How can I trim the overhanging 7" from my kitchen counter?
by
Brenda Way
My kitchen counter top has a 7" overhang so that stools can be pulled up. It will never be used and the little bit of extra space it would free up in the living room would be helpful. Can I trim the laminate counter top with a saw and then just finish the edge? Has anyone ever tried this? Will the laminate splinter or break if I try to do this? Help!! :)
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You can trim laminate but you need to make sure you have the correct blade or it will splinter.
They make counter top edging to match laminate so depending on how old yours are, you may be able to find something to match.
The best circular saw blade for cutting through laminate for a kitchen counter is one with many fine teeth -- at least 40. Blades with carbide tips tend to last longer than regular steel. In addition, you should choose a narrow blade, or one with thin kerf, as it's called in saw talk.
Many people just masking tape to avoid chipping.
You would need to use a plywood blade in a circular saw at least 140 teeth per inch or a plywood blade for a jig saw. Hand saw will not work. Use blue painters tape on the counter where you want to cut. Mark your line on the tape. This will help in preventing splintering. Go slow making your cut. Do not force the saw. Let the blade do the job. Then you can finish the edge.