Cutting Quartz Countertops
Circular Saw with Diamond Blade
The most common and effective way to make straight cuts in quartz countertops is using a circular saw equipped with a diamond blade. The diamond grit on the blade is harder than the quartz crystals, allowing for smooth, clean cuts. Choose a high-quality diamond blade specifically designed for cutting stone to get the best results. A standard 7-1/4″ circular saw works well for most countertop applications. Make sure to use a rigid straight edge as a guide when making cuts. The diamond blade should cut through the quartz slabs evenly and smoothly without cracking or chipping. Lubricating the blade with water will help keep the blade cool.
Jigsaw with Diamond Blade
For making curved or irregular cuts, a jigsaw fitted with a diamond grit blade is ideal. The narrow blade on a jigsaw allows you to maneuver tight curves and cut openings like those needed for sinks. As with a circular saw, lubricating the jigsaw blade with water helps prevent overheating. Clamp guides in place to get smooth, accurate curves. Make relief cuts if needed when cutting tight inside curves. Jigsaws with variable speed settings give you control over the cutting speed.
Angle Grinder with Diamond Blade
Angle grinders are useful for accessing hard-to-reach areas and provide maximum control for detailing and finishing cuts. Choose a 4-1/2″ angle grinder designed for use with diamond blades. The small size allows for greater precision. Keep a firm grip on the angle grinder, taking light passes, to avoid cracking the quartz. Lubricating the blade with water prevents overheating and keeps the blade from gumming up. Angle grinders are the perfect tool for trimming around sinks for a custom fit.
Oscillating Multi-Tool with Diamond Grit Blade
Oscillating multi-tools feature a rapid side-to-side motion that comes in handy when you need to cut openings in an existing countertop for installing a sink. The narrow blade can access tight spaces. Look for diamond grit oscillating blades made specifically for cutting stone materials. Clamp straight edges in place as guides for clean cuts. The variable speed on most oscillating multi-tools lets you match the blade speed to the material being cut.
Hole Saw with Diamond Grit Teeth
When you need to drill openings for fixtures like faucets, a diamond grit hole saw is the best choice. The diamond coating on the drill bit grinds smoothly through quartz without cracking or chipping. Lubricating the hole saw with water will help keep it from overheating. Let the tool do the work rather than applying excessive pressure. Start with a smaller pilot hole before using the hole saw.
Router with Diamond Bit
A router with a diamond bit allows you to cut bevels, chamfers, edge profiles, and decorative details on your quartz countertop edges. Maintain a steady feed rate and router speed to avoid chipping. Clamp a straight edge guide in place if needed to get straight edges. Routers give you the versatility to personalize the look of your countertop edges.
Cutting Techniques
- Always refer to the quartz manufacturer’s specific recommendations for cutting as some products may require special techniques.
- Work slowly and steadily, allowing the tool to do the work. Applying too much pressure can cause cracks and chips.
- Keep the cutting blade lubricated with water to prevent overheating, reduce friction, and wash away ground quartz particles.
- Support the countertop slab fully and as close to the cut line as possible to minimize vibration.
- Make several light passes rather than trying to cut all the way through the quartz in one pass.
- For curved cuts, drill holes at the tightest inside curves prior to cutting to reduce stress on the quartz.
- Use sharp, undamaged blades designed specifically for cutting stone materials. Replace blades when they become dull, chipped or gummed up for best performance.
Cutting quartz countertops requires the right tools and techniques, but the results are well worth the effort. Investing in quality diamond grit cutting blades gives you the ability to achieve cuts customized to your space. Taking the time to properly measure and mark your cuts will ensure accuracy. With care and patience, you can get professional-looking results cutting your own quartz countertops.
FAQs About Cutting Quartz Countertops
What is the cheapest way to cut quartz countertops?
The most affordable option for cutting quartz countertops is using a circular saw with a diamond blade. A good quality diamond blade designed specifically for cutting stone materials can be purchased for $40-60. Paired with a standard circular saw, you can make accurate straight cuts without having to rent or buy expensive specialized cutting equipment.
Can you cut quartz countertops with a jigsaw?
Yes, a jigsaw with a diamond grit blade designed for cutting stone materials works very well for making curved and irregular cuts in quartz slabs. The narrow blade allows you to maneuver tight angles and curves. Make relief cuts when needed and work slowly. Using a jigsaw is an ideal DIY method for quartz countertop projects requiring cutouts for sinks.
What kind of blade do you use to cut quartz?
Always use diamond blades when cutting quartz countertops. Diamond is harder than quartz crystals so it can grind through the material smoothly. Circular saws, jigsaws, angle grinders and oscillating tools all require a diamond grit blade. Look for “stone cutting” diamond blades specifically made for quartz and engineered stone. Lubricating the blades with water prevents overheating and keeps the diamond grit sharp.
How do you cut holes in quartz countertops?
Use a diamond grit hole saw to cut holes for fixtures in quartz countertops. Starting with a smaller pilot hole before using the hole saw reduces stress on the quartz. Let the tool do the work, applying steady pressure. Some quartz can chip when cut with standard twist drill bits, making diamond hole saws the best choice. Lubricate the saw and cool it with water while cutting.
Can you cut quartz countertops with a circular saw?
Yes, a circular saw outfitted with the appropriate diamond blade is the most common tool used to cut quartz countertops. The 7-1/4” size circular saw works well for most straight cuts needed for countertop installations. Cutting quartz does produce a lot of dust, so use a shop vacuum near the cut line to contain it. Make several light passes for smooth cuts. Always clamp a straightedge to the countertop as a guide.
Conclusion
Cutting quartz countertops to fit your space is achievable with the right diamond grit cutting tools. Circular saws, jigsaws, angle grinders, oscillating tools, hole saws and routers all produce clean results when used properly with diamond blades. Supporting the slab near the cut line and making multiple light passes prevents cracking. While cutting quartz creates dust, the durable material holds up well to cutting and shaping with diamond tooling. Investing in quality diamond blades designed specifically for stone cutting gives DIYers the ability to customize their countertops professionally. With proper preparation and technique, quartz countertops can be cut and installed as a do-it-yourself project.