Replacing counter tops, sink, and other appliances yourself can save you a lot of money on a kitchen renovation. In fact, we saved almost $650 by removing the old countertops ourselves. This is the fourth counter top installation we have done for either ourselves or friends but the first granite installation. Removal of the existing counter tops is not that difficult but I have a few tips for anyone who is interested.
Wear Safety Equipment While Removing Countertops
As with any DIY, wear the proper gear such as gloves, masks, glasses, and proper shoes. You never know when you are going to drop a hammer on your foot or step on a nail. You should also use the proper safety equipment to prepare for the unexpected, particularly if you have an older home. Are you prepared to deal with such hazards as asbestos, lead paint, or mold? In our kitchen, we knew their was some mold behind the sink from the previous owners. We were ecstatic to find out that it was only very superficial and had not extended down anywhere else. However, we wore masks because we did not know what we would find or what type of mold it was.
Unfortunately, we also found that the previous installers had hammered out the wall behind the counter tops in order to force the laminate counter tops to fit. This is, apparently, a common occurrence. Since we were not installing a 4 inch lip on the back, this meant patching the drywall with new drywall.
Check for Proper Fit of New Countertops
If you are also replacing your sink or any appliance with connections, make sure the connections will properly fit before the install. Make sure the pipes, gas lines, and electrical are long enough for a potential change in height. This is particularly true if you are changing the depth of the sink. Will the garbage disposal still hook up properly? Check not only how much room you have under the sink but also that the lines coming from the wall will accommodate a change in height.
Many people do not realize that sinks only include the shell in the price. You will have to purchase the drain kits if reinstalling yourself.
How To Remove Counter Tops
After the space is cleared and any appliances are removed, you can remove the existing countertops. There are essentially only two ways in which countertops are installed. They either screw into brackets to keep them from shifting, as is the case of laminate counter tops, or they simply rest on the cabinets themselves.
There is often a caulk line between the cabinets and the countertop. To remove, use a utility knife, and cut the caulk line, being careful not to mar the cabinet faces. If there are brackets on the inside of the cabinets, unscrew them and then gently lift the countertops. Gently scrape any excess caulk left over, again making sure not to mar the cabinet faces. That’s all there is to it!
How to Check for Level of New Countertops
It’s a fact that houses settle and that cabinets may not be level. A good countertop installer will make sure that your counter tops are level. However, always make sure your counter tops are shimmed properly. Do this by placing a level on the counter tops before your installers leave.
Remove Everything From your Cabinets
Dust will happen. Dropping something may happen. That will leave your dishes and bake-ware exposed.
Review and Approve Everything
Very few things are cut on site. If you have a natural stone, make sure you approve not only the slab, but the placement of the cuts as well. There may be a mar in a section of the counter top you want to avoid or you want to minimize any seams. Ask to see the slab with the cut markings on it before they cut. The outlets behind our bar were not correctly measured and cut on-site. They had to bring out a new piece a couple of days later to fix that but it was worth it. On a laminate bar top we did a few years ago, we made absolutely sure they would use one solid piece without seams because it was 45 inches wide. Reviewing and asking questions is very important when you are working with any company.
Looking for More Kitchen DIY Projects? We have tons from our Renovations:
- Easy Kitchen Backsplash with Peel and Stick Glass Tile
- Tips for Painting Old Kitchen Cabinets
- How to Use AirStone for a Faux Stone Breakfast Bar
- How to Deep Clean the Kitchen (free printable checklist)
Save Time Painting Cabinets 
Kitchen Remodel Reveal 
10 Creative Kitchen Ideas
Universal Stone says
Removal and installation of countertops at home is not an easy task as it sounds as it needs lots of experience. I think only a professional can do it perfectly because he/she knows the countertops level as well as the placement of the cuts very well. Keep it up!
Oscar Morrison says
It’s good to remember to check the fit of new countertops before installing them. My wife and I have been thinking about remodeling our kitchen, especially our countertops since the previous owners had cut food directly on them and left grooves everywhere. We’ll have to check and make sure we have enough space available to make our new counters fit the way we want them to.
Katie Wilson says
Thanks for these tips on how to find a good countertop. I agree that the materials are really important to consider as well. My husband and I are looking for a countertop, so we’ll have to consider the materials first.
Larry Weaver says
Thanks for the tip to approve the placement of the cuts when getting new countertops. My kitchen has countertops that are falling apart because of heavy use and old age. With one corner starting to crumble, I will look into getting new countertops professionally installed for my home.
Max Jones says
My wife and I have been wanting to do some renovating in our kitchen, and I think that having a new countertop installation would pull the new look all together well. I’m glad that you talked about how important it is that you check for the right fit for your countertop, and that the sink and everything will fit and work properly. I’m going to have to look into some different options for our countertop installation and hopefully we’ll get something that looks and fits really well!
John Ferrell says
You said that we should approve everything. If I was going to get a new countertop I would want to know that it was something that I wanted. Maybe I should look at different types of countertops before I choose one.
Westly Smith says
I like your tip to wear safety equipment when removing your countertop. I had a friend who found asbestos under their table. Just like you say, there can be some dangerous things that you are unaware of. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Lauren Woodley says
Wow, I really love how your kitchen turned out! I think the stone is a really unique addition, and it makes the whole room look very polished and updated. Additionally, I really liked the color of your countertops. I like that it’s not too busy, so it meshes well with the other colors and designs in the kitchen. Overall, thank you for sharing your progress!
Natalie Darcy says
I have been wanting to replace my counter-tops for a while, but I wasn’t sure how complicated it would be. For this reason, I greatly appreciate your step by step instructions on what needs to be checked for something like this. I agree that it is imperative to be sure that the counter fits perfectly around all of the appliances already installed in you kitchen. Thank you for the helpful article and for all of the professional tips about counters.
Rachel says
I appreciate your wonderful and sincere comment. I hope your install goes smoothly!
Erlene says
Wow, you’re on a roll girl! Can’t wait to see what you’ve picked for your back splash area.
Rachel says
I am in love with the backsplash! It’s funny that you mention it. I had to fight for it though because I wanted a white backsplash with no decorative tiles. We already have some pretty bold choices in the kitchen so I needed something to be more subtle. Everyone tried to convince me to add a border, or add metal tiles, or whatever. But after seeing it up, I know I was totally right to ignore them! haha. Even hubby admits that I was right. Can’t wait to show it off.
Stella Lee (@Purfylle) says
Thanks for the tips, we desperately need to get our kitchen re-done and I have no idea what to ask so this is really great.
Jen says
Wow that looks fabulous! I hate, hate, hate my nasty 80’s counter tops. I want them gone. I think I will bookmark this post and leave it open for the hubs so that he won’t be surprised when he comes home one day and they are removed.
Erica says
Looks beautiful!! And really good tips. Hoping to re-do my kitchen someday soon!
Bam's Kitchen says
Really nice job, installation looks professional. Love the new counter top! When we lived back in the States we did all of our own renovations and alot of muscle and time can save you lots in cash. Looking forward to see your phase of the renovation plans.
Rebecca says
I am blown away by the progress you’ve made! When you say 40% progress I’m like…huh? Not finished? lol Great job! and ow at the possibility of dropping a hammer on your foot
Rachel says
Oh Noes, we ain’t done! The backsplash still needs tiled, some open shelving, and all the decorative and functional touches are still left to go. That floor is driving me crazy now though. The beige sticks out like a toddler yelling neener, neener! But I have to wait until we get ready to do all the hardwoods on the main floor. Maybe or I might just get impatient one day, haha! btw, grats for catching up and actually reading all of it. I am impressed, lol.