When it comes to installing or upgrading laminate flooring, I always recommend using a laminate floor cutter. Now, you might be wondering, should you go for a sliding compound miter saw or just a regular cutter?
Trust me, making the wrong decision can lead to complications down the road. As an expert contractor, I’ve taken the time to handpick the best options for you, ensuring you don’t run into those common pitfalls.
Reviews of the Top Saws for Laminate Flooring
1. SKIL 3601-02
My first choice is a powered machine rather than just a stationary laminate floor cutter. The SKIL 3601-02 will cut laminate flooring with ease and can make a variety of cuts such as miters, crosscuts, and rip cuts.
SKIL designed the 3601-02 to be a lightweight and portable design, so it’s the perfect choice for contractors like me.
There are miter detents at various degrees to make the cuts on laminate boards even more precise. The die-cast aluminum rip fence will guide your laminate flooring during straight cuts.
What I Like
- The 7-amp motor ensures consistent power for smooth operations.
- Boasting 11,000 no-load RPM, it demonstrates impressive speed and efficiency.
- The miter detent angles ensure precise angle cuts every time.
- The die-cast aluminum rip fence guarantees durability and straight cuts.
- Its versatility stands out, capable of executing various cutting tasks.
- Despite its capabilities, it remains lightweight and easy to transport.
- The added dustbag helps keep the workspace cleaner, capturing most of the debris.
What I Don't Like
- While effective, the cutter can sometimes disperse debris, causing minor messes.
- Unlike some other tools, this cutter doesn't offer reversible functionality.
2. ROBERTS - 36434
Although expensive, the Roberts 36343 is a guillotine-style cutter for laminate flooring and a variety of other materials such as engineered wood and even vinyl flooring. If you’re looking for a versatile device for cutting laminate flooring, the Roberts 36343 is an excellent option.
The extruded aluminum base gives you more room to work with and the extra long handle gives more leverage, which takes the pressure and stress off of you. You don’t need a miter saw for your laminate floors when you have the 36343 because it comes with a movable angle guide.
What I Like
- It's versatile, capable of cutting more than just laminate boards.
- The guillotine-style cutter which ensures precision and ease in cutting.
- An extruded aluminum base that provides stability during use.
- A solid plastic surface, enhancing its durability and usability.
- The longer handle, which allows for better leverage and control.
- The movable angle guide that's adjustable for various cuts.
- A cutting guide that locks into place, ensuring consistent cuts.
- It produces clean edges, leaving your materials looking professionally cut.
What I Don't Like
- The price point is a bit on the higher side, making it a more substantial investment.
- It operates manually, which might require more effort compared to automatic options.
3. KORR KMAP001
The KORR KMAP001 has a very large 9-inch cutting capacity, which makes it one of the best saws for laminate flooring for larger boards. Laminate flooring and fiber cement siding are no match for the guillotine-style laminate flooring saw. Although the saw blade has significant strength, the unit is surprisingly small, which fooled me at first.
The saw is very compact, easy to use, and easy to carry with you from site to site. The sharp cutting blade won’t yield any splinters or rough edges, so you can rely on it for smooth and clean cuts.
What I Like
- The generous cutting capacity it offers, accommodating various sizes.
- The robust laminate blade that tackles tasks effectively.
- Its small and compact design, which makes it easy to store and transport.
- The ability to provide clean cuts consistently.
- A combination of strong steel and aluminum in its construction, ensuring durability.
- The extended handle, which offers better leverage and control.
- The convenience of a replaceable blade, prolonging the tool's life.
What I Don't Like
- It's a manual design, requiring a bit more physical effort.
- Over time, you might need a sharpening stone to maintain the blade's edge.
4. Norske Tools NMAP001
The Norske Tools NMAP001 also resembles my previous budget model, with a slightly higher price tag. Installing laminate flooring or even vinyl has never been easier. A circular saw can work on laminate flooring, but with the NMAP001, you get manual control over each cut.
It’s a compact and portable design made to prevent splinters and rough edges. The high-speed steel blade comes with the saw and it can make anywhere between 4000 to 5000 cuts before it will need to be sharpened or replaced. The unit doesn’t produce dust, is very quiet, and does not require electricity to operate.
What I Like
- The ability to make angled cuts with the miter gauge, ensuring precision.
- Its portability and lightweight nature, making it convenient for various jobs.
- The high-speed steel blade which delivers efficient cutting.
- The quiet operation coupled with minimal dust production.
- An extended handle is included, providing better control and leverage.
- Durable construction, ensuring that it withstands the rigors of regular use.
What I Don't Like
- It demands a bit more effort compared to using a circular saw.
- The tool doesn't have the capability to make curved cuts.
5. DEWALT DWS779
Moving away from the manual laminate floor cutters brings us to a sliding compound miter saw. A miter saw is excellent for angled cuts, if that’s what you need. The stainless steel miter detent has a total of 10 stops, which is more versatile when you cut laminate flooring compared to a guillotine-type saw.
The bevel setting for the DeWalt DWS779 pivots up to 48 degrees to the left and right and it can even make crosscuts. The unit is strong, durable, and has various features like the tall sliding fences that support the material for accurate cuts.
What I Like
- The miter detent stops, which allow for quick and accurate angle adjustments.
- Its robust and durable build, ensuring longevity.
- The unit's reliability in delivering precise cuts every time.
- The commendable crosscut capacity it offers.
- Dual horizontal steel rails that enhance stability during cutting.
- Its capability to bevel up to 48 degrees to both the left and right.
- The smooth operation provided by its linear ball bearings.
- Its proficiency especially when cutting laminate floors.
What I Don't Like
- It doesn't come with a laser guide, which could aid in precision.
- The absence of crown stops might limit some specific molding cuts.
6. Bullet Tools - ES00-2009
The Bullet Tools ES00-2009 is a siding and laminate cutter that is capable of cuts up to 9 inches wide and 9/16 inches thick. Because this type of laminate flooring saw does not require any electricity, it won’t generate much dust or noise, unlike electric cutters.
Electric saws can be incredibly loud, but from my experience, this wood cutting tool operates so quietly that I can work late into the night without bothering my neighbors. And let me tell you, one of its laminate board blades can outlast multiple regular saw blades. The best part? I was able to start working immediately after receiving it since there was no assembly needed.
What I Like
- It boasts a large cutting capacity that makes it highly versatile.
- The saw blade is durable and designed to stand the test of time.
- I love its readiness for use straight out of the box, requiring no assembly.
- It’s portable, which is essential for flexibility and convenience on various job sites.
- Working quietly, it ensures a noise-minimized environment.
- Unlike electric cutters, it doesn’t produce dust, promoting a cleaner workspace.
- A 1-year warranty backs it, adding a layer of confidence in its purchase.
- Its adaptability is showcased by its ability to cut bamboo and engineered flooring efficiently.
- The tool is also capable of making precise angled cuts, enhancing its functionality.
What I Don't Like
- The cutter might perform even better with a different blade.
- There’s a risk that the ruler might get scratched during transit, which may affect its appearance or usability.
7. MantisTol MC-330
For those with bamboo floors, fiber cement siding, LVT flooring or anything aside from laminate flooring can rejoice. The MantisTol MC-330 is all you need to cut those boards down to size. The unit itself is made from heavy-duty aluminum and steel, which are two lightweight yet durable materials.
From my expertise, this tool is a game-changer. It’s quick, dust-free, and notably quiet, making cutting laminate boards feel almost effortless.
In fact, I’m so impressed with the durability of the MantisTol MC-330 that I’d recommend it not just for household renovations but even for businesses and some industrial tasks.
More products:
What I Like
- The cutter's strong and robust construction, which speaks to its durability.
- Its ability to deliver quick cuts, saving time and boosting efficiency.
- The added benefits of a dust-free and quiet operation, making the job more pleasant.
- Its versatility in handling various materials is quite impressive.
- The consistent smooth cuts it delivers each time, ensuring quality work.
- Its proficiency in working specifically with engineered wood flooring, a plus for certain projects.
What I Don't Like
- It operates manually, which can demand a bit more effort from the user.
- The plastic deck might not be as durable or feel as premium as some other materials.
Saws for Laminate Flooring Buyer’s Guide
Picking the best saw for laminate flooring requires more research than just getting a regular circular saw. Users need to consider the type of material it can get through as well as the construction. Our contractors have listed some important features laminate flooring saws must have.
Size and Portability
You can either choose to cut laminate by bringing the boards to your saw or vice versa. However, sometimes it’s just easier to lug the laminate floor cutter around, especially if you’re in a large house or job site – this is where the portability comes in.
In my experience with laminate cutters, the ones that don’t require electricity are typically lighter and more portable. Without a motor and the limitation of a power cable, it’s simply easier to maneuver. Personally, I’d always recommend a cutter you can comfortably lift and carry by hand. Of course, the ideal weight will differ for everyone, but going lighter usually works best.
If you can only manage to carry 10 pounds throughout a workday, then that’s your weight capacity. Luckily, most saws for laminate floors [1] that I listed are under that limit.
Type of Saw
Aside from a manual cutter to cut laminate boards, homeowners, DIYers, and contractors can also use table saws, circular saws, jigsaws, regular manual flooring cutters, or even saws used for cutting rocks. With so many options available, which one should you choose?
I will dive deeper into the discrepancies between manual and electric units, so the focus will be on the type of saw here.
Table saws are great for laminate flooring if you have large boards and fast and accurate cuts. Both table saws and circular saws are excellent for straight cuts. If you’re only cutting laminate flooring down to size, then they are what I recommend.
Just make sure that your table or circular saw blade can cut laminate flooring, solid wood, or any other flooring materials you may need to work with.
You then have miter saws, which can also make straight cuts but they are much better for angled cuts. You may not need to get a whole miter saw if your table and circular saws come with miter gauges. But just in case they don’t and you have miter saws in your arsenal, it’s useful to know that they make great flooring saws.
A chop saw is similar to a miter saw and it can also work to create cuts in one swift motion.
There are two types of flooring cutters to consider: manual guillotine-style cutters and powered cutters. Manual guillotine-style cutters function similarly to paper cutters, with a blade pressing down into the material as you operate the lever. These cutters are great for achieving straight cuts.
If you’re looking for a wider cutting range and more power, I’d advise going for versatile powered cutters. They truly offer superior capabilities and efficiency for a range of cutting tasks.
Additional Features
It’s always nice for a flooring saw to have extra features that can make the experience easier and more convenient for the user. Additional features on the best saw for laminate flooring such as a fence or cut guide and miter angle adjustments can create very precise results.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a flooring professional or just a beginner, these bonus capabilities will definitely make cutting laminate and other materials easier. Even upgrades from one model to the next count as additional features such as an improved wire guard or clearer angle gauge.
Blade Teeth and Strength
Your success when cutting laminate flooring is all about the blade. Diamond or carbide-tipped blades will last longer and stay sharper, but a carbide-tipped blade may be more expensive than regular saw blades.
The best saw blade to tackle laminate flooring is a circular one with carbide tips. You may not get strengthened options like ones with diamond tips if you’re looking for a jigsaw blade, but jigsaws are used for more complex cuts and don’t generally require as much strength as blades on other types of saws.
The TPI (tooth per inch) on a laminate floor cutter will also determine what it can chew through. Good saws will have 80 to 100 teeth if you’re looking at circular blades and a denser count for jigsaw blades. Look for carbide tips and a thin kerf for cleaner edges.
For cutting laminate flooring, you want a higher TPI, which means there is smaller spacing between each tooth. Blades like this will cut faster, smoother, and cleaner.
Other blade products:
Manual or Electric Saw?
Drawing from my years as an expert contractor, the choice often boils down to electric saws or manual ones. At first glance, one might assume electric saws are superior due to their precision and ease of use. But the real question is, does this assumption hold up under scrutiny?
Let’s start with manual laminate floor cutters. A manual flooring cutter is the more common type I see. Of course, it is also cheaper, so it is recommended for those on a budget. A manual flooring cutter consists of a working surface and a long blade attached to a lever that you would need to press down on the material to make a cut – much like a paper cutter.
You do have to have a certain level of strength to work a manual flooring cutter, but the perks can outweigh the cons for some. For example, a manual flooring cutter is super quiet and makes almost no sound because there is no electricity involved for operation. It is also cleaner as it doesn’t generate much dust, and I also mentioned the cheaper price.
The cons need to be considered if you’re looking to make angled cuts or intricate cuts. Guillotine-style laminate plank cutters can’t make these cuts. You may also experience some chipping when using this type of saw, so it will require your undivided attention.
An electric flooring cutter is much more advanced and versatile compared to the latter. Since they are electric, they can handle a heavier workload without tiring out your arm. They operate faster due to the same logic, but you are limited by the power cord and they are also heavier.
Electric flooring cutters also cost more, and they are the complete opposite of manual cutters in the sense that they are noisy and messy, which will restrict your working hours and locations. The most ideal saw for your needs will require you to weigh out the pros and cons of each type to decide.
Price and Warranty
Flooring cutters are generally not too heavy on the pocket. You might find the pricier models hovering around $500, especially depending on the type of saw you’re eyeing. The kind of flooring saw will undoubtedly influence the cost. Manual variants tend to be more affordable, while electric ones come with a steeper price tag. Remember, features, quality, and even the brand can sway the cost, so these are factors I always advise keeping in mind.
Always look at the warranty period before purchasing a product, especially one that’s subjected to so much labor like the flooring saws. Just in case anything goes wrong or the product arrives damaged upon arrival, you want the option to ask for reparations from the company.
1-year warranties are pretty standard, so our contractors say to not settle for anything less and look for products that can offer longer ones.
How to Install Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a durable flooring material that can look very modern. It’s a popular choice for many contractors, with the ones on I included. For something that can look so lux, installing laminate flooring is actually easier than you think compared to solid wood flooring. In fact, it can be a great DIY project if you know how to do it.
The first step is to purchase the laminate planks a few days prior to installation. This is because the material is susceptible to temperature changes, meaning it can shrink or expand, so it requires some time to adjust to the environment in your home.
You should clean the sub-floor and make sure everything is level and even. The first step is to place the underlayment, which acts as a buffer between the ground and your laminate flooring to help even out the surface and protect the laminate plank from vapor and other natural elements.
When you’re finally ready to lay down the laminate, make sure you start from a corner and work your way out. You want to lay out the boards parallel to the largest wall of the room. While you’re laying the boards, remember to use wedge spacers to keep the boards in place while you continue with the laying.
Keep the boards as close to each other a possible. Not only will this help you limit spacing, but it also creates a more seamless and professional result.
As you get to the last row, you will notice that more likely than not, your laminate flooring will not fit exactly into the space. This is when the the saw will come in as you cut it down to size. Once you’re done paving, remove the wedge spacers, make adjustments and apply final finishes if necessary, and you’re done!
FAQ
How can I cut laminate without chipping?
You can cut laminate without chipping if you use faster saws. On average, electric options will work better than manual saws because the blades spin at faster speeds. You can further reinforce this by picking a blade specifically designed to cut laminate floors.
Does laminate flooring dull saw blades?
Yes, laminate flooring will dull saw blades, but this is a universal truth for more power tools. Through time and wear and tear, your blades will dull, which is why replacement blades and sharpening tools are necessary. Purchasing the right type of blade could prolong the lifespan, but it will still happen eventually.
What type of saw is best for cutting laminate flooring?
The type of saw for that is best for cutting laminate flooring is a saw with a circular blade, such as a table saw, circular saw, or miter saw, but it all depends on the cut you want to make. However, manual cutters are excellent picks to reduce mess and noise, plus they are cheaper.
My Top Pick For a Laminate Flooring Saw:
SKIL 3601-02
It’s no surprise that my pick for the best saw for laminate flooring is a dedicated flooring saw from a reputable brand. The SKIL 3601-02 can handle laminate and engineered floors with miter detents so you can create angled cuts like a miter saw can. You can also make crosscuts and rip cuts with the help of a fence. The device is portable, solid, and reliable.
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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