How to Cut Hardwood Floor Planks

Three Cut Types You'll Need

• Crosscuts - cutting a board to length across the grain. Most common cut in any installation.
• Rip cuts - cutting a board to width along the grain. Used for the last row and fitting around obstacles.
• Angle cuts - cutting at an angle for diagonal installations or non-square walls.

Best Saw for Each Cut

Miter saw is fastest and most accurate for crosscuts. Set up outside the room to contain sawdust. A 10 or 12 inch miter saw handles standard flooring widths easily. Circular saw with a straightedge guide is best for rip cuts on the last row. Set blade depth just slightly more than board thickness. Jigsaw is essential for curves, notches, and fitting around door casings and pipes.

Key Cutting Rules

• Measure twice, cut once - hardwood is expensive
• Always account for the 3/4 inch expansion gap at walls - never cut boards wall-to-wall
• Cut face-up with a miter saw (blade cuts downstroke, less chipping on face)
• Cut face-down with a circular saw (blade cuts upstroke, less chipping on face)
• Use a sharp carbide-tipped blade designed for hardwood - dull blades cause splintering
• Support the board fully on both sides of the cut to prevent vibration

Fitting Around Door Casings

Instead of cutting flooring to fit around door casings, undercut the casing. Use a handsaw or oscillating tool to cut the bottom of the door casing to the exact height of the flooring. Slide the flooring underneath for a clean, professional result.

Fitting the Last Row

Measure the remaining space at the far wall, subtract 3/4 inch for the expansion gap, and rip the last row to that width on a circular saw. Use the WORKPRO pull bar to pull the last row tight against the previous row after cutting.

Staggering End Joints

Plan cuts so end joints between adjacent rows are staggered by at least 6 inches. Start alternate rows with the offcut from the previous row's last board - this minimizes waste and naturally creates the required stagger pattern.

Products Used in This Guide

• WORKPRO Flooring Installation Kit - pull bar for fitting last row after rip cuts
• WORKPRO 40-Pack Floor Spacers - maintain expansion gaps at walls
• 3PLUS 4-in-1 Pneumatic Flooring Nailer - secure boards after cutting to fit