How to Remove Granite Countertops

When you are remodeling your office space you may want to replace your granite countertops with a material that matches your new décor. This may be simply a new granite countertop that has a different color palette, or it can be a countertop made from an entirely different material. Whatever you choose to replace your old granite countertop with you don't want to destroy your granite countertop when you remove it, after all this material is expensive and it can be reused or sold. It is because of this that you will want to take care when you remove your granite countertops.

Things You'll Need

• Crowbar Suction cups Butcher paper Masking tape Hammer

Instructions

1. Set up a safe place to put your granite countertops once they have been removed. This area can be a storage room or an exterior shed that will allow the slab to remain undisturbed until you reuse it or sell it. The set up will basically be cleaning the area and clearing away enough space for the counter top to be stored either flat or tilted on its side.

2. Line the granite countertop with a drop cloth and then remove the backsplash. The drop cloth will catch any pieces that fall from the backsplash and it will protect the granite countertop from chips and dings if the backsplash falls onto the countertop. To remove the backsplash position your crowbar blade on the seem between the wall and the backsplash. Hit the other end of the crowbar with your hammer. This should loosen the adhesive which will allow you to apply pressure to the crowbar and pry it away from the wall.

3. Place your crowbar on the seam between the granite countertop and the cabinetry. Hit the end of your crowbar to break the seal and apply pressure to the bar to lever up the countertop. Loosen the countertop around the seam and have an assistant help you to pry the countertop up from the cabinetry. If adhesive was added to the cross bracing then you will need to use your crowbar to break these points of adhesion as well.

4. Remove the granite countertop from the cabinetry. If the slab is longer than a couple of feet you will need help. Have your assistant stand at one end and you stand on the other. Grip around the ends of the counter and lift with your knees. Move the countertop to its storage place and set it down. Wrap the countertop in a tarp or butcher's paper and tape the covering in place.

Tips & Warnings

• You can recapture a portion of the cost of replacing the granite countertops in your office by selling the old granite countertop to bargain seekers.