Yes, the question might be hard to answer. If you're skilled at this, you’ll cut it yourself, and if you're rich, you won't care about the cost 
We’re getting a new countertop, and we’ve chosen a laminate surface from LG Collection. The countertop itself will cost 1500-2000 (170 cm long), but a cutout for the hob costs an extra 600! The frugality is creeping in, and I'm thinking, "how hard can it be." The salesperson at the building store didn’t recommend it because he tried and wasn't completely satisfied.
If there’s a little chipping, will the hob not seal completely against the laminate, and is there a risk of water getting underneath? Or do you seal between the hob and countertop during installation?
The countertop has edges (laminate) on the short sides and front, but not the back. Isn't there a risk that water can creep in on the back if you have a poor seal against the tile or something? Or is it a waste of money to add a laminate edge on the back? In that case, you could skip it on one short side too, since it will also be against a tiled wall.
We’re getting a new countertop, and we’ve chosen a laminate surface from LG Collection. The countertop itself will cost 1500-2000 (170 cm long), but a cutout for the hob costs an extra 600! The frugality is creeping in, and I'm thinking, "how hard can it be." The salesperson at the building store didn’t recommend it because he tried and wasn't completely satisfied.
If there’s a little chipping, will the hob not seal completely against the laminate, and is there a risk of water getting underneath? Or do you seal between the hob and countertop during installation?
The countertop has edges (laminate) on the short sides and front, but not the back. Isn't there a risk that water can creep in on the back if you have a poor seal against the tile or something? Or is it a waste of money to add a laminate edge on the back? In that case, you could skip it on one short side too, since it will also be against a tiled wall.
Know-It-All
· Stockholms län
· 822 posts
I have inset a sink into a laminate countertop, and there were no problems. Saw with the underside up using a standard jigsaw blade so it doesn't chip too much.
The edge of the cooktop will cover the hole, so the cutting will not be visible when the cooktop is installed.
Seal the edges with bathroom silicone to avoid moisture damage to the countertop.
The edge of the cooktop will cover the hole, so the cutting will not be visible when the cooktop is installed.
Seal the edges with bathroom silicone to avoid moisture damage to the countertop.
Know-It-All
· Stockholms län
· 822 posts
On a stovetop that I replaced in my previous home, there was a "rubber seal" that sealed against the countertop. I painted a bit of regular paint on the cut for safety's sake. It can't be seen from the top.
If boards chip a lot, it can also help to tape them before cutting.
If boards chip a lot, it can also help to tape them before cutting.
I sawed it myself with an old cheap jigsaw that didn't cut straight. It was no problem, I sawed from the underside so I could see where the cut would be. It didn't chip because I had taped it with masking tape to be able to draw (dark countertop), but I don't think it would have chipped anyway. Then I smeared silicone on the cut surface and applied an aluminum strip to protect against the heat (came with the hob).
If you fasten the hob with silicone, you will regret it when it needs repairs or for other reasons it needs to be removed.
If you order the slab with a hole in it, you have to be completely sure about where the hole should be. I prefer to see it in place to make sure it's just right.
If you fasten the hob with silicone, you will regret it when it needs repairs or for other reasons it needs to be removed.
If you order the slab with a hole in it, you have to be completely sure about where the hole should be. I prefer to see it in place to make sure it's just right.
I have used both a circular saw and a jigsaw. Completely according to handysmurf:s guidelines. From the underside and taped where I sawed. Turned out great.
Use a jigsaw blade suitable for the material and start by test cutting a part in the piece you are going to cut off.
Do not paint non-visible sides but use primer if you want extra protection.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Byggahus
Do not paint non-visible sides but use primer if you want extra protection.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Byggahus
The other day I watched an episode of "Arga Snickaren" where they sawed a hole in the countertop with a jigsaw. They left a bit intact in all the corners and then screwed one or two boards, slightly larger than the hole, onto the piece that was to be removed, so that it couldn't fall down when they sawed off the four corners.
Season 7, episode eight 'Anders fixar ett fungerande hem' about 32 minutes into the program (probably available to watch online)
http://www.kanal5play.se/program/226052/video/5239086
Season 7, episode eight 'Anders fixar ett fungerande hem' about 32 minutes into the program (probably available to watch online)
http://www.kanal5play.se/program/226052/video/5239086
Make sure the jigsaw is set to 0 in the pendulum setting to minimize splintering. If it still feels risky, I usually score along the line. That provides a guide that prevents splintering. However, this is mostly needed when cutting veneer sheets. Tape is also good, as mentioned.