What is the best thing to cut vinyl tile with?

Quick Answer

The best tool to cut vinyl tile is a utility knife or vinyl cutter. A sharp utility knife with a new blade can provide clean, accurate cuts through vinyl tiles. For more complex cuts, a specialized vinyl cutter with a rotary blade is ideal. Vinyl cutters allow you to cut detailed shapes and curves with ease. Other good options are a jigsaw or oscillating multi-tool fitted with the proper blade for cutting vinyl. Avoid using scissors or tin snips as they will likely crack or tear the vinyl.

What Tools Can Cut Vinyl Tile?

There are several tools commonly used for cutting vinyl tile:

Utility Knife

A standard utility knife, also called a box cutter or carpet knife, is one of the most popular tools for cutting vinyl tiles. Utility knives are inexpensive, easy to control, and provide nice clean cuts when fitted with a sharp blade. Replace the blade frequently for optimal results. To cut tile with a utility knife:

Use a metal straightedge as a guide to ensure straight cuts.
Score the tile several times with gentle pressure rather than trying to cut all the way through in one pass.
After scoring, snap the tile upwards to break the vinyl along the scored line.

Vinyl Cutter

For more complex cuts like curves and shapes, a specialized vinyl cutter is the best choice. Vinyl cutters have a small rotating circular blade that allows you to follow curved or angled lines precisely. Models like the Bullet Tools Sign and Plastic Cutter are designed specifically for cutting vinyl tile and sheet flooring. An added benefit of vinyl cutters is that they create smooth edges without jagged points. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal cutting technique.

Jigsaw

A jigsaw or sabre saw equipped with a fine-toothed blade made for cutting vinyl can also be effective for making detailed cuts in vinyl plank floors. Choose blades specifically made for rigid vinyl rather than wood or metal. Move the jigsaw slowly to avoid overheating and melting the vinyl. Jigsaws are useful for cutting irregular shapes.

Oscillating Multi-Tool

Oscillating multi-tools like those made by Fein and Rockwell can cut vinyl tile using a segmented oscillating blade. Look for blades labeled for vinyl or plastics. The narrow blade allows you to make clean cuts and intricate designs. Just take care not to rush the cutting speed or apply too much pressure to avoid cracking the tile.

Table Saw

For large vinyl tile jobs, a table saw can be used with the proper setup. A fine-tooth carbide tipped blade designed for cutting vinyl is crucial. Also use a zero-clearance insert and clamp a straightedge securely as a guide to make straight cuts. A slow, steady feed rate helps reduce the chance of melting. Avoid forcing the tile and let the blade do the work. A tablesaw is best for straight cuts rather than detailed shapes.

What Not to Use for Cutting Vinyl Tile

Some common tools are not well-suited for cutting vinyl and can cause rough edges, cracks, or splintering:

Scissors – Do not use household scissors for cutting vinyl planks or tiles. The pressure needed will likely crack the tile.

Tin Snips – The pinching and shearing action of tin snips will fracture vinyl tile.
Hacksaw – Hacksaws are designed for wood and metal, not vinyl. The coarse teeth will tear rather than cut.
Nippers – While tile nippers can cut small ceramic tiles, they put too much stress and will split vinyl tiles.

Avoid these tools and stick with a utility knife, vinyl cutter, jigsaw, or multi-tool for clean results.

Choosing the Best Utility Knife for Vinyl

Since a basic utility knife is one of the most commonly used vinyl tile cutting tools, choosing the right knife is key:

Retractable blades – Look for a knife with an easy to retract blade. This allows quick blade changes.

Comfortable handle – A knife with an ergonomic, rubberized grip reduces hand fatigue.
Blade lock – Locking the blade permanently extended makes repeated scoring easier.
Built-in blade storage – Models with handy blade storage allow you to carry spare blades.

Heavy duty – Opt for a sturdy knife built for everyday use and abuse.
Popular models – Top options include Stanley, Milwaukee, Dewalt, Olfa and Irwin brands.

You don’t need an expensive knife, but choose one designed for frequent use and durability. A locking blade and comfortable grip make cutting easier. Always change blades frequently for clean cuts.

Choosing Vinyl Cutting Blades

The right blades are crucial for making precise, smooth cuts in vinyl planks and tiles with minimal fraying or cracking. Blades made specifically for cutting vinyl flooring are available. Here’s what to look for:

Carbide-tipped – Carbide blades last the longest when cutting abrasive materials like rigid vinyl.
Fine tooth count – Look for a blade with at least 20 teeth per inch for smooth cuts.

Shorter length – A blade around 1 3⁄4 inches long is ideal for handheld vinyl cutting.
Specialized hook shape – Choose blades engineered to prevent vinyl from catching or tearing.
Replacement packs – Buying replacement blades in multi-packs is the most economical choice.

tested blades for vinyl flooring include Bullet Tools, Roberts, Bosch, Lenox, and Imperial with carbide grit and extra teeth. Always have plenty of sharp blades available. Rotate them out frequently for optimal performance cutting vinyl.

Cutting Techniques for Clean Vinyl Tile Cuts

Regardless of which tool you use, following some basic guidelines will help produce smooth cuts in vinyl floor tiles:

Cut on a stable surface – Cut tiles on a sheet of plywood or secure workbench.

Use a straightedge – Clamp a metal straightedge to the tile as a cutting guide.
Score gently first – Use light pressure on the first couple passes to score the vinyl surface.
Cut slowly – Move blades slowly to avoid rushed mistakes and minimize heat buildup.

Support tile overhangs – Support the tile edge as you near the end of long cuts to prevent cracking.
Sharp blades – Dull blades are more likely to catch and tear the vinyl.
Steady hands – Keep hands stable and make smooth motions for clean results.

Patience and care results in perfectly cut vinyl tiles ready for flawless installation. Rushing the cutting risks uneven edges or frayed vinyl that detracts from the floor’s finished appearance.

Cutting Vinyl Planks vs. Tiles

Rigid vinyl plank flooring has largely replaced square vinyl tiles for residential use. However, the same cutting methods apply for both planks and classic tiles:

Vinyl Plank Cuts

Simple cross-cuts are easy with a utility knife and straightedge.

Rip cuts lengthwise take more care to prevent cracking over many feet.
Blunt tip blades help when starting or ending a long rip cut.
Jigsaws or oscillating tools allow plunging in the middle of a plank.

Vinyl Tile Cuts

Turn tiles pattern-side down when scoring to avoid scratches.
Utility knives and cutters work well for straight edge cuts and simple shapes.
Use a jigsaw or vinyl cutter for more elaborate shaped tiles.

Cutouts for floor vents, pipes, etc. require careful tracing and curved cuts.

The same basic cutting technique principles apply for both vinyl plank flooring and vinyl tiles. Just be extra careful of cracking when handling the smaller vinyl tiles.

Cutting Vinyl to Fit Irregular Areas

Fitting vinyl flooring around irregular areas with curves requires tracing and hand-cutting for a perfect custom fit:

Making a Template

To fit vinyl around curved walls, pipes, toilet flanges, etc:

Use cardboard or thick paper to make a template of the shape.
Trace the outline of the shape with overlapping contours.

Cut out the template and test its fit.
Make fine adjustments until it fits nicely.

Transferring the Shape

Once the template fits perfectly:

Place it on your vinyl plank or tile and trace the outline with a pen or marker.
Remove the vinyl and cut precisely along the marked line using a jigsaw fitted with a vinyl blade.
Use a vinyl cutter for smoother curved cuts.

Test fit the cut vinyl piece and continue fine tuning.

Taking the time to make accurate templates and cuts ensures vinyl flooring hugs the contours of any unique floor area for flawless results.

Cutting Holes for Pipes and Floor Vents

Vinyl must often be cut to fit around pipes, floor vents, and other penetrations. Use these steps for accurate results:

Measure Carefully

Use calipers or a template to measure pipe or vent dimensions.
Add 1/4 to 1/2 inch of clearance beyond measurements.
Mark the hole location on your tile/plank using center measurement.

Cut the Hole

Drill a starter hole or use a jigsaw to cut just inside your hole outline.
Carefully cut outward to the traced line using a jigsaw or vinyl cutter.
File or sand cut edges smooth. Test fit around the pipe/vent.

Enlarge the hole in small increments if needed for a perfect gap-free fit.

Taking your time to measure twice and cut precisely results in vinyl flooring that fits cleanly around protrusions for a seamless look.

Cutting Vinyl Flooring for Stairs

Installing vinyl plank flooring on stairs involves careful measurement and cutting:

Stair Terminology

Riser – Vertical portion between steps
Tread – Horizontal stepping surface

Nose – Leading tread edge that overhangs the riser

Measuring and Cutting Treads

Measure and cut each tread individually for best fit.
Place plank atop tread, overhanging the nose slightly.

Trace cut line on overhanging end. Rip cut using jigsaw or utility knife.
Dry fit and fine tune end cut as needed.

Cutting Riser Pieces

Use remnants or new planks to cover risers.

Mark the height needed and rip cut planks to fit.
Use contact cement or construction adhesive for application.

Taking the time to measure and fit each tread and riser ensures proper vinyl stair installation.

Cutting Around Door Jambs

Vinyl flooring must be trimmed to slide neatly under door jambs. Use a piece of the flooring to guide your cuts:

Place a full piece of vinyl plank next to the jamb.
Set the plank on the subfloor and slide under the jamb to the wall.

Trace a line on the plank edge at the door jamb.
Transfer this shape to the plank you’ll install adjacent to the jamb.
Carefully trim the vinyl to the traced shape using a utility knife or jigsaw.

Slide the trimmed plank under the jamb and check for a tight fit.

Trimmed correctly, the installed vinyl will extend under jambs for clean transitions and prevent gaps.

Conclusion

Cutting vinyl floor tiles or planks allows professional-looking custom installations. With the right tools and careful technique, you can achieve perfectly fitted floors. The basic methods include:

Utility knife – Scoring blade for straight cuts.
Jigsaw – Tight curves and holes.
Oscillating tool – Intricate freehand cuts.

Vinyl cutter – Smooth curved edges.
Tablesaw – Long straight rip cuts (pros).

Always use sharp blades made specifically for rigid vinyl. Take your time and cut incrementally for clean edges without cracking or tearing. Draw cut lines from precise templates when fitting irregular areas. With practice and patience, you can cut vinyl flooring for flawless do-it-yourself installation results.