Best Sliding Mitre Saw for Flooring Installation: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Flooring Specialist
Installing a new floor transforms a room, but it's an unforgiving job. If your mitre cuts aren't crisp or your saw wanders on a wide board, the gaps will show immediately. In older properties, where walls are rarely square, you rely heavily on your saw's ability to handle complex angles accurately.
I'm frequently asked by clients about the right tools for the job. Whilst a simple chop saw might suffice for skirting boards, modern flooring often comes in wider planks requiring a sliding mechanism with decent capacity.
In this review, I've selected three saws that tackle the specific demands of flooring installation. I have chosen a clever 2-in-1 budget option for tight spaces, a premium professional saw that fits in narrow hallways, and a versatile 'problem-solver' for handling wide boards and reclaimed timber.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Laser Guild Accuracy"
"Manufacturers claim lasers provide 100% cutting accuracy straight out of the box."
On a busy site, lasers often get knocked out of alignment. Always trust your pencil mark and the blade's shadow first. Check the calibration weekly.
The Spec: "Multi-Material Blades"
"One blade cuts wood, aluminium, and nails perfectly."
Whilst great for reclaimed timber with hidden nails, 'multi-purpose' blades can leave a rougher edge on expensive hardwood. For the final finish on oak flooring, I recommend swapping to a high-tooth-count dedicated wood blade.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Evolution Power Tools R210MTS-G2 Convertible Mitre/Table Saw, Compact Multi-Function
Evolution Power Tools
This is a clever bit of kit for the DIY enthusiast working in a small terraced house. It functions as both a mitre saw for cross-cutting planks and flips to a small table saw for ripping the final board to width—saving you the cost and space of two machines.
The Good
- Excellent value: two machines for the price of one
- Compact footprint ideal for working in small rooms or hallways
- Multi-material blade handles occasional nails in old floorboards
The Bad
- Smaller 210mm blade limits the width of flooring you can cut in one pass
- Table saw mode requires patience and care for accurate ripping
- Not suited for heavy-duty daily trade use
Installer Tip:
When using the table saw mode to rip that final tricky floorboard near the wall, always use the push stick. The deck is small, and safety is paramount when guiding timber through.
Priced at £170.53 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonMakita LS1219L/2 240V 305mm Slide Compound Mitre Saw with Laser Guide
Makita
This is the saw I see most often on professional sites. The genius 'forward rail' design means you can place the saw right up against a wall—a lifesaver when working in narrow York corridors. It offers unmatched precision for intricate skirting and hardwood cuts.
The Good
- Forward rail design saves massive amounts of space
- Incredible accuracy for mitres and bevels
- Large 305mm blade cuts wide flooring planks easily
The Bad
- Significant investment compared to DIY models
- Heavy to move around (though robust)
Installer Tip:
The DXT technology allows for very deep cuts. This is brilliant if you're fitting tall Victorian skirting boards after the flooring is down—you can often cut them vertically against the fence rather than lying flat.
Priced at £749.98 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonEvolution Power Tools R255SMS-DB+ Double Bevel Sliding Mitre Saw
Evolution Power Tools
Modern flooring trends favour wide planks, and this saw solves the capacity problem without breaking the bank. The 300mm slide handles wide boards with ease, and the 'Double Bevel' means you can angle the head left or right, saving you from having to flip long, heavy planks in a small room.
The Good
- Double bevel function speeds up workflow significantly
- Large slide capacity ideal for 200mm+ wide engineered oak
- Includes extra clamps which are vital for holding warped timber generally found in restoration work
The Bad
- Laser guide can be tricky to see in bright outdoor conditions
- Dust collection bag fills up quickly (hook up a vac instead)
Installer Tip:
Because this saw has a long slide, ensure you fully retract the head after each cut. When cutting wide flooring, pull the saw out, drop the blade, and push back—don't chop down and pull forward, or you risk tear-out on the face of the board.
Priced at £269.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What size blade is best for flooring?
Do I really need a sliding mitre saw for flooring?
How do I stop the wood from splintering when cutting?
Can I install hardwood flooring myself?
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