Quartz countertops are one of the strongest types of countertops, but they are also quite brittle, cutting into them requires some level of technical know-how and proper tooling.
You can have your quartz countertop cut either on-site or off-site, both options work fine, but many people prefer on-site cutting, as getting the right cut-out sizes is easier this way.
With the right tools, workspace, and safety gear, you should be able to successfully cut or resize a quartz countertop.
Here’s everything you need to know about working with these slabs of engineered stone.
Can I Cut Quartz Myself?
As I mentioned earlier, it is possible to cut quartz yourself, however, it is not an easy task. Each cut must be made with precision and caution as it costs a lot to rectify mistakes.
Additionally, quartz countertops are extremely heavy, so you’d need an extra set of hands to assist you in moving the slab to a proper position.
The importance of safety gear when embarking on this type of DIY project cannot be stressed enough.
Quartz emits toxic dust when cut, so make sure you have your protective goggles, and a respirator before getting started.
You’d also need some earplugs to protect your ears from the noise of the saw. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants to keep dust and debris from sticking to your body.
If you have children and pets, ensure that where you’re working isn’t easily accessible.
The tools you have available are also major determinants of whether you can cut your quartz yourself, you’ll find below all the tools you’d need to get started.
What Tools Do You Need to Cut Quartz Countertop?
Quartz is a super hard mineral, so you’d need certain types of tools to successfully cut through it. Here’s a list of all the tools you’d need.
Layout all the tools on a table or somewhere you can easily access them, doing this will not only save you time, but it’d also lower the chances of an accident occurring as you move around your workspace.
If you’re new to the DIY scene and have no experience handling construction tools like circular saws, please seek professional help.
How to Cut Quartz Countertop?
Cutting a quartz countertop involves a slightly technical process of measuring a cut-out area, securing the quartz, and sawing the outlined area. Let’s look at the steps in detail.
In 6 easy steps, you can efficiently cut a quartz countertop. Ensure that you undergo each step in an open or well-ventilated area.
Step #1: Secure You Countertop in Place
Find a secure surface or platform to place your countertop then hold it in place with a clamp to keep it from shaking as you cut and work on the slab.
Place a rubber foam between the surface of your quartz and the clamp to keep it from scratching or damaging your quartz.
Step #2: Measure the Area Where You’re Placing Your Countertop
Get your retractable measuring tape and measure the width and the length of your countertop.
For your overhang, add 1½ inches or 3.8 cm to the edge of your countertop when measuring.
The above specification is necessary because quartz countertops generally do not line up perfectly with cabinets.
The length of an overhang can be 1 to 6 inches longer than the units specified above, with the maximum length being 12 inches, anything higher than this number is defective.
Write down the measurements on a piece of paper for reference when you’re cutting your quartz.
A countertop that is going to be placed against a refrigerator or stove should have the overhang measurements excluded from its sides.
Step #3: Mark the Area to Be Cut on Countertop
Using a ruler or a measuring tape, measure the areas on your countertop that are to be cut.
Your sinkhole should be positioned right on top of the water line beneath your countertop. Measure your sink and transfer the dimensions on your cabinet with chalk or a marker.
Refrain from measuring the exact dimensions of your sink’s edges. Add two inches to the measurement of the edge of your sink instead.
The above pointer is to create space for other sink fixtures. If your sink came with a template, you can go ahead and use that to mark the countertop.
Bring out other kitchen equipment you’d like to create space for and proceed to transfer their dimensions onto your countertop.
Once you’ve marked the areas to be cut on your cabinet, write down the measurements on the piece of paper you wrote down the countertop dimensions.
Step #4: Prepare Your Saw for Cutting
Before you prepare your saw, double-check your measurements to make sure they are correct.
Once you have ascertained that there are no errors in the markings and measurements on your countertop, you can ready your saw.
Make sure you have all your safety gear on, before proceeding to affix the diamond saw blade on your circular saw.
Reference the instruction manual of the saw to make sure the blade is well secured. If you’re using a wet saw, fill the reservoir with water and have it running for some minutes.
Step #5: Cut the Marked Areas with the Saw
Guide the saw blade gently through your quartz making sure to follow the markings. Do not apply too much pressure as you can lose control of the saw this way and get hurt.
If you’re making use of a dry saw, you’d notice smoke billowing from the saw blade at some point into its use.
This is perfectly normal, take a 2 minutes break from cutting your countertop to allow the blade to cool down then pick up where you left off.
Step #6: Smoothen Out the Cuts
Once you’re done cutting your countertop you’d notice that the cuts are quite rough or jagged.
Use a polishing wheel to smooth out the stone, this would make it nicer and give it a finished and neat appearance.
Can You Cut Quartz with A Masonry Blade?
Masonry blades are capable of cutting through stucco, marble, asphalt, concrete, and granite so they should be able to cut through quartz.
They aren’t proficient at cutting through thick surfaces, to be more precise, surfaces that are more than ¼ of an inch thick, and they can be quite slow but they get the job done.
Go for diamond masonry blades when picking out this type of blade for a heavy-duty project.
Can I Cut Quartz with A Tile Saw?
You’ll have little luck cutting quartz with a tile saw, this is because quartz is too tough to yield to the blade of this type of saw.
Tile saws are better off used to cut porcelain, ceramic, and stone tiles. Using this tool to cut a quartz slab or countertop is nearly impossible.
How Much Does It Cost to Cut Quartz Countertops?
You can get a contractor to cut and install your marble countertops at an average cost of $19 per square foot of your quartz slab.
The cost of cutting and installing quartz also depends on the experience level of your contractor and what city or area you live in.
Professional contractors will charge about $50 per hour, this rate can go up considerably if you live in an expensive city.
Also, technical factors like if leveling is required, the number of slab cut-outs you need, the edging design or finishing incorporated, how many seams your countertop has, and the number of supports needed, can make your installation bill go up as well.
So, let’s say you get a 30-square feet countertop, you’d spend about $2,950 – $3,000 on your slab and installation.
Final Thoughts
Quartz countertops might be expensive but they are definitely worth the buy. Unlike natural stones like marble, they are not easy to stain, so they can easily be maintained.
We hope we’ve been able to provide you with a detailed guide on how to work your way around these slabs of stone.
Do not hesitate to seek professional help at any point in time you run into issues when cutting.
Sources
www.houzz.com/cost/16-cost-to-install-quartz-countertops
www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/kitchen-remodel/cut-quartz-countertop
