Choosing the right saw blade is key to getting clean, precise cuts when installing laminate flooring. The material used in laminate flooring is durable but can quickly dull lower-quality blades.
With the right saw blade and power tool, you can achieve smooth, long-lasting cuts without having to replace the blade mid-project.
What Blade To Use To Cut Laminate Flooring
When selecting a blade for laminate flooring projects, there are 3 key factors to consider:
Kerf
The kerf is the blade’s thickness and determines the cut’s width. Choose a blade with a thin kerf for laminate flooring, usually around 1/8″ or less. The thinner the kerf, the easier it is for the blade to cut through the material without excessive wear.
Tooth Count
Look for a blade with a high tooth count of 80-100 teeth. The more teeth, the finer and smoother the cut will be. A fine finish blade is ideal for the clean cuts needed for laminate flooring.
Carbide vs. Diamond Tips
Carbide-tipped blades are preferable for cutting laminate flooring. The carbide tips are harder and more resistant to wear from heat and impact.
Diamond-tipped blades are sharper but can chip or crack when cutting laminate.
Other factors like ensuring the blade diameter and arbor size match your saw are also important for safety and performance.
A carbide-tipped blade with an 80+ tooth count and thin kerf is optimized to handle repeated rip and cross-cuts on laminate flooring.
With the right blade, you can complete an entire flooring project without excessive blade wear or needing to replace it mid-job.
Saws Choices To Cut Laminate Flooring
When it comes to cutting laminate flooring, circular saws, table saws, and miter saws equipped with the right blade will get the job done.
Handheld manual saws can also work for small trim cuts.
Focus on picking a carbide-tipped blade designed for fine finish cuts rather than the type of saw itself. The saw just needs to be compatible with the diameter and arbor size of the blade you select.
Here’s a video from a professional floor installer who shows how easy that part of the work can actually be.
By the way, he uses a circular saw for his laminate flooring cuts, one of the power saws we recommend for the task.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size blade do I need for my saw to cut laminate flooring?
The optimal blade diameter depends on your saw. Just ensure the blade size is compatible with your saw’s arbor size. Most miter saws use 10-12 inch blades, while table saws commonly use 8-10 inch blades for laminate cutting.
How often will I need to replace the blade when cutting laminate flooring?
Expect to replace or sharpen a carbide-tipped laminate blade after cutting around 1000 square feet, or 6 average-sized bedrooms, before it loses sharpness. The aluminum oxide in laminate dulls blades faster than wood.
Can I sharpen carbide-tipped blades, or do they need to be replaced once dull?
Carbide-tipped blades can be sharpened a limited number of times before needing replacement. Take them to a professional sharpening service when cutting performance declines. Don’t try to sharpen them yourself.
What’s the benefit of a thin kerf blade vs. a thicker blade for laminate?
A thinner kerf, around 1/8″ or less, makes cutting easier by removing less material. This reduces drag and blade wear. It also conserves material, allowing your laminate flooring to cover more square footage.