How to Cut and Fit Laminate Flooring Around Doors, Vents, and Obstacles

Installing laminate flooring can transform your space, but cutting and fitting planks around obstacles like doors, vents, and corners requires precision. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or planning a full renovation alongside interior house painting, mastering these techniques ensures a professional-looking finish. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods for reliable installing laminate flooring around tricky areas while maintaining a seamless appearance.

Essential Tools for Cutting Laminate Flooring

Before starting, gather these tools for accurate cuts and smooth installation:

Tape measure & pencil – For precise markings
Circular saw or jigsaw – For straight and curved cuts
Utility knife – For scoring and trimming
Spacers – To maintain expansion gaps
Pull bar & tapping block – For locking planks in place

Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Laminate Flooring Around Obstacles

1. Fitting Laminate Under Door Jambs

Door frames often sit lower than flooring, requiring undercutting for a clean look.

How to Do It:

Place a laminate plank next to the door jamb to measure the height.
Use a handsaw or oscillating tool to cut the jamb at the plank’s thickness.
Slide the flooring underneath for a seamless transition.

Pro Tip: Paint door trim before installing laminate flooring to avoid drips on new floors.

2. Cutting Around Vent Covers

Floor vents need precise cuts to maintain airflow and aesthetics.

How to Do It:

Remove the vent cover and trace its outline onto the plank.
Drill starter holes at the corners, then use a jigsaw to cut along the lines.
Reinstall the vent cover over the cutout.

3. Navigating Around Cabinets and Walls

Uneven walls and fixed cabinets require careful measurements.

How to Do It:

Measure the gap and transfer dimensions to the plank.
Cut the plank with a circular saw for straight edges or a jigsaw for curves.
Use spacers to maintain an expansion gap (1/4 inch minimum).

4. Handling Pipes and Odd Corners

Plumbing pipes and irregular corners need custom-fit pieces.

How to Do It:

Measure the pipe diameter and mark the plank.
Drill a hole slightly larger than the pipe, then make relief cuts to slide the plank around it.
Reattach baseboards after installing laminate flooring for a polished look.

Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Laminate Flooring

Skipping expansion gaps – Laminate needs room to expand with humidity.
Rushing cuts – Measure twice, cut once to prevent waste.
Ignoring subfloor prep – Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and level.

Coordinating With Interior House Painting

If you're renovating, consider these tips:

Paint walls before flooring to avoid spills on new laminate.
Use low-VOC interior paint to maintain indoor air quality during installation.
Match trim colors to complement your flooring for a cohesive look.