How to cut a compact laminate worktop: A step-by-step guide

Last Updated on October 23, 2024
Can you cut your own compact laminate kitchen worktop yourself and what tools do you need to use to make that happen? The short answer is yes, you can cut your own compact laminate worktop yourself, but as with all DIY, it’s important that you have the right tools to do the job first.
Within this guide, we’ll explain everything you need, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to cut your compact laminate worktop yourself.
The tools you need to cut a laminate worktop
To begin with, all you need to use are standard hardwood cutting tools, these are:
- Workbench
- Circular plunge saw
- Standard hardwood circular saw-cutting blade
- Guide for your plunge saw
- Sander with 240-grit paper
- Router
- Router bit (small chamfer)
- Chopping board oil & a cloth
- Tape measure
- Safety goggles
It’s also important to make sure that your cutting blade is sharp (do not use an old blade). Get a new one and it will get the job done perfectly.
The cutting process
Whilst you’re cutting with the plunge saw it’s very important to make sure you’re controlling the amount of material you’re cutting at each stage. You will first need to start off with just 2mm cuts to scratch the surface to make sure that we have a nice and clean cut on the surface of your compact laminate worktop. From there, you’re going to continue with 3mm increments until you cut the entire surface. This process is needed to ensure accuracy and precision.
Step one – Mark & position your guide rail
Measure and mark exactly where you’ll be cutting the worktop with a pencil, and then position your guide rail after you clamp the rail down and make sure it’s ready to go. Set your plunge to a cut depth of 2mm. You can use adhesive tape (masking tape) on both sides of the laminate if you wish as additional protection to the laminate itself.
Step two – Make the first cut
Begin your first cut at a depth of 2mm. The idea behind this shallow cut is to ensure there’s no splintering or chipping on the surface where the worktop edge will be visible. The most important thing when cutting compact laminate worktops is to achieve as clean and crisp cut on the surface as you can.
Step three – Repeat the cutting process
Repeat the cutting process 3 more times at 3mm increments. By the fourth cut, you should have successfully cut your compact laminate.
Step four – Sanding & finishing the edges
Next, you’ll need to sand down and finish the edges you’ve just cut with a 240-grit sander and a small chamfer. It’s also important to note that while you can sand the edges, you cannot sand the surface of compact laminate.
Step five – Polish the edge you have cut & finished
The final step is to polish the edge of the compact laminate worktop that you’ve just cut and finished. For this, you can use chopping board oil, linseed oil, or even baby oil (it doesn’t need to be anything special). Simply dip a cloth in the oil and rub the cloth over the surface of the compact laminate edge.
You only need to oil the edges after you’ve finished sanding finishing them to your liking. Oiling the edges will help make the colour of the core pop, and will make a huge difference to the finish of your edging. You’ll only ever really need to do it once.
Following this process will result in a professional finish.
How can I cut my kitchen laminate worktop without chipping it?
Cutting a kitchen laminate worktop without chipping it can be challenging but can be done successfully with the right tools and techniques. Here are some steps and tips to help you achieve a clean cut:
- Using the right tools – The right tools are imperative to getting a clean cut. Make sure you use a hardwood circular saw blade that has at least 48 teeth.
- Mark your cut line – Use masking tape along the cut line on both sides of the worktop. This helps support the laminate and reduces the risk of chipping. Then mark the cut line clearly on the tape to ensure an accurate cut.
- Cut a 2mm deep first cut – Don’t make the full deep dut straight away, start with a small 2mm deep cut to avoid any splintering or chipping.
- Cut slowly and steadily – Don’t rush this process, go slowly and steadily and once you have done your first 2mm cut, repeat in 3mm increments.
What is the best tool to cut a compact laminate worktop?
We’d always recommend using a circular plunge saw to cut a laminate worktop. A Festool plunge-cut saw with at least 1200 watts is what we’d always recommend, but any other good quality circular plunge saw will do the job.
Other helpful tips for cutting kitchen compact laminate worktops
Getting a straight-cut
Always use a guide rail or straight edge clamped securely to the worktop to ensure you achieve a perfectly straight cut.
How to get a better cut
Use a sharp, high-quality blade with at least 48 teeth, and make multiple shallow passes to improve cut precision and avoid chipping.
Use additional support
Support the entire worktop on a sturdy surface to prevent movement during cutting and reduce vibrations that could cause mistakes.
Manage the pressure levels
Apply steady, even pressure while cutting. Pushing too hard can lead to splintering, while too little pressure can slow down the process and cause rough edges.
Avoid exit damage
Place masking tape on both sides of the cut and consider scoring the underside of the laminate before cutting to minimize chips as the blade exits.
Use off-cuts for practice
Before making the final cut, practice on off-cuts to get a feel for the tools and ensure your technique is spot on.