Learn how to remove countertops to save you money on a kitchen remodel. We have included removing laminate countertops as well as stone or granite. This project is fairly easy for a beginner but may require some help from strong friends.
Often times, installers won’t tell you about the hidden costs of their installation prices. Current prices for removing old countertops are about $17-30 a square foot! In fact, we saved, on average, $650 by removing the old countertops ourselves during several renovations including replacing bathroom vanity tops and kitchen countertops.
If you are relatively handy, removing countertops is a pretty straight forward do it yourself.
There are essentially only two ways in which countertops are installed. They either screwed into brackets, as is the case of laminate counter tops, or they simply rest on the cabinets themselves. Today, I am taking you step by step through how to remove a countertop to save money!
Recommended Tools and Supplies
- Screwdriver or drill with attachment
- A Caulk knife or box cutter
- Adjustable Wrench (to loosen pipes for sink, faucet or stove)
- Bucket
- Putty knife
- Flashlight
- Prybar – to remove the 4-inch lip surround if you have one.
- Reciprocating saw – only needed to break very large or heavy countertops when disposing. Do not cut stone countertops.
- Tools for patching walls, if necessary.
Important tip: 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, like asbestos, lead paint, or mold.
Required Prep
Empty the cabinets underneath
Dust will happen. Dropping something may happen. That will leave your dishes and bakeware exposed.
Uninstall appliances and Drains
Remove any connecting pipes such as those to the sink and faucet first. Gas lines or electrical lines to a stove also need to be shut off and secured for removal.
How To Remove Laminate Countertops
For any type of countertop, first remove the 4-inch surround if you have a separate one. Cut any caulk that attaches it to the wall and to the countertop with a box cutter or caulk knife. Use a pry bar to gently pry away from the wall.
You may pull some of the drywall and that’s ok. It can be patched or will be covered with a backsplash or another surround.
To remove laminate countertops, plastic, or sometimes molded surface countertops, check for brackets and screws underneath. These are usually in the corners but can be anywhere along the frame. These types of countertops may also be caulked in addition to the brackets. (Photo below in “How to Remove Granite Countertops).
After all screws are removed, use a box cutter to run along the front edge of the countertops. This is often caulked with clear silicone. After all caulk is cut enough (both inside and out) to release the top, gently lift the countertops from the front to a 30-degree angle and pull out from the cabinets.
Remove any excess caulk that was left with a putty knife before installing the new countertop.
How To Remove Granite Countertops
If you have a four-inch surround that is separate, first remove that. Cut any caulk that attaches it to the wall and use a pry bar to gently pry away from the wall. (See photo above.)
To remove quartz or granite countertops, there is often a caulk line between the cabinets and the countertop. Check both the inside and the outside of the base cabinets. To remove, use a utility knife, and cut the caulk line, being careful not to mar the cabinet faces. Granite and other stone surfaces are not bracketed to the cabinets themselves.
After all caulk is cut enough (both inside and out) to release the top, gently lift the countertops from the front to a 30-degree angle and pull out from the cabinets.
That’s all there is to it!
Tips for Replacing Countertops
Whether you install new countertops yourself or have a company do it, there are a few tips for a professional and successful installation.
Check for Proper Fit
If you are also replacing your sink or any appliance with connections, make sure the connections will properly fit before the install. This is particularly true if you are changing the depth of the sink.
- Make sure the pipes, gas lines, and electrical are long enough for a potential change in height.
- Will the garbage disposal still hook up properly?
- If you are installing a new drainpipe, make sure you have 1 inch, at minimum, of drain line coming out from the wall. (This is fixable if you don’t, but I have run into this problem a few times.)
- Even if your installation comes with a sink, they usually only include the basin. You will have to purchase a drain kit and plumbing separately.
How to Check for Level
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, you can check by placing a level on the countertops before your installers leave.
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. Review the seams. There may be a mar in a section of the countertop you want to avoid, or you may 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.
Wider pieces should be priority such as islands and bar tops. 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 Peel and Stick Tile Backsplash
- Tips for Painting Old Kitchen Cabinets
- How to Use AirStone for a Faux Stone Island
- How to Deep Clean the Kitchen (free printable checklist)
After having been through the process of replacing countertops so many times in so many different houses and for others, I know what to look for and have always been extremely happy with how it turns out.
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How To Remove Countertops
Tools
- Adjustable Wrench for detaching plumbing
- Screwdriver or Drill with attachment
- Bucket
- Flashlight
- Reciprocating Saw Only needed to break very large or heavy countertops when disposing. Do not cut stone countertops.
- Safety Equiptment Gloves, proper shoes
Instructions
- Empty the base cabinets to prevent dust and the potential of something dropping on breakable dishes.
- Turn off water and unhook all plumbing and appliances.
- For any type of countertop, first remove the 4-inch surround if you have a separate one. Cut any caulk that attaches it to the wall and to the countertop with a box cutter or caulk knife. Use a pry bar to gently pry away from the wall.
- To remove laminate countertops, plastic, or sometimes molded surface countertops, check for brackets and screws underneath. These are usually in the corners. Stone or granite are rarely screwed. For all countertop types, there is often a caulk line between the cabinets and the countertop. Check both the inside and the outside of the base cabinets. To remove, use a utility knife, and cut the caulk line, being careful not to mar the cabinet faces.
- After all caulk is cut enough (both inside and out) to release the top, gently lift the countertops from the front to a 30-degree angle and pull out from the cabinets.
Notes
- Make sure the pipes, gas lines, and electrical are long enough for a potential change in height.
- Will the garbage disposal still hook up properly?
- If you are installing a new drainpipe, make sure you have 1 inch, at minimum, of drain line coming out from the wall. (This is fixable if you don’t, but I have run into this problem a few times.)
- Even if your installation comes with a sink, they usually only include the basin. You will have to purchase a drain kit and plumbing separately.
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.