Cut Countertops

If you replace a countertop in your kitchen or bathroom, you may need to cut the new countertop to fit the desired area. Laminate countertops usually come in one piece that combines the actual countertop and the backsplash. You can buy a circular saw and the rest of the tools required to cut a laminate countertop at a home improvement or hardware store. Use these tips to cut a countertop.

Steps

  1. Measure the countertop.
    • Use a tape measure to determine how much of the countertop you need to remove.[[Image:Cut Countertops Step 1Bullet1.png|center
    • Use a pencil to mark the points on the countertop and backsplash where you want to cut the countertop. Ensure that you make the marks on the back sides of the countertop and backsplash.
  2. Cut the backsplash. The backsplash is the section of the countertop that stands upright against the kitchen or bathroom wall.
    • Place the countertop on a sawhorse. The backsplash should be on top of the sawhorse. The actual countertop should be positioned perpendicular to the floor. The back side of the backsplash should be facing up.
    • Ensure that the sawhorse is high enough so that the countertop does not touch the ground.
    • Place a jig along the line that you want to cut. A jig is a straight piece of wood or metal that helps you cut straight when sawing. You can use an old piece of wood as a jig. The jig should lie on the portion of the backsplash that you will keep.
    • Hold the jig with one hand against the portion of the backsplash that you will keep.
    • Use a circular saw with the other hand to cut along the marked line. A circular saw is a round, electric-powered saw that may either be hand-held or mounted on a table.
  3. Cut the countertop.
    • Place the countertop on a sawhorse. The actual countertop should lie on top of the sawhorse. The backsplash should be positioned perpendicular to the floor. The back side of the countertop should be facing up.
    • Ensure that the sawhorse is high enough so that the backsplash does not touch the ground.
    • Place a jig along the line that you want to cut. The jig should lie on the portion of the countertop that you will keep.
    • Hold the jig with one hand against the portion of the countertop that you will keep.
    • Have an assistant hold the section of the countertop that will come off. Allowing the cut portion of the countertop to dangle or split off on its own may mar or disfigure the rest of the countertop.
    • Use a circular saw with the other hand to cut along the marked line.
  4. Sand the edges. Go over the cut edges with sandpaper. Smooth away any splinters or uneven areas along the edges.



Tips

  • The cutting blade in the circular saw should be fine-toothed, and appropriate for cutting plywood.
  • Wear safety goggles and work gloves when using a saw and handling the cut edges of a countertop.

Warnings

  • Do not cut the countertop with the laminated side facing up. Cutting a countertop with the laminated side facing up will cause the countertop to splinter, and may result in scratches on the countertop.
  • Use caution when working with cut countertop edges. The edges will be extremely sharp.

Things You'll Need

  • Countertop
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Circular saw
  • Sawhorse
  • Jig
  • Assistant
  • Sandpaper
  • Safety goggles
  • Work gloves

Related Articles

  • Buy a Kitchen Countertop

Sources and Citations

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