How to Cut a Cabinet Door Without Splintering

Set up two sawhorses close together. If sawhorses are not available, lay the cabinet door on a work table with the edge you need to cut hanging over the edge of the table.

Place the cabinet door face up on the saw horses or work table. Make a small mark on the door in the general area where it needs to be cut. Place a strip of wide painters tape across the length of the door, centering the tape over the mark.

Measure off the amount that needs to be cut with a tape measure at the top and bottom of the cabinet door. Place a straight edge at the two marks. Hold the straight edge firmly, and cut through the tape and into the door. Keep the side of the utility knife blade against the straight edge when making the cut.

Remove the straight edge from the door. Install a sharp plywood blade on your circular saw. Measure from the left side of the blade to the far left side of the circular saw foot. The foot is the base of the saw.

Transfer the measurement to the cabinet door from the scored line toward the center of the door. Make a mark at the top and bottom of the door.

Clamp a piece of 1-inch-by-4-inch board at the two marks with wood clamps. The board serves as a fence for the saw to ensure a straight cut.

Position the edge of the saw foot against the side of the board, with the blade away from the door edge. Squeeze the saw trigger and cut the line with the saw. Remove the tape from the cabinet door once you finish cutting.