How to Cut Out a Sink Hole in Laminate Countertops
Laminate is a great material to install in a new kitchen or during a remodel. It comes in a variety of styles and is durable, heat resistant and easy to clean. Cutting laminate, such as making a hole for a sink, can be difficult because laminate has a tendency to crack during cutting, ruining an otherwise flawless countertop. It's possible to cut a sink hole without cracking the laminate, provided you use the right tools and take your time.
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Trace the outline of the sink on the laminate countertop where you will be installing it. Make sure that you have it in the right place so that you can hook up the drain and water supply. Many sinks come with patterns that you can place on the countertop to trace around. If your sink doesn't, you will have to carefully measure the diameter and transfer this to the countertop. Make sure you leave room for the lip of the sink to cover the edge.
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Attach the spade bit to your drill. The hole you're drilling needs to be big enough to accommodate a jigsaw blade, so try a 1/4 or 1/2 inch bit. On the inside of your traced outline, drill a hole. Go slowly to avoid cracking the laminate.
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Attach the laminate blade to your jigsaw. Insert the blade into the hole you just drilled. Start the blade and slowly begin to work your way towards the outline. Don't make too narrow of a cut. Approach the outline slowly and allow the blade to do the work.
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Continue cutting along the outline. Make your way along three of the sides of the hole and then stop.
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Brace the part of the hole that you are cutting from below. This is so the piece doesn't snap off suddenly and break the rest of the laminate countertop. You can use a 2x4, or take a piece of scrap lumber and screw it to the underside of the countertop.
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Finish cutting out the rest of the hole. Remove the piece from the middle of the hole.
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Sand around the inside of the hole with 220 grit sandpaper.
References
Tips
- You can also cover the outline with masking tape in order to keep the laminate from splitting as you cut. In this case, you'll have to make sure that you use a dark pen so that the line will show up beneath the tape.
Warnings
- Always use safety equipment when working with power tools.
Writer Bio
Nathan McGinty started writing in 1995. He has a Bachelor of Science in communications from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts in international journalism from City University, London. He has worked in the technology industry for more than 20 years, in positions ranging from tech support to marketing.
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