Professional Guide

Best Door Jamb Saw for Hardwood Flooring: 2025 Expert Review

DR Joinery

Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist

Published 16 December 2025

One of the biggest mistakes I see with amateur flooring installations in York is the failure to undercut the door linings and architraves. Instead of sliding the timber cleanly underneath the frame for a seamless finish, many attempt to scribe the flooring around the complex mouldings. This almost always results in messy gaps or, worse, buckling floors when the timber expands.

To achieve a professional finish where the floor appears to flow naturally beneath the door frame, you need a dedicated door jamb saw. Whilst an oscillating multi-tool can suffice for a single doorway, it is slow, burns through blades, and struggles with the dense, century-old hardwood often found in our local period properties.

In this review, I am looking at a specialised tool that balances performance with value. Whether you are tackling a full renovation or are a tradesman looking to upgrade from a multi-tool, this saw ensures your hardwood flooring installation meets the high standards required in quality joinery.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Dust Free Operation"

The Theory

"Manufacturers often claim their dust ports capture 90% of debris when connected to a vacuum."

The Reality

In reality, when cutting dry, painted timber in old York homes, fine dust will still escape. Always wear a decent mask and seal off the room, especially if cutting into pre-1960s paintwork.

The Spec: "Clearance Height"

The Theory

"Adjusts to fit any flooring thickness."

The Reality

Deep pile carpets or very uneven sub-floors (common in Victorian builds) can make initial positioning tricky. You may need to use a ply packer to stabilise the saw for a perfectly level cut.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

QEP Roberts Long Neck Jamb Saw Rotating Handle Trimming Cutting Doors Skirting 240V

Budget Pick

QEP

Whilst I categorise this as a 'budget' option compared to high-end industrial undercut saws that can cost double, the Roberts Long Neck is a serious piece of kit. It offers the power needed to slice through seasoned oak frames and the precision required for high-end flooring installations. Ideally suited for those who need more grunt than a multi-tool without the industrial price tag.

Price£238.99 (at time of writing)

BrandQEP / Roberts

Voltage240V

FeatureRotating handle for tight spaces

The Good

Excellent power for cutting dense hardwood frames
Rotating handle is brilliant for tight vestibules and hallways common in York terraces
Adjustable depth control prevents cutting into hidden pipes or plaster

The Bad

Heavier than a standard multi-tool
Can be noisy in confined spaces
Blade replacement requires spanners (included)

Installer Tip:

Before you start cutting, always run a strong magnet over the skirting and architrave at the cutting height. Old properties are full of hidden nails that have been painted over for decades. Hitting one with this saw will ruin the blade instantly. Find the nails and set your depth just shy of them or remove them first.

Priced at £238.99 at the time of writing

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can I not just cut the flooring to fit the door frame?

You can, but it is not good practice. Timber flooring needs an expansion gap (usually 10mm) to move with humidity changes. If you butt the wood up effectively against the frame, it may buckle. Undercutting allows the floor to slide underneath the frame, hiding the expansion gap and creating a clean, professional transition.

Can I use a multi-tool instead of a jamb saw?

For a single door, yes. However, keeping a multi-tool blade perfectly level across a wide frame and architrave is difficult, often leading to uneven cuts. If you are flooring an entire specialist project or multiple rooms, a dedicated jamb saw is faster, cleaner, and more accurate.

Is undercutting difficult in older properties?

In York's older homes, you often find layers of old paint or very hard seasoned timber. A dedicated saw like the Roberts handles this well, but you must be wary of hidden nails or screws from previous repairs. Always check the area before cutting.

Do I need to remove the skirting boards?

Generally, yes. For the best finish, we remove skirting boards, lay the floor with the correct expansion gap, and then refit or replace the skirting on top. However, door linings (frames) and architraves cannot be removed easily, which is why undercutting them used a jamb saw is essential.

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