How To Cut Vinyl Siding (Step By Step Guide)

Are you a DIY enthusiast? Are you someone who insists on fixing your own leaky faucets, installing your own drywall, and improving your home exterior? Then we’re not surprised you’ve found this blog!

You’re likely wondering how to cut vinyl siding so you can make your own exterior repairs. While it’s always recommended to have a professional contractor install new siding, you can attempt small repairs yourself. Choosing to install vinyl siding offers numerous benefits for home protection, and we will provide practical advice for cutting and installing vinyl siding, emphasizing proper techniques and safety precautions.

(Just keep in mind that doing so may void your warranty!)

There are three main methods for cutting vinyl siding — take a look below! Selecting the appropriate vinyl siding cutting tool is crucial for the job, as different tools are suited for specific cutting tasks.

There are several methods for cutting vinyl siding to choose from depending on the tools on hand. Whether you own a saw, prefer tin snips, or want to try your hand at using a utility knife, we’ll walk you through all of them.

Preparing for the Job

Before diving into the vinyl siding cutting process, it’s crucial to prepare adequately. Start by gathering all the necessary tools and materials. This includes your circular saw, utility knife, tin snips, fine-toothed blade, measuring tape, straight edge, pencil, and safety gear.

Ensuring a safe working environment is equally important. Clear your workspace of any clutter and make sure it’s well-ventilated. Accurate measuring and marking of the vinyl siding are essential steps that will save you time and prevent mistakes during the cutting process.

Safety Precautions

Safety should always be your top priority when working with power tools and cutting vinyl siding. Equip yourself with the recommended safety gear, including gloves, safety goggles, and ear protection. These will help prevent injuries and ensure a safe working environment.

Make sure your workspace is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling any dust or fumes. Additionally, avoid wearing loose clothing that could get caught in the tools. Taking these precautions will help you stay safe while cutting vinyl siding.

Measuring and Marking

Accurate measurements and precise markings are the foundation of successful vinyl siding cuts. Use a measuring tape to measure the vinyl siding, ensuring you have the correct dimensions for your project.

Then, use a straight edge to mark the vinyl siding for accurate cuts. Make sure the marks are clear and visible, using a pencil to draw the cutting line. This step is crucial for achieving clean, precise cuts and ensuring the vinyl siding fits perfectly during your siding installation.

How to Cut Vinyl Siding

There are several methods for cutting vinyl siding to choose from depending on the tools on hand. Whether you own a saw, prefer tin snips, or want to try your hand at using a utility knife, we’ll walk you through all of them.

Method #1: Short Vertical Cuts With a Circular Saw 🪚

Using a circular saw to make short vertical cuts is perhaps the most popular way to cut vinyl siding. It is important to use a vinyl siding cutter for achieving clean and precise cuts, as it is specifically designed for this material and minimizes the risk of damage. You’ll need to gather the following materials before getting started:

• Circular saw
• Fine-tooth plywood saw blade
• Safety goggles
• Straight edge
• Pencil

Step 1: Mount the Fine-Finish Blade in the Saw

It’s very important to use a fine-tooth or fine-finish saw blade for this project. Other blades may not give you the clean cut that a fine-tooth saw blade will. You can purchase these blades at your local home improvement store.

Mount the fine-finish blade so that it’s backward in the circular saw. The points on the blade’s teeth should point in the opposite direction that the blade spins.

Step 2: Measure and Mark Where You Want to Cut

Measure what size siding piece you’ll need to make the repair. Then, use your straight edge and pencil to mark where you’ll want to cut on the vinyl siding.

If your siding is a dark color, you can mark the line on a piece of masking tape or use chalk so that you can see where to cut.

Step 3: Position the Siding

If you don’t own a fancy table saw, you’ll need to correctly position the siding by laying it on a flat table and ensuring the spot you’re cutting hangs off the edge. You can also lay two wood planks on the table so that the siding is elevated. Just be sure there isn’t anything underneath where you’re cutting, or you’ll also cut into that material!

Step 4: Cut Along the Line

Put on your safety goggles, turn on the saw, and carefully cut along the line you drew. Push the saw at a firm and steady pace to get the cleanest cut possible. Use your free hand to hold down the other side of the vinyl siding, so it doesn’t shift during the cut.

Method #2: Long Vertical Cuts With Tin Snips ✂️

We’ve covered making short vertical cuts, but what about longer vertical cuts? Cutting vinyl strips can be challenging, especially in cold conditions, as it requires proper tools and techniques to achieve a clean cut. The best method for this project is to use tin snips.

What you’ll need:

• Tin snips
• Safety goggles
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Straight edge

Step 1: Measure How Much Siding You Need

Grab your measuring tape and dictate the size of the siding piece you’ll need. Then, compare that measurement to the piece of siding you have in front of you. You can do this by following this simple math formula:

• Measure the length of the section of the wall that needs covering.
• Subtract that amount from the length of the piece of siding you have.
• The result is how much you’ll need to cut off.

Step 2: Mark the Line You Need to Cut

Take your measurements and mark the line you want to cut vertically on the siding with a straight edge and pencil. A carpenter’s square is one of the best choices for a straight edge.

Step 3: Cut Along the Line With Tin Snips

Prepare to cut the siding by holding it steady with your non-dominant hand. Hold it near your pencil line to avoid shifting it during the cut.

Put on your safety goggles and use your tin snips to cut along the marked line. Avoid closing the blades all the way as you cut to ensure a cleaner result. Cut along the entire piece, and repeat as necessary.

Method #3: Horizontal Cuts With a Utility Knife 🔪

Lastly, we’re covering horizontal cuts. This method follows similar steps as the ones above. Installing vinyl siding can be complex, involving tasks like removing old siding and ensuring proper installation, so hiring professional siding services is often recommended.

You’ll need:

• Utility knife
• Measuring tape
• Safety goggles
• Pencil
• Straight edge

Step 1: Measure the Piece You Need to Cut

As with the other methods, you’ll need to measure your wall and then see how much siding you need to cut off. Measure the height of the wall section that needs covering, then subtract that amount from the height of your siding.

Step 2: Mark Where to Cut on the Siding

Use your straight edge and pencil to mark a line that accurately reflects your measurements. The line should run horizontally across the entire length of the siding piece.

Step 3: Properly Position the Siding

It’s important to work on a totally flat surface so that the siding doesn’t shift around, causing an uneven cut. Lay the vinyl siding on a flat table or workbench before starting the cut.

Step 4: Score the Line and Snap It

Wear your safety goggles and use your utility knife to score the line you marked. Be careful to remain on the pencil line the entire time. No need to cut all the way through the siding— simply score it with the utility knife.

After you’ve scored the entire line, use both hands to snap the siding in half along the line. Place a firm hand on each side of the scored line and bend the siding until it breaks along the line. If it doesn’t break, you can score the line again with the utility knife and try again.

Cutting Around Complex Shapes

Cutting vinyl siding around complex shapes, such as corners and obstacles, requires special techniques and tools. Here are some tips and techniques to help you navigate these challenges.

Cutting Around Corners and Obstacles

When cutting vinyl siding around corners and obstacles, a combination of tools like tin snips and a utility knife will be your best friends.

For precise angled cuts, use a miter saw or a circular saw with a miter guide. Start by measuring and marking the angle of the corner, then cut the vinyl siding accordingly. Ensure the pieces fit tightly together for a secure installation.

To cut around corners, employ a technique called “miter cutting.” This involves cutting the vinyl siding at an angle to create a seamless joint. Use a miter saw or a circular saw with a miter guide to make these precise angled cuts. Measure and mark the angle of the corner, then cut the vinyl siding accordingly.

For obstacles like windows and doors, use a combination of tin snips and a utility knife to make precise cuts. Measure and mark the vinyl siding accurately, and use a straight edge to guide the utility knife. Apply gentle pressure to avoid damaging the vinyl siding.

Remember to always wear safety goggles and gloves when cutting vinyl siding, and ensure your workspace is well-ventilated and free from clutter. This will help you achieve clean, precise cuts while maintaining a safe working environment.

Ensure a Successful Siding Repair With the Pros

It’s important to go slow and steady throughout the entirety of your DIY siding repair. One simple slip-up can cause more problems for your home’s exterior and could even void your warranty on any products used.

The best way to ensure a proper siding repair or replacement is to hire a professional siding contractor.

Here at ARCH Exteriors, our team is highly qualified and eager to help homeowners just like you with their siding issues.

Give our crew a call to set up a consultation!