Use a router to cut the laminate from the rear of the countertop, cutting it flush to the rear edge. You can install the cut countertop and then place the ceramic backsplash as normal, without the laminate backsplash interfering with the placement.
Use an off-set laminate trim router and a template to cut through the laminate first, following the cutout dimensions. Then you can cut the substrate any way you want without chipping the laminate - like cutting butter with a hot knife!
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.
You can cut laminate countertop with a circular saw and a fine-tooth carbide blade. Run painter's tape along the cut line on the top surface, so the cut goes down the middle of it. Turn the countertop over. Mark and cut it from the back side so the saw teeth pull into the top surface.
The granite countertop will leave a gap between the wall and backsplash, which will need a matching grout caulk. The bottom gap can be re-caulked to match the rest of the grout. Finally, when the granite is installed, the current countertop must be removed without damaging the tile backsplash.
While you can cut directly on some stone countertops, it is not recommended. Granite is one of the most durable countertop materials you can buy, and it can certainly withstand cuts from a knife blade. However, if your granite has a sealer on it, cutting can eventually wear down the sealant.
The best way to cut laminate flooring is with power tools, the same way you would cut wood. The side of the flooring you cut should always be installed against the wall. Always leave a ⅛”-¼” gap between your flooring and your wall. This makes it easier to install and allows for the expansion of your walls.
Rip a strip of laminate to apply to the front and side edge of the countertop. Apply contact cement as per manufacturer's instructions. Adhere the laminate to the MDF top, rolling it firmly in place with a laminate roller. Trim as needed.
Sometimes you need to change your current granite countertops to make space for a stove or sink or cut spaces that peak out. You can cut your granite countertops after installing to make this possible. The ideal way to do it is to create a hole that will accommodate the correct measurements, angles, and inclinations.
One of the best ways to do that is to use silicone caulk. Another way is to use a backsplash or backer rod to ensure the vanity is flush against the wall.
A jigsaw is a real all-rounder when it comes to cutting laminate floors. It's best used to cut out shapes from your board. For example, when you want to place boards around your toilet or maybe a pillar. Always use a fine toothed blade and have the saw blade spinning before you touch the board.
Measure where you want to cut it, then masking tape roughly where it falls. Measure and mark again with a pencil on top to the masking tape. Then, using a fine tooth hand saw, start from cutting at the front section (where the profile usually is). Saw while aiming the hand saw downwards to get a straight cut.
A tile backsplash needs a 1/8” expansion gap around the perimeter, where the tile meets cabinets, the sink, or another wall. Mark it. Then, find the center of your focal point, measuring from the line of the 1/8” gap. Lay the tiles on the countertop.
We opted to skip grouting that 1/8″ space and instead, caulk that line between the countertop and the tile. Keeping this space is a must because as your house settles things may move around and you don't want your tile to crack.
Your countertops bear the brunt of the activity in the kitchen, and your remodel often starts with a spectacular selection. Marble, quartz, quartzite, and granite countertops are all popular choices that offer excellent benefits and lifespan, and they should be installed permanently before the backsplash.