Trace the template onto the vinyl plank.
3. Cut along the traced line using a jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade, cutting from the back of the plank to minimize chipping on the visible face.
4. Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper.

Tips for Clean, Professional Cuts

• Always use sharp blades. Replace utility knife blades frequently as they dull quickly on vinyl.
• Measure twice, cut once. Double-check all measurements before cutting.
• Cut from the face when scoring and snapping for the cleanest visible edge.
• Cut from the back when using a jigsaw to prevent chipping on the face.
• Support the plank fully when using power tools to prevent vibration and chipping.
• Wear safety glasses when using power tools.
• In cold weather, let vinyl acclimate to room temperature before cutting. Cold vinyl is brittle and more likely to crack.
• Keep a fine-grit sandpaper block handy to smooth any rough edges after cutting.

Common Cutting Mistakes to Avoid

Cutting Planks Too Tight

Always leave a small gap (1/4 inch) between the cut edge and the wall or obstacle. This expansion gap allows the floor to move naturally. Cutting planks to fit snugly against walls causes buckling.

Using a Dull Blade

A dull utility knife blade requires excessive pressure, creating a ragged score line that does not snap cleanly. Fresh blades cut effortlessly and produce sharp, clean edges.

Rushing Power Tool Cuts

Feeding vinyl through a saw too quickly causes chipping and rough edges. Let the blade do the work and feed the material steadily. This is especially important with rigid SPC planks.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to cut vinyl plank flooring is straightforward with the right tools and techniques. For most DIY installations, a sharp utility knife, a straight edge, and a jigsaw handle every cut you will encounter. Add a guillotine cutter for speed on large projects and a miter saw for angled cuts. Practice on a few scrap pieces before cutting planks for your installation, and you will quickly develop confidence and precision.

Ready to start your project? Explore our guides on vinyl flooring, LVP flooring, and SPC flooring for product recommendations and installation tips.