So, you’ve decided on sheet vinyl flooring? You’ve made a great choice! Offering durability at an affordable price, vinyl flooring is a popular option, and for good reason. Luckily, it is also one of the easiest floor coverings to fit. Our guide for seasoned and beginner DIYers alike clarifies how to cut sheet vinyl flooring without the unnecessary hassle. We’ll cover:
- Equipment You’ll Need
- Step 1: Measuring Your Space
- Step 2: Acclimate The Sheet Vinyl
- Step 3: Marking Up
- Step 4: Cutting Sheet Vinyl Flooring To Size
- Step 5: How To Cut Sheet Vinyl Flooring…
- Top Tips For Cutting Sheet Vinyl
Ready? Let’s get cracking!
Equipment You’ll Need
Cutting sheet vinyl can be done with as little as a sharp knife, a pencil and a ruler, but there’s a few extra tools which can make your life much easier. For this guide, we suggest:
- A ruler or other straight edge
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Cutting device of choice: utility knife, vinyl floor cutter, jigsaw
- A hooked blade
- Safety equipment including gloves and safety glasses
- Sheet vinyl flooring of choice
Your choice of cutting device will depend on your skill level and the space you’re refurbing. More on this later! (Psst, if you’re unsure of your ability, you could always call in the flooring experts.)
Step 1: Measuring Your Space
Professionals who know how to expertly cut sheet vinyl flooring will tell you that the most crucial step is to accurately measure the space where you will install the sheet vinyl. Whether your idea is a new floor in the bathroom or a dining space, to ensure that you order the right amount, attention to detail is key.
Using a tape measure, work around the room to identify the space’s dimensions, and then add approximately three inches (75mm) to each measurement. The excess will act as a handy margin of error, whilst allowing space for the sheet vinyl to shift and stretch slightly during the cutting process.
Step 2: Acclimatise The Sheet Vinyl
An often-overlooked step, acclimatising the sheet vinyl is a worthwhile task to ensure the cuts are made accurately, without causing problems like bubbling, warping or gaps. Without this step, the vinyl can expand and contract with the humidity and temperature of the room after installation, affecting the end results.
It’s simple really! Spread the vinyl out in the room you’re going to fit it in and let it sit for a day or two. If you’re adding your sheet vinyl on top of an underfloor heating system, make sure it is turned off during this time.
Step 3: Marking Up
Once you have let the vinyl acclimatise, it’s time to mark up. Use a pencil to trace out the measurements directly onto the sheet. These lines will form a guide when it comes to making the final cut and won’t be visible at the end of the process.
Step 4: Cutting Sheet Vinyl Flooring To Size
When pondering ‘how do I cut vinyl flooring?’ a key thing to consider is your own skill level and the specific room you’re fitting it to. Balance these with the finish you’re looking for, and the right method will follow. Today we will cover three common approaches: utility knife, vinyl floor cutter, and jigsaw.
Beginner: How To Cut Sheet Vinyl Flooring With A Utility Knife
A utility knife is the most cost-effective and simple option, making it a favourite among beginners and pros alike. This method is best for rooms with mostly straight lines and minimal obstructions to the flooring, such as living rooms.
Firmly hold a ruler in place in line with your pencil mark. Carefully use the utility knife to score along the length of the line, before working the vinyl free with a snapping motion. If the sheet vinyl doesn’t immediately cut, work along the line again with a deeper score.
Intermediate: Using A Vinyl Floor Cutter To Cut Sheet Vinyl Flooring
Individuals who have a large amount of sheet vinyl to cut will benefit from a vinyl floor cutter. A specialist device, this tool makes quick work of large spaces and also works well for making more delicate cuts at tricky angles.
The specific steps will be dependent on the model of vinyl floor cutter, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions closely. Generally, most models will need setting up on a stable and flat surface. The sheet vinyl should then be positioned within the device so that your pencil line is directly beneath the cutting blade. Lower the cutting blade to finish the job and you’ll have an accurate section of measured vinyl.
Expert: Cutting Sheet Vinyl With A Jigsaw
For the most intricate of vinyl work, a jigsaw can be a great option since it gives you full control on the direction of the cut, making moving with complex angles a breeze. However, using a jigsaw incorrectly can be dangerous to both you and the sheet vinyl, so only use this method if you know your way around the device.
Like a vinyl floor cutter, the specific method for using a jigsaw will vary depending on the brand and model. For safety purposes, always ensure that you follow manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, though, you will want to begin by selecting the right blade. A fine-toothed option will work best for cutting sheet vinyl smoothly.
Once you’ve set up the jigsaw, clamp the vinyl to a secure and flat surface, like a table. Line up the blade with the pencil mark (but not touching it yet) and ensure the foot of the jigsaw is flat against the material, before pressing the trigger and letting the blade speed up. Then, slowly and carefully move the jigsaw through the material.
Step 5: How To Cut Sheet Vinyl Flooring…
Around Corners
Once you’ve laid your vinyl out straight with the excess running up the walls, you’ll want to begin making the perfect fit by cutting the sheet vinyl to the corners of the space.
Using a hooked blade can be extremely useful for these smaller scale cuts, but your utility knife will do as well. Selecting your first corner, press each side as close to the walls as possible. When the vinyl meets in the corner of the room, make a cut upwards towards the corner of the material. Each side should now rest securely in the corner without any material bunching.
Around Objects
Tackling common protruding objects like those in a bathroom or kitchen is the most intricate part of the job. However, it is fairly easy to do once you get the hang of it!
Pressing the vinyl tightly against the object and the surrounding floor area, make a cut upward directly in the sheet vinyl where it meets the middle of the obstacle. Then, starting from this middle line, make small ‘V’ shaped cuts around the object, always making sure to cut back towards the middle line. Once you reach the back, repeat the process on the other side until the sheet sits snugly.
Around The Perimeter
Once you’ve reached a point where the sheet vinyl fits comfortably around the objects and corners of the room, neaten up by removing the excess material around the perimeter. Work one wall at a time.
Press the material firmly into the edge of the space before cutting the sheet where the fold in the material meets the wall. Ensure that there is a small gap (around ¼ inch or 6mm) between the flooring and the wall to allow the sheet vinyl to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes.
Top Tips For Cutting Sheet Vinyl
To ensure that your sheet vinyl really makes the cut, there are a few extra tips that can help along the way:
- Test out your skills on a spare bit of vinyl before jumping into the final pieces.
- Ensure that the blade you are using is sharp. A dull blade makes the process a lot more difficult, and a lot more dangerous.
- Keeping the room warm will ensure that the material is more pliable when cutting sheet vinyl.
- Make sure the floor space is level. An uneven surface will result in uneven cuts.
- If your sheet vinyl is patterned, you can use the design to help in lining the vinyl for straight cuts.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, how to cut sheet vinyl flooring! We hope you found this post helpful. With precision, patience, and the right knowledge, you can achieve a first-class fit. Remember to take your time, particularly when measuring and marking up the sheet, and it’ll be a job well done!
No time to DIY? If you’re looking for a friendly and knowledgeable team who’ll install your vinyl flooring with unmatched quality, then look no further! Get in touch with us today or explore our other blogs for more inspiration and advice.
