Asked on Sep 03, 2020

What kind of saw should I use on formica countertop?

1cs1267
by 1cs1267

Hey folks ... I asked this question previously, but I don't think I provided enough information! Sorry to all those who responded. We are installing a drop in farmhouse sink ... I will need to cut the front lip/edge of the already installed formica countertop in order to accommodate the front of the sink. This front edge/lip of the existing countertop will be removed. I hope this is a bit more clear. I have a jigsaw and if that is what I should use then is there a specific saw blade that will work better and give cleaner edges? Thanks!


  17 answers
  • Peggy L Burnette Peggy L Burnette on Sep 04, 2020

    Hi this is Peggy. I hope this helps you cut your formica countertop. To cut through laminate countertops, you can use a hand saw, but a circular saw makes the job much quicker. Because a circular saw can produce jagged edges and chip the laminate, your best bet is to lay the laminate face-side down and cut from the back to the front.


    What's the best type of circular saw blade for cutting a ...

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    What kind of blade do you use to cut laminate countertop?

    The best DIY tool for the job is a circular saw with a fine-tooth carbide blade made for laminate (the same blades are typically sold for non-ferrous metals and other types of plastics). You can also use a jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade.Dec 1, 2018

  • Circular saw will give you a nice clean cut or table saw.

  • If a jigsaw is what you have, you can use it. Use a high-tooth count, reverse teeth blade since it cuts on the downstroke giving you a cleaner cut.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Sep 04, 2020

    You will need a fine cut blade for your saw. It needs to have at least 40 teeth and is narrow. I would go with a carbide blade.

  • Janice Janice on Sep 04, 2020

    A circular saw should work great. Mask off the area you wish to cut and mark exactly where the cut should be. A fine sharp blade will be best and along with the masking you should be able to produce a clean cut with no jagged edge.

  • A carbide blade will be best, a fine toothed blade. You will be cutting through the countertop too which is probably particle board, as I mentioned under your last question. If possible, maybe rent a smaller, easier to manage tool.

  • Mogie Mogie on Sep 04, 2020

    ​​Jigsaws are equipped with fine-toothed blades for making precise cuts. This works well cutting Formica. The tool has an even metal plate which sits on the material to be cut. The thin blade moves up and down once the trigger is pulled, meaning that you can cut in a curved or straight motion.

    To cut Formica with a jigsaw, you will need to take adequate measures. By doing so, the decorative laminate layer is not damaged as you make curves on the supporting material underneath.


    • The key aspect of making cuts on Formica is choosing a blade that has downward oriented teeth (a reverse jigsaw blade) that cut on the downstroke.
    • ​An ordinary blade whose teeth are pointing upwards or cut upstroke could crack and rip up the decorated laminated layer.
    • ​Finally, the blade’s tooth count should be medium to high.


  • Rymea Rymea on Sep 07, 2020

    We were told to put masking tape on the surface to keep it from chipping, then cut through the tape. We've cut a few and never had a problem.

  • Zard Pocleeb Zard Pocleeb on Dec 13, 2020

    A lot depends on whether the cut edge will show, or if it will be covered up by some type of molding. Either way you’ll need to tape it off and draw accurate, straight lines to follow with your saw. Duct tape would probably be the best type to use because of its ultra sticky surface.If the edge won’t show you’ll be able to get away with a bit more chipping. If it will show you’ll need clean, accurate cuts. Circular saws, like jigsaws, also cut on the upstroke. If you go with a jigsaw definitely use a downcut blade. To give a nice, clean cut you can use a blade meant for metal cutting seeing how you’re only making small cuts. Definitely use a new blade though. If you’re going to use it circular saw you can get a blade made specifically for laminate.

  • Sandie Sandie on Apr 14, 2021

    You’ll want to put down good painters tape, leave gap exactly where you want the cut. Press tape tightly to surface. I think you use a very fine tooth blade. But do yourself a big favor and just type in your in your question. Or a Formica. Seller.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on May 06, 2021

    Hi, You will need to use a tape around the hole to stop it splitting and use a saw suitable for the job. Drill Pilot holes in the corners and around the edge. Practice on a spare piece of Formica. Maybe cut a small square from centre first to see how you go, or get a professional to do it if you are not confident! Best wishes.

  • Janice Janice on Jun 16, 2021

    It sounds as though the counter is already installed, so you could measure and mark precisely where the cut is needed, mask off well to keep it from splitting and use either a jig-saw or circular saw with a fine-tooth blade being careful not to cut into the cabinetry benlow the formica. Is the cabinet framing at the front of where the sink is to sit, well enough constructed and strong enough to hold theweight of the sink....would be my concern.

  • Deb K Deb K on Jun 16, 2021

    Hello, 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.