How to Cut Particle Boards for Countertops

Most laminate counters have particle board bases.

Laminate countertops consist of a thin plastic sheet glued to a thicker base. Since the base is not exposed, it typically consists of multiple sheets of particle board. Particle board is similar to plywood, but thicker. You can purchase pre-cut particle board countertops or you can cut your own for less cost. As with all remodeling jobs, measuring is the most important step to ensure properly fitting counters.

Things You'll Need

• Particle board, 3/4 of an inch thick
• Saw horses
• Construction adhesive
• Caulk gun
• Scissors
• Nail gun
• Finishing nails
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Safety glasses
• Dust mask
• Circular saw
• Jig saw (optional)

Instructions

1. Lay a piece of three-quarter-inch particle board on top of two sawhorses. Insert a tube of construction adhesive into a caulk gun. Snip the tip of the nozzle off using scissors and then squeeze the trigger to apply a liberal amount of adhesive evenly over the entire top surface of the board. Extend the adhesive to at least half an inch of all edges.

2. Place another piece of particle board on top of the first piece and align all of the edges. Press down on the top board to secure it firmly to the bottom piece.

3. Nail the two pieces together every 6 to 8 inches using a nail gun and finishing nails.

4. Measure the cabinet where the countertop will be placed to determine the exact length and width for the counter. Transfer the measurement onto the top board using the tape measure and a pencil.

5. Put on safety glasses and a dust mask and plug in the power cord for a circular saw. Cut along all of the pencil marks slowly to cut the particle board down to the proper counter size.

Tips & Warnings

• To cut curved or irregular shaped lines, use a jig saw instead of the circular saw.

• If you are replacing countertops and still have the old ones, place the old counter on top of the particle board and trace around it to create the template for cutting.

References

• Ron Hazelton: How to Make a Laminate Counter Top and Install It
• This Old House; How to Laminate a Countertop; Tom Silva