The standard width of countertops is 25 in (64 cm), which allows for a slight overhang when covering standard cabinets.

If you get lucky, you might find that the counter area you need to cover is exactly divisible by 2, in which case you won’t need to cut the countertop to fit. If not, proceed with cutting the countertop to fit.

You can clamp it to the work surface with C clamps for added stability. This is especially helpful for smaller, lighter pieces that have a higher tendency to move around.

Use masking tape that is at least 1 in (2. 5 cm) wide for this.

Always measure twice and cut once! You can always trim off more if you need to.

For example, if the distance between the blade of the saw is 3 in (7. 6 cm), then clamp the wood 3 1⁄16 in (7. 8 cm) away from the line. The extra 1⁄16 in (0. 16 cm) allows a little room for error. In case any of the laminate chips, then you can sand it away after cutting. Clamp the wood to the part of the counter that you are not cutting off. In other words, if you are cutting off the end of the countertop at the right hand side, then clamp the wood to the left hand side of the line. An approximately 1 in × 2 in (2. 5 cm × 5. 1 cm) piece of wood is sufficient for the guide rail.

The countertop will probably be the same thickness everywhere. However, it’s a good idea to measure it in a couple different places and use the largest number to set your saw depth if it varies at all. Make sure that your saw blade is designed to cut through laminate particle board. [9] X Expert Source Alberto DeJesusConstruction Specialist Expert Interview. 15 December 2021.

Always get your circular saw up to full speed before you begin a cut to ensure a smooth cut. If you aren’t experienced with using a circular saw, then you can practice cutting into the scrap section of the counter that you are going to remove to get a feel for it.

You don’t need to sand if you cut along the line perfectly. You can just remove the tape and you’re done!

Make sure you have plenty of room to work and maneuver the jigsaw.

Some sink manufacturers will provide a template that you can use to trace the exact size of cutout you need for the sink onto the counter. This applies to overmount sinks that sit on top of your laminate countertop with a mounting lip.

The goal is to create a cutout in the counter that fits the sink as tightly as possible. You will be able to make any adjustments at the end.

For example, if the lip is 1⁄2 in (1. 3 cm), then measure in from the lines you traced 1⁄2 in (1. 3 cm) on all sides and lay tape down along the new lines.

Remember that if you make the cut out a little too tight, you can cut off more at the end to get the sink to fit snuggly. When in doubt, mark the outline of the sink a little smaller than you think you need to.

Since the piece of wood is longer than the part you are cutting out, the ends of it will be resting on the countertop and support the cutout until you are done cutting all the way around it. Using just a single screw in the middle will allow you to rotate it to complete the cuts with your jigsaw on either side of it.

Technically, you could get away with just 1 starter hole to allow you to slide the jigsaw in. However, if you make 4 you can maneuver more easily at the corners.

When you reach the ends of the piece of wood you screwed across the cutout, remember to rotate it to let you finish the cut through that side. Don’t worry if your lines aren’t perfectly straight. The mounting lip of the sink will cover up any minor imperfections.

You don’t need to worry about sanding the edges of the cutout since they will be covered up by the sink.