How to Cut Vinyl Tile

Co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: July 1, 2021 References

Vinyl tile often comes in square pieces, and you may need to cut tiles to fit them to the edge of the wall or around appliances. Vinyl tile is much easier to cut than ceramic tile, and you can trim it using a utility knife or a vinyl tile cutter. Though the idea of cutting tiles may seem daunting, the process is actually quite simple!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a Utility Knife

1
Mark the tile where it needs to be cut. Measure the space you need to fit a tile into using a tape measure. Mark the places you need to cut the tile with a pencil. You only need a small marking, as you’ll use another tile as your straight edge for cutting.
- If you cannot see the pencil marks, try using a washable pen or marker.
2
Score the vinyl tile with a utility knife. Use a piece of ceramic tile to weight down the vinyl tiles and use as a straightedge. Make an “X” on it in permanent marker so that you don’t accidentally install it, as it may get nicked or banged up. Line up the edge of the extra tile with the mark on the other tile where you need to make a cut. Firmly run your knife down the edge of the extra tile to score the piece that needs trimming.^{[1]
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- If you don’t cut all the way through the tile the first time, repeat the process taking care to make the second score line directly over top of the first. You can also soften the tile with a heat gun to make precise cuts.
- Wear work gloves while working with a utility knife and cut slowly away from your hand.
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3
Break off the excess. Simply bend the tile at the score mark to cleanly break the tile. Keep the excess in case you need to use it later.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Vinyl Tile Cutter

1
Place your tile in the vinyl cutter. Use the tape measure running down the edge of the tile cutter to line up the tile where you need to make the cut.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist
Expert Interview. 18 June 2021.}^{[4]
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- Vinyl cutters can typically be rented from hardware stores so you don’t have to buy one for a single job. Call your local store to see if this is an option for you.
2
Adjust the depth of the blade by turning the screws. Twist the screws on either side of the top of the cutter to raise or lower the blade so that the tile will fit neatly under it. The blade doesn’t need to touch the tile at this point, as moving the handle will lower the blade.^{[5]
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3
Press the handle down. Firmly move the handle from the upright position down toward the base of the cutter. You can do this step quickly or slowly, just make sure to press the handle all the way to the lowered position so that the blade cuts through the entire tile.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist
Expert Interview. 18 June 2021.}^{[7]
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Research source}
4
Remove the tile from the cutter. Move both pieces of cut tile away from the cutter. Raise the handle if you have another piece to cut, then repeat the process.

Expert Q&A

Question

What is the best tool to cut vinyl tile?

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist
Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses.

Ryaan Tuttle

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

Try using a vinyl laminate floor cutter. Just put the piece of flooring into the device and then pull the handle down.
Question

Do you need a special blade to cut vinyl flooring?

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist
Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses.

Ryaan Tuttle

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

Not necessarily! You could always use a jigsaw or a common miter saw to cut your tile.