How to Cut a Kitchen Countertop

Whether replacing an existing sink or installing a sink or some other component into a countertop, the countertop will need to be cut. Cutting a countertop leaves little room for error. If the countertop is cut too large, the countertop may need to be replaced. If cut too small, a second cut will need to be made. Follow the steps below to cut a kitchen countertop.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard Pencil Razor blade Power drill Spade drill bit Wood pieces Saber saw Countertop blade

Instructions

1. Create a template of the object to be installed into the countertop. Lie the object to be installed face down on a large piece of cardboard, then trace a line around the edges of the object onto the cardboard with a pencil. Remove the object and draw a second line about 3/4" inside the first line. Finally, use a razor blade to cut over the inside line on the cardboard to complete the template. Objects that countersink into a countertop have a lip. Cutting the inside line, as opposed to the outside line, compensates for this lip.

2. Place the template into the chosen position on top of the countertop.

3. Use a pencil to trace an outline of the template onto the countertop.

4. Drill a 3/4" hole through the countertop using a power drill and spade bit. The hole should be inside the outline, just inside where two sides of the template outline meet on the countertop.

5. Place pieces of wood or some other material underneath the portion of the countertop to be cut. The chosen materials must sit firm against the underside of the countertop. This support is necessary to prevent the remaining countertop from cracking when the countertop is cut.

6. Cut the countertop using a saber saw equipped with a countertop blade, which is designed to cut the countertop without damaging the surface. The cut should start in the hole that was drilled in Step 5. When the cut is started at the drilled hole, cut towards the traced line. Once the line is reached, simply follow the entire traced line with the saw. Once the cut is complete, that portion of the countertop can be removed.