Best Door Trimming Saws for Flooring Installation: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Flooring Specialist
One of the most common mistakes DIY enthusiasts make when installing hardwood flooring is cutting the wood around the door frame. It leaves an unsightly gap that invites drafts and dust. The professional method is to trim—or 'undercut'—the door jamb and architrave so the flooring slides neatly underneath.
In York, where uneven floors and non-standard door heights are the norm, having the right saw for this task is essential. You need a tool that can cut flush to the floor without damaging the surrounding woodwork or making a complete mess of the finish.
In this review, I'll compare three cutting solutions: a budget-friendly hand saw for precise work, a professional-grade power jamb saw for larger projects, and a specialist option for external clearance issues.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Flush Cutting Ability"
"Any hand saw can be bent flat to cut flush against a surface."
Standard Western saws have a 'set' to their teeth that will scratch the floor. You need a zero-offset or flexible blade (like a Japanese pull saw) to cut truly flush without damage.
The Spec: "Power vs Hand Tools"
"Power tools are always better and faster."
For a single door, a sharp hand saw is often quicker than setting up a power tool. Power jamb saws are brilliant for whole-house jobs but generate significant dust and noise.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Compact Small Japanese Hand Saw for Precise Wood Cutting
DASHENGKUI
For the price of a standard lunch, this Japanese pull saw is an essential bit of kit for trimming door casings. The flexible blade allows you to place it flat against a scrap piece of your flooring to get the perfect height cut every time.
The Good
- Incredible value for money
- Thin kerf removes very little material, ensuring a tight fit
- Pull stroke action prevents the blade from buckling
The Bad
- Requires manual effort, which can be tiring on multiple doors
- Handle is basic beech wood, simpler than premium brands
Installer Tip:
Place a scrap piece of your new flooring (plus underlay) against the door frame. Rest the saw blade flat on top of the scrap to guide your cut. This guarantees the trim height is exactly right for the flooring to slide under.
Priced at £7.59 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonQEP Roberts Long Neck Jamb Saw Rotating Handle
QEP
If you are tackling a large renovation in a property with many doorways, this unit is worth the investment. It cuts precise height adjustments quickly and cleaner than a multi-tool, saving hours of labour on a big job.
The Good
- Extremely fast and precise cutting
- Adjustable depth and height guides
- Rotating handle helps access tricky corners
The Bad
- A significant investment for a single DIY project
- Can be dusty; ensure you wear a mask and use extraction
Installer Tip:
Check for hidden nails or screws in old Victorian door frames before cutting. This saw is powerful, but hitting an old iron nail can damage the carbide blade instantly. Use a strong magnet to sweep the cut line first.
Priced at £238.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on Amazon26Ft Pole Pruning Saw for Tree Trimming
VELPAX
Whilst strictly not for internal door trimming, we often encounter properties where external foliage fouls the entryway or porch joinery. This extendable pole saw is the problem-solver for maintaining clear access to external doors without needing a ladder.
The Good
- Massive reach for high branches overhanging door porches
- Sturdy build quality with locking screws
- Detachable saw head can be used for lower work
The Bad
- Not suitable for internal joinery or precise finish work
- Can be heavy to manoeuvre at full extension
Installer Tip:
Keep your property's exterior woodwork safe by clearing overhanging branches that drip water onto the threshold. Damp is the enemy of any solid wood door or floor, so creating an air gap with a tool like this helps preserve your internal joinery.
Priced at £55.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to trim the door frame when installing flooring?
Can I use a multi-tool instead of a jamb saw?
How high should I cut the door trimming?
Do you recommend cutting the door itself?
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