How to Cut Laminate Flooring Lengthwise (Step-by-Step Guide): A Designer’s Real-World Approach to Cutting Laminate Planks for a Perfect Fit

When you’re installing laminate floors, it’s almost inevitable—you’ll reach a wall or obstacle and realize your last row of planks is too wide for the space. That’s when you’ll need to cut laminate flooring lengthwise, a task many DIYers (and even some pros) find daunting the first time. Let me walk you through this process step by step, sharing practical tricks I've picked up from dozens of remodels.

First, let’s get clear on what “cutting lengthwise” means: also called a ‘rip cut’, this is when you slice a plank along its longest side, not across the width. This is essential for custom fitting laminate against irregular walls, around kitchen islands, or to get that final piece in just right. If you want to visualize this or plan your cut, some people start by laying out their last row on a 2D floor planner, which helps avoid costly mistakes.

Plan Before Modeling

Before you even unbox your laminate, make sure you measure the wall gap. Standard practice is to leave a 1/4-inch expansion gap so your floor can breathe (trust me, I’ve seen buckling when people skip this step). Use a tape measure and mark the cut line on your plank, preferably with a chalk line or painter’s tape for visibility. My rule of thumb: always double-check your measurements; real homes are rarely perfectly square!

Choose the Right Tools

For a smooth, straight rip cut, you’ll want stability and precision. You can get the job done with several tools: a circular saw, table saw, jigsaw, or even a laminate cutter (though I rarely see that for lengthwise cuts). For most homeowners, a circular saw with a fine-toothed blade (ideally 60-tooth and up) is ideal. Clamp a straight edge or level to your plank to keep the cut steady, especially if you’re working solo.

Level of Detail & Time

Cutting lengthwise isn’t a race—take your time, and don’t force the blade. Use painter’s tape on the cut line to minimize chipping, and always cut with the decorative side up when using a circular saw (flip that for a jigsaw, which cuts on the upstroke). If you have a lot of rips to make, it’ll go faster if you premark your planks and batch the cuts. Usually, a thoughtful DIYer can complete an average 12x12' room’s rip cuts in under an hour.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

It’s easy to go off track. Here’s what I see most:

1. Chipping Edges: Slow down, use tape, and a sharp blade. If a chip happens, hide it under baseboard or molding—you’re not the first!
2. Crooked Cuts: Use a straight edge or guide. For freehand cuts, mark your line clearly and focus.
3. Measurements Off: Dry fit your plank before cutting the next one. Walls aren’t always straight—adjust your cut as you go.

Once, on a historic Boston project, we discovered the kitchen wall bowed out almost 1/2 inch in the middle. By scribing the plank to match the wall’s curve before cutting, we achieved a seamless fit without giant gaps. It’s all about patience and checking as you go.

Best Free Tools for Beginners

If you’re totally new to this process, there are some free online platforms for testing out your laminate layout virtually. For example, you can use something like a free floor plan creator to get a sense of plank layout and see how narrow your last row might be before you start ripping boards.

FAQ

1. What is the best saw for cutting laminate flooring lengthwise?
2. For most DIYers, a circular saw with a fine-toothed blade offers the best balance of cost and precision for lengthwise cuts.
3. How can I prevent laminate chipping?
4. Use painter’s tape over the cut line, cut slowly, and always use a sharp blade to minimize edge chipping.
5. Should I cut laminate with the printed side up or down?
6. For a circular saw, cut with the decorative (printed) side up. For a jigsaw, flip the plank so the decorative side is down.
7. How do I measure the width for my last row of laminate?
8. Measure the gap, deduct your expansion space, and transfer the measurement to your plank. Test-fit before cutting.
9. Can I use a utility knife to cut laminate flooring?
10. It’s best for minor trims or scoring, but not for ripping entire planks lengthwise. You want a saw for that job.
11. What can I do if my wall isn’t straight?
12. Scribe the plank to match the wall’s curve, then cut along your scribe line for a custom fit.
13. Is there a software to preview plank layout?
14. Yes, a virtual home planner lets you preview layouts and plan plank cuts online.
15. Do I need to cut every board for the last row?
16. Usually, yes—most last rows require lengthwise cuts for a snug fit.
17. What if I make a mistake cutting?
18. Don’t stress. Use the plank in a closet or less visible space. Mistakes happen, even to pros!
19. How long does it take to cut laminate flooring?
20. Each lengthwise cut takes 2-3 minutes if you’re organized. Whole room? Plan for about an hour, including measuring.
21. Can I rent tools for cutting laminate?
22. Absolutely. Local hardware stores often rent circular or table saws for affordable daily rates.
23. What safety gear do I need?
24. Eye protection, dust mask, and hearing protection are a must—you’ll create sawdust.