Cutting the Last Row of Hardwood Flooring

You'll need a table saw to install hardwood flooring.

Installing hardwood flooring is a project many homeowners can do as long as they have some guidance and the proper tools. While it's easy to install the flooring in open areas with no obstacles, getting the last piece of flooring in place can be quite a challenge. Unless you're very lucky, you will have to cut down the last row of hardwood flooring to fit. You will need a table saw to get a good, clean cut along the length of the board.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Table saw
• Safety goggles
• Scrap piece of wood

Instructions

1. Measure the remaining gap between the floor and the wall then subtract 3/4-inch to get the width you'll need for the final row of hardwood flooring. It's important to leave an expansion gap between the floor and the wall to prevent the floor from buckling as the wood absorbs humidity from the air.

2. Adjust the trimming guide on a table saw so it is the correct distance from the blade. Most table saws have inch markings along their sides so it's easy to set them at the correct width.

3. Put on a pair of safety goggles.

4. Turn on the table saw and carefully push the strip of hardwood flooring through the saw's blade. When there are a few inches left to pass through the blade, push it through with the end of a piece of scrap wood. This is a key safety measure and keeps your hands a safe distance away from the moving blade.

5. Turn the table saw off once you have finished cutting the piece then repeat this process for the remaining strips of hardwood that need to be cut.

Tips & Warnings

• If your table saw doesn't have a trimming guide, you can make your own by placing a strip of wood on top of the table saw and using two clamps to hold it in place on both sides.

References

• Home Depot: Installing Hardwood Flooring
• Wood's The Best: Install Wood Floor Like A Pro