The process of cutting a countertop is very simple.You just need to cut to length to fit your counter space.You can add a sink to the countertop if you mark the outline of the sink you want to install and cut a hole for it to sit in.
Step 1: The counter space you want to cover should be measured.
To find the length and width of the space, use a measuring tape and write it down.There are pieces of different lengths that you can cut down to size.The standard width of countertops is 25 in (64 cm), which allows for a slight overhang when covering standard cabinets.
Step 2: You can buy a stock piece of the countertop.
In stock sizes are 4–12 ft (1.2–3 m) long, in 2 ft (0.61m) intervals.If you can, buy a piece of stock countertop that is close to the correct length.If you get lucky, you could find that the counter area you need to cover is exactly the same size as the rest of the room.Cut the countertop to fit if not.
Step 3: The countertop can be placed on a workbench or saw horses.
The stock countertop should be put on the stable work surface.You should leave the part that is hanging off.You can attach it to the work surface with C clamps.This is helpful for pieces with a tendency to move around.
Step 4: Put masking tape on your cut line to protect it.
Measure in from the part you want to cut and draw a line where the cut will go.If you want to keep the laminate from chipping during cutting, you should stick a strip of masking tape over the countertop widthwise.For this, use masking tape that is at least 1 in wide.
Step 5: To draw the cut line onto the masking tape, use a carpenter's square.
To cut the countertop, draw a straight line all the way down the masking tape.Measure the length of the countertop to the line you drew to make sure it's where you want it.Measure twice and cut once.If you need to trim off more, you can.
Step 6: Attach a piece of scrap wood to the countertop with a saw guide.
Take the distance between the saw's blade and the metal guard and add it to it.Measure the distance from the side you are cutting off to make a guide rail.If the distance between the blade of the saw is less than 3 in, then the wood should be moved away from the line.There is a little room for error with the extra 16 in.If you cut any of the chips, you can sand them away.You don't want to cut the wood off the counter.If you are cutting off the end of the countertop at the right side, you should use the wood from the left side.A piece of wood is enough for the guide rail.
Step 7: The depth on your circular saw should be 8 in (0.32 cm) deeper than the countertop.
Set your saw to be a bit deeper than the thickness of the countertop.The saw will be able to cut through the whole countertop with this.The countertop is likely to be the same thickness.It is a good idea to measure it in a couple different places and use the largest number to set the saw depth.
Step 8: Go along the line and against the fence.
Before you start cutting, hold down the power button to get the saw up to full speed.Place the blade against the start of the cut line and the saw's guard against a wooden fence.To cut through the countertop, push away from you along the line.Before you begin a cut, make sure your circular saw is up to full speed.If you don't know how to use a circular saw, you can practice cutting into the scrap section of the counter to get a feel for it.
Step 9: It is perfectly even if you sand the edge.
Sand is used with downward strokes to avoid chipping.After the edge is completely even with the cut line, remove the masking tape.If you cut the line perfectly, you don't need to sand.Remove the tape and you are done.
Step 10: Put the countertop on the saw horses.
Place the saw horses wide enough so that the part you are going to cut out is between them.Attach the countertop to the saw horses with C clamps.Make sure you have enough room to work.
Step 11: Use a pencil to trace around the sink on the countertop.
If you want the sink to sit upside down, flip it over onto the countertop.To trace the outline, hold it in place and use a pencil.Some sink manufacturers will give you a template that you can use to trace the cutout onto the counter.This applies to sinks that sit on top of your countertop.
Step 12: Take a look at the sink's mounting lip.
There is a mounting lip around the sink.Measure the distance between the lip and the actual basin of the sink using a measuring tape.The goal is to make a cutout in the counter that fits the sink tightly.You will be able to make changes at the end.
Step 13: Put masking tape over your cut lines from the sink's outline.
Measure in from the outline of the sink on all sides and make new lines with a measuring tape.They should be covered with strips of masking tape.If the lip is 2 in (1.3 cm), then measure in from the lines you traced on all sides and lay tape along the new lines.
Step 14: Cut lines can be drawn in the center of masking tape with a carpenter's square.
Through the center of each strip of masking tape, trace lines along the edge of a carpenter's square.If you want to get an exact fit for the sink, this will show you where to cut out your jigsaw.If you make the cut out too tight, you can cut off more at the end to get the sink to fit.If you are unsure, mark the outline of the sink a little smaller.
Step 15: Attach a piece of wood to the middle of the piece you are cutting.
It's a good idea to lay it across the middle of the part you're cutting.Put a single screw through the middle of the piece of wood you are going to cut to support it and keep it from breaking away too early.Since the piece of wood is longer than the part you are cutting out, the ends of it will be resting on the countertop and support the cutout until you cut all the way around it.To complete the cuts with your jigsaw on either side of it, you can use a single screw in the middle.
Step 16: Attach your jigsaw blade with a hole in each corner.
There is a drill bit that is larger than the blade.Attach it to your drill and make a hole in each corner of the cutout so that you can slide the jigsaw in and out at the corners.You could slide the jigsaw in with just one starter hole.You can maneuver at the corners if you make 4.
Step 17: Cut around the lines on the masking tape with a jigsaw.
The corner you want to cut from has a hole in it.Cut along the lines until you separate the cutout from the countertop.Remove the cutout and discard it.When you reach the end of the piece of wood you screwed across the cutout, make sure to rotate it to allow you to finish the cut through that side.Don't worry if your lines are not straight.Any minor flaws will be covered by the mounting lip of the sink.
Step 18: Make sure the sink fits before making any changes.
If it fits, lower the sink into the cutout.If it fits into the cutout, the mounting lip rests flat all the way around.If you need to make it fit, use your jigsaw to trim off more countertop.The cutout will be covered up by the sink so you don't need to worry about sanding the edges.