My Tile backsplash installer left 1 1/2quot; hardiebacker exposed at the top for me. I am finding out that it's not that easy to cut. It is 42quot; wide and I need to make as straight a cut as possible so I can put my rangehood flush to the wall. The cement board is 1/2quot; thick. Cabinets have already been installed on either side. Please help. Thanks in advance.
If you have enough room, try using a circular saw with either a diamond blade or one designed for cement board. Set the saw blade depth to about 1/32 shallower than the thickness of the cement board (15/32). You don't want the saw to cut into the wall unless that part will be redone or covered. Use a utility knife to carefully cut away the jagged parts of the edge.
Hello Gregory and congratulations on the new range hood! My response is somewhat low-tech but may minimize the dust created when working with the cement board. You will remove the 42” board in section to take out the 1-1/2” width while working between the installed cabinets. Using a scorer or utility knife (a large razor will work also), cut along the 42” length several times – you may need to score it 5 or 6 times to get a deep enough cut through the ?” thickness. Every 6” or so make a vertical cut to minimize the stress on the cement board. Use a chisel and hammer to pop out the 1-1/2” width – you may even be able to “pop” (pull the board out towards yourself) in deeply cut sections. Best wishes on your kitchen project.
