If you want to install a new countertop in your home, you may need to cut it to fit.You can cut countertops with a work bench and a circular saw.Depending on the material you are cutting, there are a few different techniques you need to use.
Step 1: Measure the counter space you need to cut a top from.
Measure the space with a measuring tape.You can use these numbers to figure out how big of a piece of countertop you need to purchase.The standard width of the countertops is 25 in (64 cm).You can get different lengths that you can cut down to the size you need.This method can be used to cut all types of countertops.The same method can be used to cut solid wood countertops.
Step 2: Purchase a piece of countertop that covers the counter area.
The countertop can be in standard sizes from 4 to 12 ft.The lengths are 2 ft (0.61 m) intervals.If there will be exposed edges of the countertop after you cut it, get some matching laminate strips.The countertop and matching strips can be purchased at a home improvement center or kitchen showroom.
Step 3: You can cut the edge of the countertop on the workbench.
Place the piece of stock laminate countertop that you purchased on a stable workbench so it won't move while you cut it.Don't leave the part hanging off the end of the bench.The workbench needs to be held in place with a countertop.
Step 4: You can cut the countertop with a strip of masking tape.
To measure in from the end, use a measuring tape and place a strip of masking tape across the counter widthwise.The laminate will not chip during cutting.You can use masking tape or blue painter's tape that is about 2–4 in (5.1–1.0.2 cm) wide for this so you don't have to be very precise when placing it.
Step 5: Use a straight edge to draw your cut line.
Measure from the end to the piece of tape and mark where your cut will go.Draw a line through the marks with a ruler or carpenter's square after doing this in a few places on the tape.If you have a large carpenter's square, you can use it to measure in from the edge of the countertop and draw your cut line in one go.
Step 6: Attach a piece of wood to the countertop with C clamps.
Measure the distance from the cut line to the outside edge of the metal guard on the saw.A guide rail can be created by attaching a piece of wood that is at least 1 in 2 in.You will need a circular saw for this.The edge of the guard rail should be at least 4 in (10 cm) away from the cut line.The counter is secured to the workbench with wood.If you are cutting off the right-hand side of the countertop, you can use the guide from the left side.
Step 7: The saw blade should be 8 in deeper than the countertop.
You can measure the thickness of the countertop.The saw blade should be set to 8 in (0.32 cm) deeper.This will make sure the saw cuts through the countertop.
Step 8: To cut the countertop, use your saw to slowly cut along the whole line.
To get the blade up to full speed, you need to press the power button.The blade should be placed against the start of the cut line and the saw guard against a wooden fence.Push the saw along the line.Wear protective gear when cutting countertops.Wear safety gear such as goggles, a face mask, and ear protection.If you want a smooth cut, you need to get your circular saw up to full speed.If you want to get a feel for cutting into a countertop with a circular saw, you should practice cutting the scrap piece of the countertop.
Step 9: You can remove saw marks by sanding the edge.
You can use fine-grit sandpaper.Sand rough spots or spots with saw marks to avoid chipping.Wait until you are done sanding to keep the masking tape on.You are happy with the results if you remove the masking tape after the edge is smooth.
Step 10: If you need a hole for a sink in the countertop, use a jigsaw.
Take the outline of the sink and put it on the counter where you want it to go.If you want to cut around the whole outline, you need to drill a pilot hole in a corner of the cut lines.Measure the distance from the sink's mounting lip to the basin to determine how far to mark the cut lines.To allow the sink to rest on top of the counter, you need to mark the cut lines far in from the outline.There is a template for making the perfect cutout in many sinks.You can just trace the template and cut along the lines.
Step 11: If you want to cover the counter area, buy a big slab of stone.
Measure the counter area's length and width.Purchase a stone countertop that is the right size to cover it.You can find stone countertops in a home improvement center, kitchen showroom, or stone supply company.Various types of stone countertops can be cut with this method.
Step 12: Attach the stone slab to the workbench with 2 in rigid foam.
You can protect the workbench underneath it by placing the countertop slab on top of a piece of rigid foam.Every 1–2 ft (0.30–0.61 m) along the edges, place a C clamp to secure everything in place.Don't use sawhorses or any other work surface that might move while you are cutting.Stone is heavier than other types of countertops, so you need a stable work surface.This will help reduce movement that can lead to chipping.It's a messy business to cut stone.It will be easy to clean up all the dust if you work in an open workspace.
Step 13: You can cut the section of stone by covering it with painter's tape.
Take a few strips of painter's tape and place it over the area you will be cutting.This will protect the surface of the stone.Make sure you cover the area where your cut line will be, the placement of the tape doesn't need to be perfect.The line will be marked on the tape.
Step 14: The painter's tape has a straight edge and marker.
Use a straight edge like a metal ruler or carpenter's square to measure in from the end of the slab and mark where your cut line will go on the tape.Use the straight edge to draw a cut line on the tape.Make sure the line is the same distance from the end of the slab to the other side.Measure twice and cut once because you won't be able to make any changes to your cut after you make it.
Step 15: At the far end of the cut line, make a 2 in cut.
The end of the cut line is where the blade of a circular saw should be positioned.If you want to get it up to speed, press the power button and push it slowly along the line, then back it out and stop it spinning.The back cut is important to make sure the stone doesn't chip or break at the end of your cut where it will be more fragile.You can use a circular saw to cut stone.The amount of dust in the air can be reduced with a wet circular saw.Make sure the depth of the saw's blade is set to just a bit deeper than the stone slab.Before you start cutting, make sure to wear safety gear.
Step 16: The saw should be placed at the other end of the cut line.
Carefully line up the blade with the cut line as you walk back over to the other side.Press the power button to get the blade moving, then slowly push the saw all the way along the cut line until you meet the back cut.Keep the saw blade aligned with the cut line and push slowly.Light and steady pressure is all you need to push the blade along slowly.Stone takes longer to cut than other materials, so be patient and focus on making a straight cut.
Step 17: The stone countertop should be wiped with a damp rag.
Once you've cut all the way through, remove the tape.If you wipe away the dust with a wet rag, you will have a clean stone countertop.All the rock dust that is left after cutting the stone countertop can be sucked up by a shop vac.
Step 18: If the sink needs to be cut out, use an angle grinder with a diamond blade.
If you buy a sink that has a template for the cutout, you can trace it onto masking tape on the countertop.If you want to cut all the way through the slab along the lines, you'll have to use the angle grinder.If it is easier, you can work in sections.Cut out the middle section first, then the sides.Cut them out in smaller pieces if you leave rounded corners for last.