Things You'll Need:
- 2 sawhorses
- Circular saw
- Jigsaw
- Straight edge
- Measuring tape
- Masking tape
- Towels or rags
- Drill
- 1/2-inch drill bit
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Step 1
Measure the length needed for the countertop, and purchase one slightly longer than what you need. Set up two sawhorses and lay old towels across them so that the laminate surface will not be scratched. Lay the countertop across the sawhorses with the laminate side down. Let the backsplash rest on the saw horses instead of hanging over the edge.
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Step 2
Determine the length of countertop you need and mark the underside of the countertop using a measuring tape. Make marks at the front and back of the countertop, as well as on the backsplash. Draw a line a to connect your marks using a straight edge. Make sure the area to be cut off is hanging far enough over the edge of the sawhorses.
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Step 3
Using a circular saw, carefully cut along the line, keeping the saw blade on the scrap side of the line. Start at the front of the countertop and work your way towards the back splash. When you get to the backsplash you will be cutting across a 90 degree angle. Try to make the transition from the countertop to the backsplash without stopping the saw. You take a chance of chipping the laminate by stopping and starting the saw in the middle of a cut.
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Step 4
Turn the countertop right side up and lay it back across the saw horses. Use 220-grit sandpaper and lightly sand the edge of the countertop, rounding over the edge of the laminate slightly.
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Step 5
Use a jigsaw to cut a hole in the countertop for installation of a sink. Use the old countertop as a template for the new one, or use the template that came with your new sink. Trace a line on the laminate side of the counter top where you want to place the sink. Place masking or painter's tape on the laminate surface to keep the bottom of the jigsaw from scratching the laminate finish as you are cutting. Drill a 1/2 inch starter hole in the countertop. Insert the blade of the saw into the hole before turning the saw on. Cut carefully along the line. It is not necessary to sand the edge of this cut as the lip of the sink will cover the hole.
