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Here we will discuss How to cut Laminate Countertop with Table Saw.
While a miter saw or jigsaw will likely get the job done, these methods are tedious and time-consuming. A table saw, on the other hand, can rip through laminate like a hot knife through butter. It’s so fast and easy that you might feel like it wasn’t even work in the first place!
Of course, there are ways to cut laminate countertop that don’t involve a table saw. But if you’re committed to the process, here’s a list of tools and materials that will cut laminate countertop like a hot knife through butter. Knowing ahead of time how much laminate you’ll need will save you some time in the end.
A miter saw is a great tool for cutting a laminate countertop because it allows you to make very precise curved cuts. It’s also more accurate than other methods (like a jigsaw) that might not give you the same level of precision.
A table saw is the most effective tool for cutting laminate because it gives you more control and greater precision. You can make very precise, smooth curves with a table saw. Cutting a laminate countertop with a miter saw can be accomplished, but it’s challenging and requires more time than using a table saw. It’s also more tedious because it requires you to place each piece of laminate into the miter slot on your miter saw and work from there.
How to cut Laminate Countertop
with Table Saw
Equipment Needed:
- Best Table Saw for the Money
- Dado Blade
- Miter Gauge
- Wood Glue
Materials Needed:
- Laminated Countertop Pieces
Duration: 45-60 Minutes
Budget: $100-$200 (USD)
Steps:
- Stack pieces of laminate countertop so that they’re overlapping by about 2 inches. Start with the shortest piece and build to the longest piece.
- Adjust your table saw blade depth so that its just above the edge of your top piece. The blade should go less than half an inch into your workpiece- this will help you cut smooth curves in future projects!
- Piece together your laminate countertop by cutting along the grain as well as across the grain. Make sure you’re cutting pieces together in the same direction! The wood will naturally fall into place when held in the same direction.
- When your pieces are cut to length, stack them up and hold them up against each other so that the cut edge is flush with the rest of your laminate countertop. The two pieces should be touching only at their ends- there shouldn’t be any gaps between them or any part of one piece sticking through another. You will want to have completed this step before you attempt to cut laminate countertop with table saw.
- Using a pencil or masking tape, to mark the edges on the outside of your laminate strips. You can also use a speed square or triangle if you’re more comfortable with that method.
- Cut along your pencil lines using you table saw. Other Power saws like a jigsaw, band saw, or miter saw (if you need to make really precise cuts) works as well. A utility knife may work as well with enough force.
- Make sure you are cutting with the grain of the wood! This will help prevent splintering and will lead to an overall smoother, cleaner cut.
- Take out any splinters and sand down your new laminate countertop so it’s smooth and even.
If you’re planning on installing your laminate countertop in a staircase, install it using liquid nails or wood glue. There are also special table saw accessories that help the table saw cut laminate smoothly and effortlessly. While this is not a necessary step in cutting the laminate countertop, it does make the process easier and more visually pleasing.
How to cut Laminate Countertop with Table Saw Video
What kind of blades to cut laminate countertop?
Table Saw blades should be set to a depth of just below the laminate surface (just over half an inch). Stay clear of the edges of your workpiece: when cutting laminates, you’ll want to cut ‘on-the-grain’ for a smoother cut.
You can use any type of saw blade to cut a laminate countertop with a table saw but some people like using a carbide blade, fine tooth blade, or a jigsaw blade. Carbide-tipped blades and fine-tooth blades will give you the most accurate cuts and are more durable than other types.
Laminate Countertop Comparison:
Laminate Countertop vs Formica Countertop
Laminate countertops and a laminate sheet are typically less expensive than Formica countertops even if compared to a thinner Formica sheet. Laminate countertops can be cut with a table saw, while Formica countertops cannot. Formica is also more prone to scratch or crack when nicked.
The surface of laminate is more durable and scratch-resistant than the surface of Formica, which can crack or peel over time. Though this may not be an important factor for everyone, it’s still worth considering before making your final decision about which type of countertop you would like installed in your kitchen!
Laminate Countertop vs Corian Countertop
Laminate countertops, laminate floors, and laminate furnishings are all inexpensive options for homeowners on a budget. A formica countertop is the most expensive of these options. Corian is a durable surface that can be made to look like different things (like marble).
The price difference between corian and formica is not as big as it is with laminate, which means that corian may be more expensive than you would prefer it to be. The price differences between the other two surfaces are relatively small. In many cases, homeowners install laminate countertops instead of formica because they appreciate the increased resistance to scratches and nicks over years of use.
Laminate Countertop vs Kitchen Counter Top
The laminate countertop is not susceptible to damage from heat, and it’s even resistant to stains. The laminate countertop also has the ability to withstand moisture, which means that it won’t warp or crack as a result of water spills. If your kitchen is small, then the lighter weight and less hemming requirement might be more attractive for you.
As a homeowner on a budget, these reasons might be what make you decide on the laminate countertops for your home instead of an expensive kitchen replacement. It’s also worth mentioning that most people find the look of this type of affordable option more desirable than formica or other types of countertops in this price range.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use jigsaw to cut laminate countertop?
Jigsaw is a great tool for cutting a laminate countertop. It’s precise and easy to maneuver to achieve the cuts you want to have. It also cuts fast and sharp.
Can I use circular saw to cut laminate countertop?
A circular saw is not an efficient or accurate tool for cutting laminate countertops because blades on circular saws are too wide and can make a rough cut.
Can I use belt sander to laminate a countertop?
No, belt sanders are not meant for laminate countertops. A belt sander can be used to sand down a freshly cut laminate countertop if there are any rough spots or splinters, but it’s designed exclusively for use with unpolished materials.
Can I use melamine coated particleboard for countertop?
No. Melamine coated particleboard is not recommended for use with laminate countertops because it typically isn’t dense enough to provide the support needed.
Can I use an oversize piece of plywood for a laminate countertop surface?
No, you cannot install any piece of plywood or other workpieces that is larger than the space allotted in your kitchen for your new laminated kitchen countertop. It will not be properly supported or secured and can cause your countertop to sag.
Can I use a router table to cut a laminate counter top?
A router table is not an efficient or accurate tool for cutting laminate countertops.
how to cut laminate countertop with a
table saw Final Thoughts
This ends our How To Guide of How to cut Laminate Countertop with Table Saw.
Other than learning how to cut laminate countertop with a table saw, learning how to cut a circle on a table saw is an impressive skill, as well as learning the more practical way of how to cut tapered legs on a table saw for your tables and chairs.
We hope the knowledge you gained here will help you in the future with your DIY or Professional Woodworking projects. We want you to be sure of that what you get from us are 100% facts, so please don’t hesitate to ask for advice or to advise us in return with accurate facts.
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Henry is a long time Trade Instructor at Dunwoody College of Technology. Henry has been teaching the trade of carpentry for over 15 years and is excited to share his knowledge with the next generation of builders. With his posts you will explore some general terms, tools, and techniques that are helpful for the beginning DIY Enthusiast!. He’ll also provide a list of all the best tips needed to start your building journey right away!
