How to Cut Laminate Countertop with a Circular Saw Blade

Carpenter using a saw to cut laminate counter top. — Many people choose plastic laminate when looking to replace their old countertops. Shutterstock/ungvar

Circular saw blades differ in diameter, the material they're made of, how many teeth they have and how big the teeth are. Different combinations make each blade ideal for a certain type of job, such as how to cut laminate countertop. For example, some circular saw blades have diamond-tipped teeth so they can easily slice through hard materials such as ceramic and glass.

Laminates are essentially layers of paper tightly pressed together and glued with a resin. To cut through laminate countertops, you can use a hand saw, but a circular saw makes the job much quicker.

How to Cut Laminate Countertop

Because a circular saw can produce jagged edges and chip the laminate, your best bet is to lay the laminate side face-side down and cut from the back to the front. Use a tape measure to frame the cut lines, then mark off these cut lines with masking tape. Again, use that measuring tape to make sure you've planned accordingly to leave a bit of extra room for overhang. Don't worry, you can later cut this off [source: Sawshub.com].

The best circular saw blade for a straight cut through laminate counter top is one with many fine teeth — at least 40. Blades with carbide tips tend to last longer than regular steel. In addition, you should choose a narrow blade, or one with thin kerf, as it's called in saw talk [source: Out of the Woodwork].

Unless you're trying to remove the laminate finish with a belt sander, you'll want to protect the finish. To do so, duct tape the saw's shoe so that it doesn't scratch up the surface as you move along with the saw. Of course, if you're cutting through the back to prevent tear off, you probably won't have a problem with the finish.

Safety Tips When Cutting Laminate Countertop with a Circular Saw

In terms of safety, of course you'll need to wear safety glasses. You also need to keep an eye out for kickback potential. If your circular saw blade gets pinched in the laminate, it will pop out and fly quickly toward you.

To minimize the risk of kickback, double check that the blade is clean and sharp before you begin cutting, and always wear safety glasses and other protective equipment [source: West Fraser].

Cut Countertop FAQ

How do you cut laminate countertop without chipping?

First, lay the laminate face-side down and mark off the straight line you want to cut with masking tape. Start by cutting from the back to the front with a circular saw. The best circular saw blade for this job is one with many fine teeth. You'll want at least 40. Also, duct tape the saw's shoe to protect the finish on the laminate.

What blade should I use to cut laminate countertop?

If you use a circular saw, it's best to use a fine-toothed narrow blade with at least 40 teeth. When it comes to cutting laminate countertop, blades with carbide tips usually last longer than regular steel.

Can I cut laminate with a handsaw?

For cutting through laminate countertops, you can use a handsaw but a circular saw makes the job easier as well as quicker. Make sure to double-check that the blade is clean and sharp before you begin cutting to minimize the risk of kickback.