How to Cut Pre-Formed Kitchen Countertops

Preformed laminate countertops cut easily, but that doesn't mean they're easy to cut. Getting the kind of razor-straight line you need for countertop installation isn't possible to do freehand, but countertops are generally too big to run through a table saw. Also, the laminate has a tendency to chip when it's being cut. You can get around both problems with a little careful planning and patience. Set up the piece in a work area with plenty of room around you.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Level
• 1-by-4 board, as long as the cut you need to make
• Thick, wide masking tape
• Circular saw
• Fine-toothed wood blade
• Wood clamps

Instructions

1. Mark the line for your cut on the surface of the countertop using your tape measure, pencil and level. Lay a piece of masking tape along the line, covering it completely. Re-mark the line on top of the masking tape.

2. Unplug your circular saw. Use your tape measure to determine the exact distance between the blade and the outside of the horizontal plate that sits on the surface when you use the saw. (The distance is generally about 2 inches.)

3. Use that measurement to mark a new line, in from the first line, and draw it with your level. You should now have two parallel lines on the surface, one of them over the masking tape.

4. Lay your 1-by-4 board along the second line, on the inside of it (so you're not covering the first line). Use wood clamps to secure it there on both sides.

5. Plug in your saw and set it on the edge of the countertop with the outside of the plate against the 1-by-4. Based on your measurements, the blade of the saw should be right at the masking-taped line. Turn the saw on full power, and very slowly push it forward along the line. The board will keep the saw going exactly straight, and the masking tape will prevent the laminate from chipping as you cut it. Use one steady, smooth motion to make the entire cut.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear eye protection when using a circular saw.

References

• Formica Laminate Countertop.