What’s the Best Saw for Cutting Wood Flooring

What’s the Best Saw for Cutting Hardwood Flooring?

Written by Easiklip Floors - Harry Chu

April 25, 2025

Installing hardwood flooring? Before you make a single cut hardwood flooring, make sure you’ve got the right tools. The wrong flooring saw or blade can turn your expensive engineered wood or laminate flooring into a mess of splinters—and nobody wants that.

For straight cuts, a power saw like a circular saw works well—just pair it with a high-quality combination blade that handles both rip cuts and cross cuts. Want a crisp finish? Use a straight edge to help you cut straight every time.

When you need precise miter cuts or angles—especially around corners or door frames—a miter saw is your best friend. It’s built for accuracy and delivers clean, pro-level results with ease.

And if you’re working with engineered wood, take extra care. These multi-layered boards require sharp blades and smooth technique to avoid damaging the top layer.

Bottom line? Choosing the right saw and using the correct cutting method is key to getting a polished, professional look in any home improvement flooring project.

What Do You Use to Cut Hardwood Floors?

Cutting hardwood flooring requires more than just a steady hand—it takes the best tool for the job. Whether you’re working with solid wood, laminate flooring, or engineered wood, your results will depend heavily on the saw you choose and how you use it.

Below is a breakdown of the most common flooring saws, what they’re good for, and some pro tips to help you make cleaner, more efficient cuts.

1. Miter Saw: The Flooring Pro’s Best Friend

If you’re only going to invest in (or rent) one saw, choose a miter saw. It’s your best bet for making accurate cross cuts, miter cuts, and angled joints—especially if you’re installing trim, chevron patterns, or navigating tight corners. Using cross cut blades with a miter saw enhances its versatility, allowing it to handle both ripping and crosscutting tasks efficiently. A miter saw offers a stable cutting surface and delivers quick, clean cuts without hassle.

While a handsaw might work for occasional cuts, it’s time-consuming and inefficient for full installations. A guillotine-style flooring cutter is another hands-on option that delivers straight, precise cuts without the arm fatigue.

Dewalt miter wood floor saw

2. Table Saw: Ideal for Long Rip Cuts

If you plan to do a lot of ripping—cutting planks lengthwise to fit narrow rows or wall edges—a table saw is the tool for you. It’s accurate, powerful, and provides consistent results across solid hardwood, laminate, and engineered wood. A table saw is particularly effective when you need to rip planks lengthwise, ensuring a proper fit for your flooring project.

This is especially helpful when flooring materials vary in width or you need to trim boards along the wall for a snug fit.

3. Circular Saw: Portable and Versatile

A portable circular saw is essentially a portable table saw. It’s great for DIYers and those doing a mix of flooring and home improvement projects. With the right blade, a portable circular saw makes clean rip cuts and cross cuts—but accuracy can be tricky since you’re guiding both the board and saw by hand.

Use a guide or straight edge to help you cut straight, and always make sure you’re using blades designed for cutting hardwood or engineered wood.

4. Jigsaw: For Curves, Not Speed

If your layout includes vents, posts, or unusual shapes, a jigsaw helps you navigate tight curves and intricate cuts with ease. It’s not the best option for cutting full planks, especially thick oak or hardwood, because the narrow blade can bend under pressure. Still, it’s a valuable tool for finishing touches and detail work.

5. Reciprocating Saw: For Demo Work

Need to remove old flooring or cut through tough materials quickly? A reciprocating saw is built for speed, not precision, unlike tools designed for manual cuts that provide straight and clean results. Use it when you’re tearing things out—not putting the final touch on a flooring project.

6. Jamb Saw: Precision at Floor Level

A jamb saw is your go-to tool for cutting moldings and under door frames or trim, so your flooring can slide neatly underneath. It’s not something you’ll need every day, but when the situation calls for it, there’s no substitute. Don’t want to buy one? You can always rent.

Final Tips for Choosing the Right Saw

The best saw depends on your needs. Ask yourself:

Do I need portability or precision?
Am I making mostly rip cuts, miter cuts, or cross cuts?
Will I be working with engineered wood, laminate, or solid hardwood?

You don’t need to spend a fortune on the fanciest saw out there. Instead, invest in high-quality blades suited for your material. That alone can make or break your cut quality.

Compare your options, plan for the types of cuts your project demands, and choose the right saw that gives you both performance and control. Consider using general purpose blades for versatility, as they can handle a range of cutting applications effectively.

Preparing to Cut

Before you make that first cut, preparation is key. A clean, organized workspace helps you work faster, safer, and more accurately—especially when dealing with different materials like engineered wood, laminate flooring, or solid hardwood.

Start by clearing the area of any debris, dust, or leftover adhesive. Make sure the floor is dry and level, and ensure there’s good ventilation. Wearing a dust mask isn’t optional—it’s essential when working with flooring saws and generating fine particles from wood.

Now, let’s talk tools.

A miter saw or circular saw is your best bet for most flooring cuts. Choose the right blade for the job: a rip blade for long, lengthwise rip cuts, or a cross cut blade for making accurate cuts across the grain. If you’re using a power saw, adjust the blade depth to cut through the flooring—not into your subfloor.

Use a straight edge or track guide to help you cut straight every time. This small step can make a huge difference in the quality of your finish.

As with any home improvement project, don’t rush it. Steady hands, smooth motion, and good control are more important than speed. And if you’re new to using flooring saws, make a few test cuts on scrap pieces of wood before moving on to your actual planks.

What Are the Best Saws for Cutting Hardwood Flooring?

If you’re planning to install hardwood flooring, cutting hardwood floors requires two types of saws that should be at the top of your list: the miter saw and the circular saw. These power saws are essential for clean, efficient cuts—whether you’re working with solid wood, engineered wood, or laminate flooring.

Many models now come with features that improve precision, portability, and dust control—ideal for both DIYers and pros tackling serious home improvement projects.

Best Miter Saws for Hardwood Flooring

🟡 DeWalt DWS715 12-Inch Miter Saw

If you’re looking for raw cutting power and capacity, this 12-inch miter saw is a standout. It slices through up to 2x8-inch lumber at 90° and 2x6 at 45°, making it ideal for diagonal cuts, cross-grain, and short bevel cuts, backed by a 15-amp, 4,000 RPM motor. A great pick for wide planks and deep cross cuts, especially when working with thicker wood.

✅ Bonus: Comes highly rated with over 10,000 reviews and includes a miter gauge for perfect angled cuts.

🔵 Bosch CM10GD Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw

This 10-inch saw features a 60-tooth carbide blade, a space-saving glide-action system, and a 15-amp motor. Its compact size enhances usability in tight spaces and makes it easier to transport, appealing to both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. The integrated dust port connects to a shop vac—essential for cutting engineered wood or laminate flooring in tight indoor spaces.

✅ Ideal for smaller job sites where space is limited but accuracy is non-negotiable.

🔴 SKIL 3821-01 12-Inch Miter Saw

With a laser cutline guide, 4,500 RPM motor, and table extensions for larger boards, this miter saw is perfect for tackling longer planks. It features nine positive stops for fast angle setups, making miter cuts simple even for beginners.

✅ Great for clean cuts on large wood pieces or wide-format flooring boards.

Miter saws are incredibly accurate, but they’re not always the most compact. If space or portability is a priority, a circular saw might be a better fit.

Best Circular Saws for Flooring Cuts

🟢 DEWALT DWE575 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

Weighing in at just 8.8 lbs, this lightweight portable circular saw still packs a punch with its 15-amp motor and 57° beveling capacity. With bevel stops at 45° and 22.5°, it’s ideal for both straight and angled miter cuts on the go.

✅ Perfect for fast rip cuts, portability, and everyday flooring saw needs.

🟣 SKIL 5280-01 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

Known for its affordability and power, this saw offers quick blade changes with a spindle lock, a built-in dust blower to keep your cutline visible, and a 51° bevel range. The 7¼-inch carbide blade handles laminate, engineered wood, and solid planks with ease.

✅ Great for those who want speed, flexibility, and a smooth finish without breaking the bank.

🔵 Bosch CCS180B 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw

Need cordless freedom? This compact saw gives you 2-inch cutting depth at 90° and features a blade-left design for better visibility. Despite its smaller blade, it’s more than capable for most home improvement flooring installs.

✅ Ideal for precision cuts in tight spaces or working without access to outlets.

Pick the Right Saw for the Right Cut

Any one (or two) of these saws can handle the demands of a full hardwood flooring installation—from wide cross cuts to long rip cuts, straight lines to angled joints. Just remember: the right saw makes cutting faster, safer, and cleaner—and using specific blades tailored for your material makes all the difference in your final results.

What’s the Best Saw Blade for Cutting Hardwood Flooring?

Choosing the right saw is only half the equation. If you want smooth cuts, clean edges, and zero splintering on your hardwood, engineered wood, or laminate flooring, you need the right saw blade for the job.

Modern flooring saws are built for quick blade swaps, so switching between blade types is easy. Still, if you want efficiency, choosing the right blade with alternately beveled teeth from the start saves time and gives your home improvement project a more professional finish.

Best Blades for Hardwood Flooring Projects

🔹 Combination Blade (General Purpose)

If you’re only buying one blade, make it a general purpose blade. A combination blade handles both rip cuts and cross cuts with ease. It features a mix of flat-top (FT) and alternating bevel teeth (ATB), making it versatile enough for most wood types. Look for a blade with 80–100 teeth for the cleanest results.

✅ Best for: General cutting across engineered wood, laminate, and hardwood.

🔹 Rip Blade

Installing wider planks or trimming boards lengthwise? A rip blade is what you want. These blades usually have fewer teeth (10–40), but wider gullets that remove more material fast—ideal for smooth, straight rip cuts through hardwood.

✅ Best for: Long, straight cuts in solid wood or engineered flooring.

🔹 Plywood Blade

This high-tooth-count blade—often made from High-Speed Steel (HSS) with finer teeth—is built for delicate cuts. With 100+ fine teeth, it’s a solid choice for detailed molding work and cutting engineered wood without chipping the top layer.

✅ Best for: Precision cuts and intricate patterns where edge quality matters.

Pro Tip: Choose Carbide-Tipped Blades

No matter which blade you pick, invest in carbide-tipped blades. They stay sharper longer, reduce tear-out, and perform better across all types of wood flooring—including laminate flooring and dense engineered wood.

Want a visual breakdown of your options? Check out the video: “Selecting Table Saw Blades – Types, Uses and Buying Advice.

How Do You Cut a Wooden Floor Plank?

Cutting a wooden plank—whether it’s solid hardwood, engineered wood, or laminate flooring—doesn’t have to be complicated if you’re using the right tools and techniques.

Here’s how to make a clean rip cut using a circular saw:

Install the right blade. Use a carbide-tipped rip blade with flat teeth designed for hardwood. Some power saws also handle metal, but choose a blade made for wood to ensure a smooth cut.
Attach an edge guide. This keeps the saw aligned with the board’s edge, helping you cut straight from start to finish.
Set blade depth. Adjust so the blade just clears the bottom of the board—deep enough to cut cleanly but shallow enough to stay safe.
Use sawhorses and scrap wood. Place scrap pieces beneath your cut line to support the plank and protect your tools.
Mark your board. Use a straight edge or square to draw your cut line clearly.
Make the cut. Start at one end and move steadily along the board. Let the saw do the work—no need to force it.

Want a visual guide? Check out the video: How to Make Rip Cuts with a Circular Saw.

Best Practices for Cutting Engineered Wood

Cutting engineered wood requires attention to detail and proper technique to avoid damaging the material. Here are some best practices to ensure clean and accurate cuts:

Safety Precautions When Cutting Hardwood Flooring

When working with flooring saws, safety should always come first. Whether you’re cutting laminate flooring, engineered wood, solid hardwood, or performing metal cutting, the right gear and habits can prevent accidents before they happen.

Protect yourself. Wear safety glasses, a dust mask, and ear protection. Power saws are loud and dusty—don’t risk your health or hearing.
Keep your hands safe. Use a push stick or guide to keep fingers away from the blade—especially when making rip cuts.
Clear the area. Make sure your workspace is free of cords, tools, or anything that could become a tripping hazard.
Stay alert. Never leave a running saw unattended. Let the blade come to a complete stop before walking away.
Keep kids and pets out. Always maintain a safe working zone.
Be prepared. Keep a fire extinguisher and first aid kit nearby in case of emergencies.
Follow the manual. Read the manufacturer’s safety instructions for your specific power saw and blade. If you’re unsure about anything, ask a professional or experienced DIYer.

Remember: even a simple cut requires serious focus. One mistake can turn a good home improvement project into a disaster.

Maintenance and Care for Your Flooring Saw

To keep your saw cutting smoothly—and safely—routine maintenance is a must. Well-maintained flooring saws last longer, cut cleaner, and reduce the risk of injury.

Clean regularly. Dust and wood particles build up fast, especially when cutting engineered wood or laminate. Clean the saw after every project.
Inspect the blade. Look for dullness, chips, or warping. Replace or sharpen as needed for smooth, precise cuts.
Lubricate moving parts. A well-oiled saw runs smoother and lasts longer.
Store it right. Keep your saw dry, clean, and covered. Protect blades from rust or physical damage. Saws with two wheels are easier to move and store properly.
Check the cord. Frayed cords or loose plugs are a safety hazard—replace them immediately.
Test the blade guard. Make sure it moves freely and offers full coverage during operation.
Follow your manual. Every saw is different. Stick to the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer.

Proper care doesn’t just extend the life of your saw—it protects your investment and ensures every cut is clean, safe, and professional.

Conclusion: The Right Tools Make All the Difference

When it comes to installing hardwood flooring, your tools—and how you use them—can make or break your results. From choosing between a miter saw or circular saw, to selecting the perfect rip blade or combination blade, every detail matters. If you plan to rip up your floor, consider a wood floor removal machine. It can save time and labor during demolition so you can install the new floor faster.

The good news? With the right setup, clean cuts become second nature—even if you’re new to DIY flooring. Modern saws, with their quick blade change capability, allow for adaptability to different materials, ensuring optimal cutting results whether you're working with hardwood, engineered wood, or laminate flooring.

And if you want to take your next project even further, consider EasiKlip solid hardwood flooring. Our unique clip-in system eliminates glue, nails, and messy installs—making your home improvement project faster, cleaner, and more enjoyable. You still get the timeless beauty of hardwood with an easier, more flexible installation process.

Cut it right. Install it smarter. Enjoy your floor longer—with EasiKlip.

What's the Best Saw for Cutting Hardwood Flooring?