How to Cut PVC Wall Panels

How to cut PVC panels to the correct size

When installing your panels, it’s important to get your cutting technique right to ensure a perfect finish. Panels are easy to cut, as long as you have the right tools to avoid damaging the plastic. This guide will take you through each step, laying out the tools that you’ll need and how to use them to cut your panels and trims correctly. This guide applies to panels up to 10mm thick, but the technique required varies based on the panel type. For shower panels, slat wall panels, MDF panels and other types, we’d recommend searching through our advice hub for the correct advice depending on your chosen product.

Best saw for cutting plastic cladding


When it comes to cutting panels up to 10mm in depth, there are a number of tools that you can use. We recommend using a sharp Stanley knife rather than a saw for a perfect, clean cut, as long as you use it on a stable surface. If you prefer to use a saw, consider the following options: 

  • Tenon saw or hand saw - please ensure the saw has a fine tooth pattern for a clean cut
  • Jigsaw - ensure the jigsaw has a fine tooth blade
  • Circular or chop saw - these can be used but the blade can give a rough cut so you will need to perform a test cut first.

Other recommended tools you’ll need

In addition to a Stanley knife or saw, you will need a few additional tools to work with. Luckily, panels are quite simple to cut so you won’t need anything complicated, just the following: 

  • Pencil or pen to mark where to cut - use it on the back of the panels to prevent marking the visible surface.
  • Ruler and tape measure - for clean-cut lines
  • Cutting bench or stable surface - ensure it is flat and secure. Don’t cut your panels on your floor as you may damage the flooring. 

How to cut your panels

When cutting your panels, follow these steps for the best results. Alternatively, watch our video for a visual and audio guide.

Step 1:

Take your first panel and place it on a flat and steady surface. If using a handsaw, ensure the decorative side is facing up. 

Step 2:

Use a tape measure and pencil to mark your measurements on the back of the panel. Make two marks on each side of the panel. Make sure that you can see the line clearly, and double-check it to make sure that it is straight.

Step 3:

Use your ruler to join the two marks together for a straight line, in preparation for cutting. This will be your guideline.

Step 4:

Use your chosen tool to make an incision at one end of the panel, then cut along the marked line slowly and steadily.  If using a Stanley knife, you can score through the panel to make a clean cut without making an incision first.

Step 5:

Before you adhere the panel to the wall, place it in position first to make sure that the fit is correct. You can then stick the panel to the wall as needed. Don’t worry if your lines aren’t completely straight or are out by a few millimetres, as you can use your trims for a smoother finish.

How to cut a uPVC trim

To cut your trims, you will need to use one of the saws mentioned above rather than a Stanley knife. This ensures a clean cut when working around the ridges of the trim. Since trims aren’t flat, using a clamp or vice can help hold them steady if securing them by hand is difficult. You should follow the same principles as above, mark out two points on each side of the trim, and use a ruler to mark a guideline to cut across.

Learn more about wall panel installation and care

We hope to make installing your panels as easy as can be. That’s why we’ve created an advice hub to help answer any questions that you may have. Our hub is regularly updated with useful articles on care, installation, and maintenance. Explore it to gain the confidence and knowledge needed for your DIY project.