Top tips when cutting a kitchen worktop

Cutting kitchen worktop is an important skill that kitchen fitters need to possess. Stone worktops have become extremely popular within modern kitchens due to their timeless appeal and their durability.

They last for decades if cared for properly. But stone surfaces such as quartz and granite are also available in a wide range of unique colours and patterns.

However, these very same qualities can cause the installation process to be quite tricky. This is particularly the case when referring to the proper kitchen worktop cutting techniques.

What is the best way of cutting a kitchen worktop?

Know your material

One of the most popular types of worktop material for kitchens is stone.

Understanding the physical properties of the stone itself is important if you hope to avoid any errors along the way. It’s important to consider:

• The hardness
• The grain
• The material you are using
• The tools you have

These factors will also enable you to use the proper worktop cutting tools to get a clean and polished finish.

If you are unsure, it could be a good idea to consult with industry experts. For example, when cutting kitchen worktop using stone, it may be an idea to consult with people such as the Stone Federation of Great Britain.

– particularly if you are dealing with an unfamiliar material; mistakes during the cutting process may otherwise prove to be quite costly!

Maintain your tools and machinery

Cutting kitchen worktop is a regular part of kitchen fitting. So it is highly likely you’ll already have a decent toolkit, but there is a broad range of kitchen fitting tools that you’ll need.

Even those who possess years of knowledge will be left powerless if their tools are not properly maintained.

Always remember that stones such as granite, quartz and marble are very tough. This is why ensuring that your saw blades are extremely sharp is important.

Not sure what tools are best for worktop cutting? Checkatrade members can save money on their business essentials at places like Selco and Tradepoint.

Have a template prepared from the very beginning

Accurate templates should always be created and double-checked before the physical cutting process ever begins.

Ensure that all measurements are precise and that all dimensions are clearly marked. Some of the tools which will need to be present during this process include:

• A tape measure
• Spirit or a laser level
• L-square
• Pencil and paper

Those who are familiar with digital programs such as CAD drawing programs may likewise be able to create highly accurate digital templates.

This is often the preferred method when dealing with extremely complicated angles or when many pieces of stone need to fit together seamlessly.

Dealing with cutouts and expansion gaps

We need to remember that one of the most complicated procedures in kitchen fitting involves worktops. That means creating spaces for:

• Drainer grooves
• Hobs
• Sinks
• Taps
• Charging units

These need to be extremely accurate in order to avoid any gaps once the fixtures themselves are installed. Unlike other materials, one simple mistake can quickly render a large slab of stone useless.

Leaving complicated matters: saving time and money

One of the issues involved with cutting any type of kitchen worktop (particularly stone) is that the tools and associated machinery can be costly.

For tradespeople newer to the industry, it can be challenging to know where to turn.

When you become a kitchen fitter, you won’t necessarily have the funds to make such a substantial investment. It is why for skills like stone cutting, you’ll need to get the right tools to do the best job before you start offering services like stone cutting for kitchen worktops.

Asking the worktop cutting experts

We have taken some time to speak to Checkatrade members Shaw Stone, to hear their thoughts when it comes to worktop cutting.

“To anybody entering the industry, I would recommend that you do your research. Learn as much as you can about the materials and the tools you need. Here at Shaw Stone, we have been in the industry for many years and have invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in purchasing the best machinery and equipment to help us to cut our worktops accurately and efficiently. We are happy to extend the use of our machinery out to smaller companies, and we welcome you to bring your slabs of stone and templates to our workshop, where we can cut them for you for a reasonable price. Not only will this save you the time and hassle of cutting by hand but also enable you to use top-of-the-range expert machinery for a much smaller cost than purchasing your own machinery.”

Robert Shaw, Shaw Stone

Cutting kitchen worktop materials and techniques

Alongside stone kitchen worktop materials such as granite and quartz, there are several alternatives.

Each material has slightly different qualities and will therefore require a slightly different approach to cutting.

Some of the most popular kitchen worktop materials include:

Hardwood

Hardwood kitchen worktops are a cost-effective alternative to stone. When cutting hardwood, you can use a circular saw or jigsaw for the best results.

Some specialist joiners may use a fine-toothed handsaw as hardwood is far easier to cut than other materials like stone.

Always take extreme care when cutting hardwood kitchen worktops as they can become easily scratched.

Laminate

Laminate kitchen worktops are perhaps the most popular option with UK homeowners.

Hard wearing, cost-effective, and available in a wide variety of styles and colours, if you’re setting up as a kitchen fitter, you’re going to need to be comfortable cutting a laminate kitchen worktop.

Laminate kitchen worktops can be cut using the same methods and tools as stone or hardwood worktops.

Take extra care when making the initial cut, however, as laminate can sometimes chip and peel if cut at the wrong angle.

Glass

Glass kitchen worktops are a relatively new addition to the market. They can often be expensive and are used primarily in luxury contemporary properties.

Glass worktops are extremely hard wearing and durable. Therefore, you will need a specialist glass cutter to successfully cut to size.

If you are planning to fit a glass kitchen worktop, it’s a good idea to take accurate measurements when planning to avoid any onsite cutting.

Composite

Composite kitchen worktops are made by applying an acrylic resin onto a substrate material such as hardwood.

This method creates a glossy surface that is durable and scratch resistant with a strong and solid core.

Again, the cutting method for composite kitchen worktops is similar to stone, hardwood, and laminate.

You will need to take extra care, however, to avoid chipping or damaging the acrylic surface.

Stainless steel

Used extensively in commercial kitchens, stainless steel worktops are becoming increasingly popular in the residential sector.

To cut stainless steel kitchen worktops you will need a specialist metal cutting blade for your jigsaw or circular saw.

With a bit of practise, cutting stainless steel kitchen worktops is relatively straightforward. Be careful with edges as when first cut they can be sharp and may require a safety covering or filing to a smooth finish.

FAQs for cutting kitchen worktops

What are the best worktop cutting tools?

It depends on the type of material you’re working with. For example, if it is a stone worktop, you’ll need stone cutting tools, and if it is solid wood, you’ll need woodworking tools. Also the best kind of kitchen fitting tools are ones that cost less. As a Checkatrade member, you could save on your essentials thanks to our partnerships with Selco and Tradepoint.

What is the process for cutting out a worktop for a sink?

As a tradesperson, you’ve probably already studied at college or as an apprentice. There are dedicated kitchen installation courses designed to guide you through. Using the right tools, you can measure the size, make the hole and cut it to be exact.

Do you need to be careful when cutting laminate worktop?

You’ll need to be careful with your measuring and cutting, regardless of which worktop material you’re working with. A number of laminate worktops will need additional edging, but getting the worktop the right size is still essential.