A laminate floor cutter, also known as a laminate flooring cutter, is a cutting tool engineered specifically to cut laminate flooring. The best laminate floor cutters will support multiple material types, will be capable of making straight and angled cuts, and will feature an intuitive and easy to use design.
A laminate floor cutter is a must-have tool for every professional. It’s required to be able to cut laminate floorboards to length accurately and is the key to straight and perfectly fitting laminate flooring. A laminate floor cutter chops the floorboards down to size, rather than saw them. Because of this, there’s no sawdust and no noise (Source).
Laminate flooring is an extremely resilient and durable floor surface, and it looks great! It has become very popular due to its ease of installation, low maintenance requirements, and very long lifespan. Installing laminate flooring in your home will be a breeze, as long as you’ve got the right laminate floor cutter with you (Source).
Laminate floor cutters aren’t all created equally, and it can be a challenge to find the right one. Before you buy a laminate floor cutter, first consider the price, ease of operation, and material compatibility. You should also consider whether or not the cutter will be able to cut at an angle.
In this review, we will examine the top laminate floor cutters. All of the laminate floor cutters in this list will precisely separate pieces of laminate flooring, whether you are installing an all-new floor throughout your home, or just performing a single room renovation.
What Is a Laminate Floor Cutter?
A laminate floor cutter is a tool that allows you to cut laminate flooring effortlessly. These tools come with a specific shear blade that is stronger and more durable than a standard saw blade.
That is a necessary characteristic for cutting laminate. Manufacturers often use glues and resins when designing a laminate, which is why you need a particular blade.
Although you can find electric laminate cutters, most of them do not require electricity to work. That makes them portable and suitable to use on-site. That can be a major benefit for many users.
What’s The Best Tool to Cut Laminate Flooring?
The MantisTol 2-inch Pro Cutter is the best tool to cut laminate flooring, given that its fast and makes clean and exact cuts. In addition to precision, it requires no electricity and its shear blade includes a 600 Grit oilstone to keep it sharp.
How Much Do Laminate Floor Cutters Cost?
The average price of a laminate floor cutter is between $170 and $220. Most units are in that cost range, and the good news is that you can’t go wrong whichever you choose.
The majority of cutters can handle straight, and angled cuts and they should be easy to operate. Those who would like a premium-quality floor cutter may consider investing $300 or more.
Reviews of Top 5 Products
| MantisTol 20-inch Pro Flooring Cutter MC-510 | |||||
| Norske Tools NMAP001 13″ | |||||
| EAB Tool 13″ Laminate Floor Cutter | |||||
| Bullet Tools Siding and Laminate Flooring Cutter | |||||
| MantisTol 13” Pro Flooring Cutter MC-330 |
1. MantisTol 20-inch Pro Flooring Cutter MC-510 – Best Overall
The manufacturer came up with a professional tool that is incredibly versatile. Thanks to its durability and stable construction, it shouldn’t be any problem to cut laminate flooring. Moreover, the tool can handle WPC tile and plank, PVC, carpet tiles, rubber, MDF, etc.
The shear blade is 20 inches long, and it seems to be of high quality. You will receive a 600 grit oilstone that has the task of keeping the blade sharp.
The tool weighs 21 pounds, and it seems like an optional balance of weight and quality. The tool is newbie-friendly and easy to use. It doesn’t produce any dust, and it doesn’t need electricity to work. The product is capable of making straight and angled cuts. Although it may seem a bit pricey, it can be a wise investment if you plan to use it frequently.
- Suitable for numerous materials
- Capable of making straight and angled cuts
- A beginner-friendly tool
- It might be a bit pricey compared to other alternatives
2. Norske Tools NMAP001 13″ Laminate Flooring and Siding Cutter – Most Affordable
If you are not looking for premium quality, but you still need a reliable tool to cut laminate floors, you should consider Norske Tools’ cutter. It is an affordable solution that should be capable of making up to 5,000 cuts before the blade needs replacing.The cutting capacity is 13 inches, and it is capable of making angled cuts. The total weight of the tool is 12 pounds, and it is easy to move and use it. The maximum thickness of the materials you cut can be 19/32 inches.
The product comes with a guide you use for straight and angled cuts. However, it might need adjustment before you can use it. The good news is that the instruction manual explains the entire process thoroughly.
- A light tool that is easy to move and use
- The miter gauge is adjustable from 0 to 45 degrees
- Quiet operation and no dust while working
- You might need to adjust the guide before using the tool
3. EAB Tool 13″ Laminate Floor Cutter – Best for Thick Materials
If you are a beginner, you will love the installation kit the manufacturer provides. You can set everything up easily, and the product comes with a honing stone.The blade seems very durable and capable of making straight and angled cuts. You should, however, be careful with angled ones because the miter gauge might not be accurate all the time. The maximum cutting length is 13 inches, and the depth is set to 5/8 inches.
EAB Tool ensured that their laminate floor cutter could handle laminate flooring, as well as other thick materials like solid wood and hardy plank. The cuts are precise, smooth, and dust-free. If the blade gets dull, you can replace it in a matter of minutes.
- Precise and smooth cuts without any dust
- The extendable handle makes it easy to cut thick applications
- It is easy to replace the blade
- The angle cutter is not accurate all the times
4. Bullet Tools 9 inch EZ Shear Sharpshooter Siding and Laminate Flooring Cutter – Best for Narrow Cuts
The first thing you notice is the color combination the manufacturer selected. That makes the tool stand out from the competition when it comes to design, but what about the performance?Bullet Tools included a long-lasting shear blade that makes dust-free cuts. You can take the tool where you work and do the necessary cutting because it doesn’t require electricity to work. The tool weighs 17 pounds and requires no assembly.
The laminate floor cutter can cut applications that are up to nine inches wide and 9/16 inches thick. When it comes to laminate flooring, you can use the attached underlayment for easier cutting. If you are looking for angled cuts, that is also possible thanks to the miter gauge and the six-inch board provided.
- The shear blade lasts for a long time
- It features an attractive design and color combination
- No assembly required
- The maximum cutting length is only nine inches
5. MantisTol 13” Pro Flooring Cutter MC-330 – Best for Angled Cuts
The last tool on our list is another one designed by MantisTol. It belongs to the same series as the laminate floor cutter we already reviewed. However, this one comes with a maximum cutting width of 13 inches.The other features are similar, which means you can expect a durable and heavy-duty construction. The product has a long handle, which makes it easy to work with and cut effortlessly. If you need to make an angled cut, you can use the miter gauge that is adjustable up to 45 degrees.
Although the tool is versatile and a great choice for laminate floors, it may be tricky to cut small pieces. It is not that easy to line them up because the straight edge guide is detachable.
- Easy to work with thanks to the long handle
- Heavy-duty construction and durable tool
- An excellent choice for angled cuts
- It may be a bit tricky to cut small pieces accurately
Are Laminate Floor Cutters Any Good?
Laminate floor cutters are useful in cutting a variety of flooring materials, such as engineered wood flooring, laminate flooring, rubber, and vinyl flooring, and more. The best laminate floor cutter will provide a precise and clean cut on every use.
Laminate Floor Cutter Brands
Who makes the best laminate floor cutter? Many reputable brands out there are capable of making tools that exceed your expectations. Let’s check out the biggest names in the industry.
Norske Tools
Norske Tools is a Canadian-based company focused on top-quality products and innovations. It primarily focuses on designing tools and other solutions for professionals. However, many of their products are affordable and can be a smart choice for DIY enthusiasts, too.
The manufacturer claims that they engineer each product with careful consideration. The strict quality control and professional approach enable users around the world to get the desired results from Norske Tools.
MantisTol
The brand has an interesting name inspired by the famous insects we see worldwide. Even the logo of the company portrays a mantis. Although the name might be weird, MantisTol sticks to the highest standards and delivers reliable tools.
Their portfolio includes a wide range of flooring cutters. According to the company’s profile, it focuses on indoor installation tools. MantisTol is dedicated to products that are quiet and easy to operate, but also ensure consistent results.
EAB Tool
Did you know that the EAB is an abbreviation for Exchange-a-Blade? The company was founded more than four decades ago, and it has a long market tradition. Ever since they one, EAB focused on providing high-quality solutions for contractors and DIY enthusiasts.
The company offers a wide range of tools, but their focus is on blades. That is understandable and in line with the name of the business. The chances are you will find a reliable tool at an affordable price here.
Bullet Tools
The story about Bullet Tools started in 1998 as a family-owned business. Today, the company based in the United States exports to entire North America, Europe, and even Asia.
Professionals throughout the world recognized quality in Bullet Tools. The company doesn’t hide that its primary focus is on contractors and professional use of their tools. They remain dedicated to quality and innovation, as well as offering excellent value for the price. Thanks to those principles, Bullet Tools is incredibly popular among users.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Laminate Floor Cutters
It is time to discuss the most important features to consider during the purchasing process. If you are wondering how to choose the best laminate floor cutter, start with these characteristics.
Cutting Capabilities
We are focusing on the blade to cut laminate flooring in this article, but it is worth noting that these cutters can handle other applications, too. It depends on the tool, but you can cut MDF, PVC, and even fiber cement siding.
As for the cutting capabilities, we are talking about two major features:
- Width
- Depth
The maximum cutting width can vary from nine inches to 20 or more. A large limit can accelerate the process, but it all depends on the desired results.
The general rule is that the bigger the tool, the higher the price. When it comes to cutting depth, it describes the thickness of the materials you can cut. The capabilities of laminate floor cutters can go from 9/16 inches to 5/8 inches.
Ease of Use
A vinyl flooring cutter shouldn’t be difficult to use even if you are a beginner. Fortunately, most manufacturers adhere to that rule. That is why you will find a long extendable handle in many products. Pulling the handle will enable you to cut various applications effortlessly.
The ease of use may also depend on other factors. For example, is your tool dust-free, or you have to stop to clean it each time you cut something?
Can It Make Angled Cuts?
The manufacturers have taken laminate floor cutters to the next level, and most of them are capable of making angled cuts. However, their reliability in this area may significantly vary.
Miter gauges usually come with adjustments from 0 to 45 degrees. But some of these gauges are not that accurate. You might resolve that by adjusting the tool before starting to operate.
Other Features to Consider
- Blade – a shear blade can last for a long time, but you still need to make sure it is of the highest possible quality.
- Warranty – how long does the manufacturer guarantee the tool will work?
- Weight – you may be moving job sites frequently, and you may benefit from a lightweight tool.
How to Use a Laminate Floor Cutter
If you have never cut laminate flooring before, you may use some pointers on how to make the most out of your tool.
- Use a tape measure to identify the desired length of the cut. Mark the position with the pen so that you would know where to cut.
- Position the flooring piece into the tool. You want to put the place where you want to cut below the blade. Use the angle meter if you need to make an angled cut.
- Once everything is in position, pull the handle and cut the material.
You may want to consider practicing on a piece of material you won’t need during the project. The basics of using laminate cutting tools are simple, but you may need a couple of practice tries to be comfortable with operating the tool.
Ready to Use a Laminate Floor Cutter for Your Next Project?
Choosing the right tool is half the battle when handling a DIY project or a contracting job. Before picking a suitable tool, it is important to know more about the product and its potential applications. It is the best way of ensuring you will find a unit that will meet your expectations.
The good news is that vinyl flooring cutters are versatile tools. Depending on their capabilities, they can cut laminate of different thicknesses. You can even find a suitable laminate countertop cutter for versatility.
The majority of blades to cut laminate flooring can also cut at angles, which boosts versatility, and ensures the tool will serve for many upcoming projects. But of course, it cannot be used for all types of materials and objects. For instance, pipes are cut with a special kind of cutter (our best list on this page) that looks much different from laminate floor cutters.
The best laminate floor cutter is the one that fits your requirements. That is why you should consider what features are important for you, and look for products that fit the description. The combination of a reputable brand with reliable performance is the best formula.
And, if you’re using a laminate cutter for siding, consider also buying a siding nailer, an important tool to help you put up the siding. We analyzed the crucial features of top-rated cutters on the market. For other types of cutters, head over to our recommended shingle cutters (here) and electric rebar cutters (here).
I like the fact that there is a tool for laminate flooring. Because of the resin, it made it slightly difficult for me to DIY my house. Although I learnt I could use the tool, I wish I knew before. Thank you for this.