How Do You Cut a Sink Hole in a Laminate Kitchen Counter?
A laminate countertop serves as an inexpensive yet durable kitchen surface. Because laminate is available in so many styles and colors, it works well with any décor. Installing a laminate countertop is something an experienced do-it-yourselfer can do as a project. Careful measurement for both the countertop's length and its sink hole are important operations in the installation process. With the right tools, cutting out the sink should be no more difficult than attaching the countertop to the cabinet or any of the other steps involved in a kitchen remodeling job. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Saw horses
- Masking tape
- Tape measure
- Drill
- 1/2-inch drill bit
- Pencil
- Straight edge tool
- Jigsaw
- Fine-toothed woodcutting blade
- Sandpaper
Instructions
-
-
1
Set the laminate countertop on a sturdy work surface, such as a pair of saw horses or a workbench. Use strips of masking tape to completely mark out on the countertop the general area where the sink cutout is going to set.
-
2
Measure the location of the sink with a tape measure. Mark the sink hole's location on the masking tape with the pencil. If necessary, pull up the tape and reposition it. Measurement marks made on the masking tape are often easier to see than marks made directly on the laminate countertop, espcially if the laminate is a dark color. Marking the sink hole's location is critical to drilling the holes that mark the four corners of the sink hole. Do not place the sink too close to the front of the cabinet or it may not fit properly. If you place it too far toward the wall, you may not have enough room to run a backsplash.
-
-
3
Use the paper template that comes with the sink to help you draw an outline of the sink on the laminate on th masking tape. If your sink doesn't have a template, turn the sink upside down and place it on the tape on the laminate countertop. Be careful not to scratch either the sink or the countertop.
-
4
Draw a line around the outside of the sink, and then draw the cutting line 1/2 inch inside the first line.
-
5
Repeat the measurement process to make absolutely certain all measurements are correct.
-
6
Drill holes with a 1/2-inch drill bit in each of the four corners of the sink hole. Turn the countertop over on the saw horses or work bench. Use a pencil and a straight edge to re-mark the cutting line on the underside of the countertop.
-
7
Attach a fine-toothed woodcutting blade to the jigsaw.
-
8
Insert the blade into one of the drilled holes.
-
9
Cut the four edges of the sink cutout. To lessen the strain on the cut, prop something under the sink hole to support its weight. You could also have a helper support the weight of the sink cutout.
-
10
Turn the countertop back over and proceed with its installation. If any rough edges remain on the laminate, sand the wood lightly with sandpaper.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Sand the edges of the sink cutout and use it as a cutting board or put legs on it to make a small utility table.
Do not try to cut the countertop with its face up. This is likely to shred the edges.
