How to Cut Tongue & Groove Flooring
When you're installing a new tongue-and-groove floor, there are two basic kinds of cuts you'll have to make: lengthwise cuts along the whole span of the first and/or last course or flooring; and straight cuts across the widths of the boards to fit them at the end of each course. Don't use a circular saw or jigsaw for these cuts; they get through the wood, but not as straight as a miter saw and table saw will. Make sure your blades are good and sharp, and always follow the safety instructions on your saw. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Use your tape measure to measure the width of the floor and determine how much you need to "rip'' the boards for the first and last courses (cutting them lengthwise). Split the difference between the first and last courses. For example, if the boards are 3 inches wide and your measurement indicates the last course will 1 inch wide, make the first course 2 inches wide and the final course 2 inches wide.
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Rip your boards by adjusting fence on your table saw to the size you need. Turn on the saw and feed the board in from the front (with the teeth moving downward). Use a stick or small board to push it through the final few inches. Make sure you're ripping off the correct side of the tongue-and-groove milling, removing the groove side from the first course and the tongue side from the last course.
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Cut the end pieces for your courses, to fit against the perpendicular walls, but marking the board at the appropriate spot with a pencil, setting it on your miter saw set at 90 degrees, and bringing the blade down over it. Don't forget to leave a 3/8 inch "expansion gap'' in front of the wall the allow the floor to move. (The floor trim will cover it up.)
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear eye protection when using power saws.
