formica sheets- Cutting Formica laminate countertop sheets guide
Formica sheets come in many colors and surface textures so they are a good option if you wan't to make your kitchen or bathroom counters look very good, but you are on budget.
Formica countertops are used all over the world, because they provide so many styling options, are relatively inexpensive and very durable. Formica laminate is also widely used for work benches in your garage or work place.
Formica sheets are for sale in most retail hardware stores and can be quite easily installed by yourself, because cutting the laminate sheets is not as hard as you might be afraid off. All you have to do is read some manuals on how to cut Formica sheets and you’ll be fine. You will also need some items, but we’ll get to that later in the article.
If you buy Formica sheets instead of premade countertops and cut it to proper size yourself, you may save a lot of money and have more choice of colors and surfaces. Just make sure you check different Formica sheet suppliers and get their best Formica sheet offers, so you’ll buy your laminate sheets at the lowest prices possible.
Also try to get real Formica sheet samples, so you can check how you like the surface texture, which is harder if looking at a picture. The textures can vary from shiny to darker and you can also choose the smoothness. The color should also depend on the location of the countertop. For example, black Formica sheets are probably more appropriate for some people, as white ones tend to get dirty faster.
If you don’t feel comfortable cutting the laminate sheets by yourself, you can also hire a contractor, which will cut them to the appropriate sheet size for you. Make sure he gives you a calculation of the estimated costs in writing, so you won’t have problems with the price after the installation process.
If you would like to save some money and you are a man that likes to do things himself, here is a Step-by-Step guide on how to cut your Formica sheets to the appropriate sizes.
It consists of only 6 steps so don’t hesitate with reading it, so you will be able to do a great job. The most important thing that you will need for cutting is a hard surface that is big enough for the sheet.
1. Step: Unroll the sheet on your cutting table. Make sure it is face up and that it won’t move during the cutting.
2. Step: Use a ballpoint pen, to mark the proper size of the laminate sheet.
3. Step: Protect the laminate from chipping during the cutting process with masking tape. Tape it over the line you’ve drawn earlier and then draw another line on the same place, just on the masking tape.
4. Step: For a straight line it is best that you use a straight edge. Find something appropriate and put it on the masking tape in such a way, that you can hold it with your left hand and cut the Formica sheet with your right.
5. Step: Cut it with a steady movement.
6. Step: Take the piece that is to be removed and lift it slightly. It should separate from the remaining sheet. Repeat the process a bit lower, till the waste piece is completely separated.
Congratulations you’ve successfully cut your laminate sheet to the proper size.