how to cut formica
Andrew Walker
Updated on May 14, 2026
A utility knife can be used to make scoring cuts on Formica. Formica brand plastic laminate is most commonly used to cover countertops, cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Formica is a leading brand whose name has been synonymous with laminate for decades.
What do you cut Formica countertops with?
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.
How do you cut laminate sheets by hand?
Using a Handheld Power Saw
Handheld power saws cut on the upstroke, so you’ll minimize chipping by placing the laminate face down and cutting from the back of the sheet. To ensure a straight cut, it’s best to construct a guide or jig.
What blade should I use to cut laminate countertop?
Cutting a post-form laminate countertop to length requires a clean, straight cut. 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.
Do you cut worktops upside down?
You don’t need to turn the worktop upside down before cutting it. If the worktops are a dark color although sometimes I will do this anyway, place a strip of masking tape on the worktop where you need to mark it. This will make the pencil lines much more visible.
Which side of laminate do you cut?
Cut the First and Last Rows
In fact, you can cut the planks using a table saw, miter saw, circular saw, hand saw or laminate cutter. However, using a diamond blade is recommended as laminate can be tough to cut through and may damage another type of blade. Typically, you will cut with the finished side up.
Can you cut Formica with a table saw?
Laminate countertops can be cut with a table saw, while Formica countertops cannot.