If you are going to cut sink hole in Laminate countertop then you are lucky because Laminate countertops are made of a thin layer of dressing wood or a fiberboard (MDF) underwood, which makes it easier to cut sink holes in it.
Compared to stone countertops such as granite, quartz, or laminate, laminate countertops are much easier to cut. It is very similar to cutting through a wooden plank.
If you have a little bit of knowledge about cutting, then this step-by-step guide will help you to cut sink hole in laminate countertop like a professional.
Safety Precautions
For perfect cutting of countertop and sink installation, consider these safety precautions to minimize the risk of accidents or injuries while cutting laminate countertops.
Safety first: Before cutting countertops wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands. You must wear a respirator or mask to protect your respiratory system from dust.
Countertop Stability: If your countertop is not installed yet, place it in a stable space before cutting to avoid any accidental damage to the countertop.
Check the type of sink: Before measuring, ensure that what type of sink you are going to install. You may need to change measurements if you want to install undermount sink.
Measure Precisely: Measure your sink and countertop precisely. If you have inaccurate measurements, you cannot install the sink perfectly on the countertop.
Take Your Time: To get perfect results, take your time in doing the whole work. This will not waste your time but also save you money.
Step By Step Guide to Cut Quartz Countertop
Now it’s time to start cutting the laminate countertop to install a sink. Read each step carefully and apply it on your countertop if you not to face any mess.
Tools You will need:
First, you have to check which tool you have and which you have to buy. Some tools are necessary to cut sinkholes in laminate which are mentioned below:
- Measuring tape
- Painter’s tape
- Grease marker
- Safety mask, gloves, and goggles
- A long square wooden stick
- Jigsaw with a new blade
- 1/2-inch spade bit
- Belt Sander
Measure and Mark
Most sinks come with a paper template, if your sink has not or if you are reinstalling a sink then don’t worry. You have to measure the sink and then mark this on your laminate countertop.
Place carpenter’s tape on the countertop to get neat cuts. To get accurate measurements, lay your sink upside down on your laminate countertop and trace the sink rim.
Now draw margin lines, 1/4 inch inside of all four lines. This 1/4-inch margin is crucial for the placement of the outer edges of the sink’s rim on the countertop.
Drill Holes in Corners
Start by drilling holes on all four corners by using a 1/2-inch spade bit. Make sure these drill holes are inside the actual lines. If they are outside the actual lines, they will not be covered by the rim of the sink.
These holes will help you to get perfect cuts on the corner edges. Without these drill holes, the jigsaw blade may go far from the cutting lines and ruin your countertop.
Cut Sink Hole
Before cutting the sinkhole, must gear your safety instruments. The eye goggles will protect your eyes from dust and the respiratory mask saves you from getting in dust particles.
After doing that, start cutting the laminate countertop by using a jigsaw with a fine new blade. Ensure that you cut the lines that are 1/4 inch inside the actual line.
Most laminate countertops come with a backsplash, if your countertop also has a backsplash then you may face difficulty while cutting the back of the countertop. You can use an oscillating multitool to cut the back of the laminate countertop.
Related Post: How to Cut Sink Hole in Quartz Countertop?
Secure the Countertop
Drill a single screw in the long square wooden stick to the center of the counter to protect the countertop from breaking. As you finish the cut, the counter piece will not fall which ensures the perfect edge cutting.
Smooth the Edges
Once the sink hole has been cut, now it’s time to sand the sharp cutting edges of the laminate countertop. The edges will hide under the sink rim but if they are too sharp then you have to smooth it.
By using a belt sander or 120-grit or 220-grit sandpaper, sand the sharp edges of the laminate countertop to ensure perfect sink fitting.
Check the Sink Installation
After doing that, it’s time to check the installation of the sink on your laminate countertop. If the countertop cut is wider than the sink, it is bad for you because the rim of the sink has to be placed on the countertop surface.
However, if the sink cut is narrower than the sink, you can sand the edges of the laminate countertop to fit the sink. The gap between the sink and countertop can become a headache for you and you will need to fill gap between sink and countertop.
Conclusion
If you are familiar with cutting wood then you can cut laminate countertops without any professional help because there is no more difference between the material of the laminate and any other wooden furniture.
Take your time for precise cuts on the countertop to get the perfect installation of your sink. In this way, you will not waste your time but spend.
Related Post: How to Fix Gap between Sink and Countertop? 5 Effective Methods
FAQs
What blade to cut laminate countertop?
To cut the laminate countertop by using a circular saw, you will need a fine-toothed narrow blade with a minimum of 40-60 teeth. To cut laminate by using a jigsaw you can use a Bosch reverse tooth jigsaw blade for precise cuts.
How to cut a countertop that is already installed?
You can cut the installed countertop by using a jigsaw with a Bosch reverse tooth jigsaw blade. If there is not enough space for the jigsaw, you can use an oscillating multitool to cut the countertop.
How to cut laminate countertop with a backsplash?
Most laminate countertops come with a backsplash, if your countertop also has a backsplash then you may face difficulty while cutting the back of the countertop. You can use an oscillating multitool to cut the back of the laminate countertop.
