How to Change Kitchen Countertops
While many people think changing a kitchen countertop is difficult, it really does not require you to hire professional help if you are handy with tools and are willing to put in the time and labor to replace it. You can save a lot of money changing the kitchen countertop yourself, and it can make a big difference on the look and feel of your kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- measuring tape
- adjustable pliers
- pencil
- crowbar
- hammer
- chisel
- plastic
- masking tape
- utility knife
Instructions
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Plumbing
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1
Turn off the water shutoff valve underneath the sink or the main water supply to the house if there aren't any shutoff valves underneath the sink.
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2
Disconnect the P trap underneath the sink using the adjustable pliers. Make sure to place a plastic pan underneath the sink prior to unscrewing the P trap from the drain pipe so that it can catch any water that remains in it.
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3
Disconnect the water-supply lines that feed the faucet from the wall. Once they are disconnected, you can remove the faucet and the sink from the countertop.
Removing the Countertop
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4
Place plastic sheets on the floor, taped to doorways and on anything that you do not want dust or debris to get on. Tape it down very well so that it does not come up while you are working.
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5
Pry the backsplash from the wall with a crowbar and hammer. Take your time because you do not want to damage the wall.
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6
After removing the backsplash, you can start removing the countertop. If you are removing tile countertops, then you will need to chisel out and pry the tile a little at a time. You can grind down the grout lines to help lift up the tiles or rent a power chisel to make the work go faster. If it's a solid laminate countertop, then you will need to gently pry the countertop from the cabinets underneath.
Installing the New Countertop
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7
Measure the area where the new countertop is going to be placed. You will need to know what kind of sink you are going to use. If the old sink is still in good condition, you can use it if it matches your new style. Countertop manufacturers need to know what kind of sink you are getting because they will manufacture the countertop based on your sink's dimensions and mounting type.
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8
You may need to reinforce the cabinets for the new countertops. Older cabinets may not be able to take the weight of granite or marble, which can weigh significantly more then a laminate countertop.
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9
Run a bead of silicone along the top of the cabinets and on any area that the new countertop will be resting on. This will help seal the countertop to the cabinets.
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10
Carefully align the new countertop on the cabinets making sure not to ruin the silicone you placed. Press down firmly once the countertop is in place. You will need help lifting the new countertop pieces into place, especially if you are installing granite or marble pieces.
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11
Install the sink and reconnect the plumbing per the manufacturer's directions after the countertop has been installed and the silicone has had a chance to dry depending on the manufacturer's directions.
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