How to Cut a Countertop With a Circular Saw

If you're cutting a countertop to install a sink, a countertop trash can or some other type of object, you don't have to remove the countertop from the cabinetry, speeding the installation. To ensure safety, always wear safety goggles and thick gloves when handling the saws needed for the project. Although this type of project takes planning and requires precision, you can do it on your own.

Tape measure
Pencil
Carpenter's square, straight piece of wood or rip fence
Clamp
Duct tape
Circular saw
Electric jigsaw
Sander

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the length and width of the object you are installing with a tape measure and transfer the measurements onto the countertop to use as an outline to trace when cutting.
- 2
  Create a guide on the countertop for you to cut, using a pencil. Use a carpenter's square or a straight piece of wood as your guide so that the lines you cut are straight. If your circular saw came with a rip fence, which is a T-shaped object that slides into the base, use this as a guide.
- 3
  Clamp one end of the guide to the edge of the countertop and tape the other end, using duct tape near the wall. By placing the duct tape near the wall, the saw will not hit it when tracing along the outline you created.
- 4
  Measure the thickest part of the countertop and set the circular saw's blade depth to cut past this measurement by 1/8 inch. Practice cutting a piece of scrap countertop so you have an idea of what to expect when using the circular saw.
- 5
  Cut along the outline slowly and steadily until you have finished the shape you are trying to achieve. If you cannot reach close enough to the wall, use an electric jigsaw to finish the job.
- 6
  Smooth out any imperfections with a 120-grit sander and install the fixture or other type of object as instructed by the manufacturer's directions.

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