A Step-by-Step Guide On How To Cut Laminate Countertop With Table Saw?

Laminate countertops are a favorite in the market due to their great functionality and exquisite looks. To learn how to cut laminate countertop with table saw, you need to choose the correct blade, measure out the sides, and then begin cutting the length, then the width, and finally, the edges.

All in all, laminate is a cost-effective and low-maintenance countertop choice for your kitchen. It is not just becoming a popular choice for countertops but is also easy to work with! The material is made by compressing paper sheets stuck together into a thin, rigid sheet with resin.

And if you’re interested in learning how to cut laminate countertops with a table saw, know that we’re here with a step-by-step guide for you.

Step 1: Collect The Tools You Need

Following are some of the various tools used in cutting laminate countertops:

1. Measuring tape
2. Pencils, Knife, and Ruler
3. Carpenter’s Square
4. Circular Saw
5. Work Table
6. Belt Sander
7.  Jigsaw
8. Top-quality Contractor table saw

While the above is all well and good, you also need to know how much a table saw weighs to be able to decide the details of the project you’re working on. Don’t hesitate to calculate to make sure you’re on the right track!

Step 2: Choose the correct blade to cut a laminate countertop:

For starters, you must choose the right blade size for cutting the laminate countertop. As you know, a laminate countertop is a delicate material; therefore, using a circular blade would be an easy and viable choice.

On the other hand, the best-fit blade for cutting laminate countertops would be the one found in the plywood cutting. It would reduce the risk of breaking off a counter surface and separating it while cutting.

Of course, if you want to know in detail, do check out more information on how thick a table saw blade should be for your relevant tasks.

Blades That Can Be Used With A Table Saw:

Do you know table saws are among the best devices for cutting wood in smaller components? Some of the blades developed for use with a Table Saw:

• Straight edge miter
• Ripping Fences
• Circular blade
• Ultra-sharp carbide blade

Although you can use various blades to cut laminate countertops, blades such as a miter saw, and a jigsaw tool can be costly. On the other hand, you can also try to minimize the cost with DIY. If you really want to work with a miter saw, do check out our guide on building a miter saw table before you take that route.

Step 3: Wearing Safety Gear:

Before you begin with anything, you must take the necessary precautions by making sure that you wear your safety gear, including:

• eyewear
• gloves
• jackets
• ear protectors

Step 4: Measurements:

As you have read above, the best of all methods of cutting laminate is using a table saw, but what blade would do it perfectly? We recommend using a 60-tooth carbide blade to create an impeccable cut.

For guaranteed smooth cutting, it is best to have a complete grip over the laminate with no risk of slipping or sliding, cutting the laminate right into its face.

For that, you’ll also want to make sure the table saw is perfectly in place. Figure out and fix any adjustments needed beforehand – we recommend going through a guide on adjusting your table saw.

Step 5: Rechecking your measurements

Before and after getting done cutting the countertop with the ideal length and width, you should recheck all the necessary measurements before moving any further.

To ensure perfect outcomes, recheck every measurement to ensure your laminated countertop looks perfectly fine.

Step 6: Cutting the length:

The next step to cutting the laminate countertop is measuring the length and cutting it in the correct diameter. You can also use a carpenter’s square to mark the laminate countertop area.

All you have to do is cut through the marked area and keep the piece over the countertop to ensure no small cutout is left while cutting.

Step 7: Cutting the width:

Once the countertop has been cut to the required length, you can easily place it on the counter to get the measure of the exact width of the laminate.

Measuring the width with the measuring tape and cutting the slab a bit wider is an intelligent approach. Doing so would still have some excess of the slab for any molding or miscalculated space.

Once you recheck the width, scrub it off to the marked line for the correct fit.

Step 8: Make Any Cutouts:

The next step involves a little complicated effort while ensuring the length and width are cut.

Using a jigsaw will help in cutting the sinkhole. Go around the sinkhole and create an accurate layout, so you know exactly what you’re doing at this point of learning how to cut laminate countertop with table saw.

Step 9: Finishing the Edges:

Last but not least is finishing the edges. It is a process of cutting off the rough edges on the laminate countertop. It can be done with a regular saw but is not recommended as it may cause chippings or cracks.

Instead, you can use a stabilized table saw. The best way to stabilize a table saw is either with an orbital sander or with 120-grit sandpaper, which can be clamped so that you don’t need the support of your hands.

Now that you know the step-to-step process of cutting laminate countertops, test the blade on a leftover piece to be on the safe side. This way, you will know if the edge is a good fit for your laminate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does choosing a laminate countertop have an advantage?

The answer is yes. Following are some of the advantages of a Laminate Countertop:

• Cost-effective
• Simple Operation
• Antibacterial

How to cut laminate countertop on table saw without chipping?

You can cut a laminate countertop without chipping by using masking tape where you have to make the cut line. Next, cut it using a circular saw or a table saw with appropriate pace and speed.

Applying masking tape would not only make the cut line prominent but also prevent the chipping of the laminate.

More importantly, you might want to know how to cut a laminate countertop on a table saw safely. While we’ve outlined safety precautions near the beginning of this article as well, here’s a youtube video that might help you out, too.

Finally, another important thing to keep in mind is that a lot of the errors with your woodworking project happen because you don’t have the correct tools. The first step would be to ensure the perfect height and size of the table saw, and for that, we recommend learning more about How High A Table Saw Should Be.

Why should you use a Table Saw to cut the Laminate countertop?

Since a table saw is not the only option for you to cut your laminate countertop, the question arises; Why is it the best option?

The answer is simple. Although a miter saw or jigsaw could have done this job as well, these methods are much more time-consuming. A table saw can cut through the laminate like a hot knife through butter, making the time taken much shorter.

Using a table saw is the most recommended tool to cut laminate countertops as it has an excellent grip over the laminate as well as amazing precision. A table saw can make the exact precise and smooth curves that you like!

What else do you think you should keep in mind besides the table saw blade when cutting a laminate countertop?

Using a table saw is not only about using the right blade and technique but also the appropriate speed for cutting the Laminate sheet. Make sure you use the correct rate and avoid pressing the material too slowly or too fast.

While learning the cutting process, remember that laminate is delicate and should be cut slowly and steadily.

Not just this, it is also essential that you take care of the power supply of your table saw. Sometimes an incorrect wire extension or improper supply to the power source might slow or stop your table saw from working, which can negatively affect how your laminate countertop is cut.

The Bottom Line

This article taught you how to cut the laminate countertop with Table Saw. As you can see, it is not difficult, and you can easily do it yourself! But before beginning, make sure you have the necessary tools and protective gear.

All in all, this is the guide you need to learn how to cut laminate countertop with table saw. And if you’d instead like to learn more about laminate countertops (or, more specially, laminate and what its made from), check out more information on Formica as well. Best of luck!