PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Home and Garden
Furniture
Countertops and Kitchen Benches
How to Cut Corian Download ArticleAn in-depth guide to measuring, cutting, and finishing Corian Co-authored by Lui Colmenares and Eric McClure
Last Updated: May 23, 2024 References
Download Article
Measuring and Marking Cuts
|
Cutting with a Circular Saw
|
Finishing the Edges
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Lui Colmenares and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Lui Colmenares is a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor and Handyman for Mr. Handy NYC based in New York City, New York. Lui is trained and educated as an industrial engineer and specializes in carpentry, painting, and general handyman work such as mounting TVs, doorknob and deadbolt installation, furniture assembly, tile repair, and grouting. Mr. Handy NYC prides itself on quality work performed with speed, skill, and punctuality. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 94,322 times.
Corian is a hard-surface building material made out of acrylic and aluminum ore. It is commonly used for countertops and is often mistaken for marble or granite.[1]XResearch source To cut Corian, use a circular saw with a carbide-tipped blade to avoid chipping or cracking the material. Mark your cut line, line up the saw's base plate, and set the blade depth. Then, pull the trigger on the saw and move it forward to create a smooth cut. Be sure to wear protective eyewear and a dust mask or respirator, since the dust created when cutting Corian can irritate the lungs and eyes.
Things You Should Know
Measure the height, length, depth, and width of the installation area. Mark the dimensions on the underside of the Corian slab with a grease marker.
Line up the circular saw's base plate with the top of the grease marking. Use the lever to set the depth of the blade before locking it in.
Pull the trigger on the saw and move it forward to start cutting the Corian. Smooth out the cut edges with 100-150 grit sandpaper.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Measuring and Marking Cuts
Download Article
1 Measure the area where you’re installing your Corian. Take measurements for the height, length, depth, and width of your area using a retractable measuring tape. Double-check your measurements before you mark anything on your Corian. Jot down the dimensions on a piece of paper so that you can easily refer to them. You don’t want to waste an entire slab of material because your initial measurement was off!
2 Steady your Corian upside-down on top of your work surface. You can use two sawhorses, a stable workbench, or a cutting table to cut your Corian. Corian can be rather heavy, so you should use a larger workbench if your slab of Corian is particularly big.
Use clamps to hold the Corian in place, if necessary.
Advertisement
3 Mark your Corian where you’re going to cut with a grease marker. On the underside of your Corian, use your previous measurements to measure out and mark the dimensions that you need to cut with a grease marker. Use a straight edge and tilt your marker at a 45-degree angle to steady your hand as you draw your lines.
You want to mark the underside of the Corian so that there are no visible markings left after you’ve installed it.
4 Attach a triple chip blade and made of tungsten carbide to your saw. You can use any kind of circular saw to cut Corian, but the blade has to be a triple chip blade made out of tungsten carbide. Any other sawblade can damage your Corian or your circular saw. You could also risk losing control of your circular saw, which could be disastrous.
Your saw’s material and blade type will be printed on the side of the saw blade.
Warning: You cannot use a ripping or combination blade, even if it is triple chip and made of tungsten carbide. It will cut your Corian unevenly and permanently damage it.
5 Put on your protective eyewear and dust mask or respirator. While the chemical components of Corian are non-toxic, there are health hazards associated with the cutting of Corian. The dust caused by cutting is an irritant and can damage your lungs, throat, and eyes. Wear protective eyewear and a dust mask or respirator before you start cutting.[2]XResearch source
Make your cuts in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside.
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Cutting with a Circular Saw
Download Article
1 Put a straight edge next to the guiding line with clamps for clean cuts. Clamp a leveler 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) away from your grease marking, parallel to the guiding line that you’re going to cut. Place the base plate of your saw against the straight edge where you plan on cutting to ensure that the guiding line on the saw and the grease marking are on top of one another. Make adjustments to the placement of your leveler if you need to move the straight edge.[3]XResearch source
A straight edge will support the base plate of your circular saw while you cut
A leveler is a rectangular tool that contains a measuring side and a sequence of tubes with air bubbles in them. The air bubbles float back and forth depending on how you hold it, and you can tell if you have a level surface if the bubbles float in the middle.
Keep your leveler on the side opposite of your circular saw’s handle. This will put any excess pressure on the straight edge and keep your blade from sliding away as you cut.
Tip: A leveler has have the added benefit of letting you know whether your work surface is flat or not.
2 Put your circular saw on top of the grease marking. On the edge of your slab of Corian, use the guiding line on the base plate of your saw to line it up with the grease marking where you want to cut. Set the depth of your blade by using the lever on the side and lifting your saw blade before locking it in.[4]XResearch source
Make your blade to extend slightly beyond the bottom of your Corian slab, roughly 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm).[5]XResearch source
Put both hands on the upper handles of your circular saw before you start cutting.
3 Pull the trigger on your saw and begin to cut along your line. Wait for the blade to spin at full speed before you start moving it forward. Push your saw forward slightly and as your blade begins to cut the Corian, stop pushing. The saw will do the work for you and the blades will naturally pull it forward.[6]XResearch source
When your cut is complete, wait for your blade to come to a complete stop before moving it.
4 Release the trigger if you encounter kickback or smoke. The friction between your saw blade and the Corian may create a lot of heat. If your saw blade starts to smoke, you’re moving too quickly. Wait for a few minutes and let your blade cool down before you continue to cut. If your blade jumps as you’re cutting and starts kicking back, release the trigger and wait for a moment before you resume cutting.
Advertisement Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Finishing the Edges
Download Article
1 Inspect your edges for any pieces you may have missed. Look along every edge where you cut and look for any chunks of Corian that you may have missed with your circular saw. You need the edges of your Corian to be flat when installing it, so if you missed a section, reattach your circular saw and cut again.
2 Start sanding your edges with 100-150 grit sandpaper. Use medium-grit sandpaper to begin smoothing your edges. Attach your sandpaper to your sander and turn it on. Hold it up to the edge of your Corian and carefully press it into the material so that it rests on top. Slide your sander back and forth along each section of the edges to remove excess bumps and sharp edges.[7]XResearch source
You can opt for a sanding belt or a sanding disc. They’ll both work for the job.[8]XResearch source
You can sand your edges by hand, but it will take quite a bit of energy and won’t result in a uniform finish.
3 Move up to a higher grit if you’re having trouble getting a clean finish. If the sides and edges of your Corian are still rough after 2-3 applications of the sandpaper, move up to 320-400 grit. The lighter sandpaper will help wear away the smaller bumps and groves in your Corian.[9]XResearch source
4 Inspect your edges by running your hand along them slowly. Without applying any pressure, run your hand along the edges of your Corian. If each side is smooth to the touch, then you’re done sanding and are ready for installation. If they’re still a little bumpy or coarse, continue sanding before testing them again.
Tip: You can round your edges with your sander if you don’t want each corner to be a perfect 90-degree angle. Just make sure that you’ve accounted for this when you measured your Corian.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Things You’ll Need
Measuring Your Cuts
Retractable measuring tape
Dust mask or respirator
Protective eyewear
Grease marker
Using Your Circular Saw
Circular saw
Triple-chip tungsten carbide saw blade
Stable work surface
Leveler (optional)
Clamps
Finishing Your Edges
Sandpaper
Sander
You Might Also Like
How toCut CountertopsA Complete Guide to Cutting Quartz CountertopHow toCut LaminateHow to Cut Formica Without Any Chipping: Easy StepsHow to Cut Granite YourselfHow to Cut Plexiglass & Acrylic Sheets (Straight and Curved Lines)How toInstall FormicaHow toCut Corrugated MetalHow toCut PolycarbonateHow toCut Laminate CountertopHow toCut Tiles Without a Tile CutterThe Best and Safest Way to Cut Cement Backer BoardHow to Safely Cut Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)How toCut Marble Tiles Advertisement
Co-authored by: Lui Colmenares Licensed Contractor This article was co-authored by Lui Colmenares and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Lui Colmenares is a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor and Handyman for Mr. Handy NYC based in New York City, New York. Lui is trained and educated as an industrial engineer and specializes in carpentry, painting, and general handyman work such as mounting TVs, doorknob and deadbolt installation, furniture assembly, tile repair, and grouting. Mr. Handy NYC prides itself on quality work performed with speed, skill, and punctuality. This article has been viewed 94,322 times. 43 votes - 90% Co-authors: 4Updated: May 23, 2024 Views: 94,322 Categories: Countertops and Kitchen Benches
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 94,322 times.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Lui Colmenares Licensed Contractor Co-authors: 4Updated: May 23, 2024 Views: 94,32290% of readers found this article helpful. 43 votes - 90% Click a star to add your vote
Quizzes & Games
What's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Minecraft Player Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Crystal Do I Need QuizTake QuizWhat Haircut Should I Get QuizTake QuizWhat Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toCut CountertopsA Complete Guide to Cutting Quartz CountertopHow toCut LaminateHow to Cut Formica Without Any Chipping: Easy Steps
Featured Articles
What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I Quiz13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness Test
Trending Articles
Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I Quiz
Featured Articles
How toEnjoy the HolidaysHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly Quiz200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy BetterHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz
Featured Articles
21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me Quiz15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More
Watch Articles
How toWrap a Round GiftHow toSteam in an OvenHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaHow toPart Your Hair
Trending Articles
180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentAm I a Furry QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizRandom Fortune GeneratorWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)
Quizzes & Games
What’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizIQ TestTake QuizHair Curl Type QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizAm I Chopped QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Home and Garden
Furniture
Countertops and Kitchen Benches
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Develop the tech skills you need for work and life
Download Article An in-depth guide to measuring, cutting, and finishing Corian Co-authored by Lui Colmenares and Eric McClure 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Lui Colmenares Licensed Contractor This article was co-authored by Lui Colmenares and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Lui Colmenares is a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor and Handyman for Mr. Handy NYC based in New York City, New York. Lui is trained and educated as an industrial engineer and specializes in carpentry, painting, and general handyman work such as mounting TVs, doorknob and deadbolt installation, furniture assembly, tile repair, and grouting. Mr. Handy NYC prides itself on quality work performed with speed, skill, and punctuality. This article has been viewed 94,322 times. 43 votes - 90% Co-authors: 4 Updated: May 23, 2024 Views: 94,322 Categories: Countertops and Kitchen Benches 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
599 
1 Measure the area where you’re installing your Corian. Take measurements for the height, length, depth, and width of your area using a retractable measuring tape. Double-check your measurements before you mark anything on your Corian. Jot down the dimensions on a piece of paper so that you can easily refer to them. You don’t want to waste an entire slab of material because your initial measurement was off! 
2 Steady your Corian upside-down on top of your work surface. You can use two sawhorses, a stable workbench, or a cutting table to cut your Corian. Corian can be rather heavy, so you should use a larger workbench if your slab of Corian is particularly big. 
3 Mark your Corian where you’re going to cut with a grease marker. On the underside of your Corian, use your previous measurements to measure out and mark the dimensions that you need to cut with a grease marker. Use a straight edge and tilt your marker at a 45-degree angle to steady your hand as you draw your lines. 
4 Attach a triple chip blade and made of tungsten carbide to your saw. You can use any kind of circular saw to cut Corian, but the blade has to be a triple chip blade made out of tungsten carbide. Any other sawblade can damage your Corian or your circular saw. You could also risk losing control of your circular saw, which could be disastrous. 
5 Put on your protective eyewear and dust mask or respirator. While the chemical components of Corian are non-toxic, there are health hazards associated with the cutting of Corian. The dust caused by cutting is an irritant and can damage your lungs, throat, and eyes. Wear protective eyewear and a dust mask or respirator before you start cutting.[2] 
1 Put a straight edge next to the guiding line with clamps for clean cuts. Clamp a leveler 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) away from your grease marking, parallel to the guiding line that you’re going to cut. Place the base plate of your saw against the straight edge where you plan on cutting to ensure that the guiding line on the saw and the grease marking are on top of one another. Make adjustments to the placement of your leveler if you need to move the straight edge.[3] 
2 Put your circular saw on top of the grease marking. On the edge of your slab of Corian, use the guiding line on the base plate of your saw to line it up with the grease marking where you want to cut. Set the depth of your blade by using the lever on the side and lifting your saw blade before locking it in.[4] 
3 Pull the trigger on your saw and begin to cut along your line. Wait for the blade to spin at full speed before you start moving it forward. Push your saw forward slightly and as your blade begins to cut the Corian, stop pushing. The saw will do the work for you and the blades will naturally pull it forward.[6] 
4 Release the trigger if you encounter kickback or smoke. The friction between your saw blade and the Corian may create a lot of heat. If your saw blade starts to smoke, you’re moving too quickly. Wait for a few minutes and let your blade cool down before you continue to cut. If your blade jumps as you’re cutting and starts kicking back, release the trigger and wait for a moment before you resume cutting. Advertisement 
1 Inspect your edges for any pieces you may have missed. Look along every edge where you cut and look for any chunks of Corian that you may have missed with your circular saw. You need the edges of your Corian to be flat when installing it, so if you missed a section, reattach your circular saw and cut again. 
2 Start sanding your edges with 100-150 grit sandpaper. Use medium-grit sandpaper to begin smoothing your edges. Attach your sandpaper to your sander and turn it on. Hold it up to the edge of your Corian and carefully press it into the material so that it rests on top. Slide your sander back and forth along each section of the edges to remove excess bumps and sharp edges.[7] 
3 Move up to a higher grit if you’re having trouble getting a clean finish. If the sides and edges of your Corian are still rough after 2-3 applications of the sandpaper, move up to 320-400 grit. The lighter sandpaper will help wear away the smaller bumps and groves in your Corian.[9] 
4 Inspect your edges by running your hand along them slowly. Without applying any pressure, run your hand along the edges of your Corian. If each side is smooth to the touch, then you’re done sanding and are ready for installation. If they’re still a little bumpy or coarse, continue sanding before testing them again.