How to cut a hole in laminate countertop

This step by step diy article is about how to cut a hole in laminate countertop. If you are remodeling your kitchen, you should probably know that cutting out holes in laminate countertops is required, if you are fitting a sink or a gas stove. This project might seem a straight forward job, but we can assure you there are lots of aspects one has to take into account for a professional result.

On one hand, you should trace the outline of the gas stove with attention, either using a paper template or follow the instructions labeled on the product. In most of the cases, there are certain constraints you have to pay attention to, such as a minimum distance from the stove to the backsplash or on both sides, to the walls. Use a large L-square to draw the rectangle on the countertop, otherwise the corners won’t be right-angled.

In order to get accurate cuts, you should use a good jigsaw with an appropriate blade. Therefore, the blade should have downward oriented teeth, otherwise it will chip the laminate layer. In addition, we strongly recommend you to cover the cut lines with masking tape before making the cuts, to prevent splintering the surface. Drill starting holes along the four corners of the rectangle, using a spade bit (it has to be wider than the size of the jigsaw’s blade).

Made from this plan

In order to cut a hole in laminate countertops, you needs the following:

Materials

• Laminate Countertop
• Carpentry Pencil
• Masking tape

Tools

• Safety gloves, Safety glasses
• Jigsaw, Circular saw
• Tape measure, T-square
• C-clamps, Straight edge

Tips

• Wear safety glasses, when making the cuts
• Choose a blade with fine teeth

Time

• 10 Minutes

Cutting holes in countertops

Fitting a gas hob in the countertop

When installing a gas hob or a kitchen sink, you have to cut holes trough the countertop. Although it might seem a simple task at first glance, we can assure you there many things you should take into account, if you want to get a professional result.

Smart tip: Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cutting out a hole in the laminate countertop, if you want to prevent potential issues.

How to cut a hole in laminate countertop

Marking the guidance lines

The first step of the project is to trace the outline of the stove. In most of the cases, the package should include a paper template, but there are products that only provide the recommended size of the hole. Place the template on the countertop and center it on top of the cabinet. Leave the recommended distance from the backsplash and to the front edge of the countertop.

If you don’t have a template, trace the median on the countertop and mark the cut lines, using the instructions provided the manufacturer.

Tracing the outline

As you can see in the image, you need an L-square, tape measure and a carpentry pencil to get the job done in a professional manner. Check if the cut lines are parallel and if the corners are right-angled. In addition, the rectangle has to be symmetrical.

Installing spacers under the countertop

In order to get an accurate result, you should place several spacers under the countertop. Nevertheless, the countertop should be level and firmly secured into place.

Generally speaking, you should leave about 2” between cabinets and the countertop, otherwise the blade of the saw might damage them.

Drilling starting holes

Use a drill machinery with a spade bit to make starting holes along the for corners. It is essential to align the bits properly, otherwise you might drill outside the outline. Alternatively, you could also use a 2 1/2” hole saw bit, making sure you set the center properly.

Getting trough the laminate layer

In this image, you should notice the drill bit getting trough the laminate layer. Make sure you don’t apply too much pressure on the drill machinery, otherwise it might slip from position.

Starting hole

Drilling trough a laminate countertop with a spade drill will create many residues, so we recommend you to ask someone to vacuum them, as you make the hole.

Drilling starting holes trough laminate countertop

After drilling the corner starting holes, you should continue the project by making the cuts along the guidance lines. If you don’t have experience in the field, you should cover the cut lines with masking tape. In this manner, you prevent chipping the edges.

Cutting a hole in laminate countertop

In order to make the cuts, we recommend you to use a jigsaw. Select a blade with downward-oriented teeth. In addition, the blade should have a medium to high tooth count. If you haven’t worked before with a jigsaw, we strongly recommend you to clamp a guidance fence to the countertop. Make sure the blade goes exactly over the cut lines.

How to cut a hole in laminate countertop

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. If you have followed our tips and have read the manufacturer’s instructions, the gas stove should fit easily inside the hole. Nevertheless, if the edges are not perfectly straight, you could smooth them with a belt sand.

Thank you for reading our project about how to cut a hole in laminate countertop and we recommend you to check out the rest of the articles. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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