How to Remove Counter Tops
Countertops are often the main feature of a kitchen or bathroom. But over time, countertops can become worn, stained, or even cracked beyond repair. Replacing an old countertop with a new one can make an entire room look more appealing. You can save money by removing the old countertop yourself rather than paying a professional to do the job. With the proper tools and knowledge, you can achieve the same results as you would if you hired a pro. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Adjustable wrench
- Two pairs of pliers
- Screwdriver
- Small putty knife
- Pry bar
- Reciprocating saw
- Circular saw with a masonry blade
Instructions
-
-
1
Turn off the water lines that run to the sink, as well as the gas lines that go to the cooktop. Turn the valves to "off" and use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the lines from the valves.
-
2
Disengage the drain lines. Use two pairs of pliers to loosen the nuts on the p-trap and slide off the tailpiece. You can then remove the remaining drainpipes and the faucet after the sink is removed.
-
-
3
Remove the sink and/or cooktop (if you have a cooktop rather than a free-standing range) from the counters. Loosen the mounting screws and lightly pry the fixture upwards.
-
4
Remove the ¼ round tiles that surround the sink (if the sink is tiled into the counter top). The sink should lift out fairly easily, unless it is attached from the underside with an adhesive. If that's the case, use a small putty knife to remove the sink by cutting the adhesive bead underneath the edges of the sink.
-
5
Check underneath the countertop by looking inside of the base cabinets. Remove any screws you may find in the corner blocks of the base cabinets. These screws are used to hold the countertop on. You may be able to lift off the countertop once these screws are removed.
-
6
Pry up the surface of the countertop if it is laminate or another type of wood-backed countertop. Begin in a corner and push the pry bar between the countertop and the base cabinet. Do this forcefully yet slowly until it loosens. You may need to cut the countertop into sections using a reciprocating saw to make it easier to remove. You can also cut horizontally with the reciprocating saw between the cabinet and the counter top to detach any screws that may be holding the countertop into place.
-
7
Remove any tiles that are on the wall adjoining the countertop if you have a tiled countertop. Forcefully push the pry bar between the mortar beneath the tiles and the wall plaster to pry them off. Once these tiles are removed, pry off the tiles along the front edge of the countertop. Pry between the bottom of the mortar and the wood underlayment to remove the tiles on the counter top. You can use a circular saw equipped with a masonry blade, or even wire cutters, to remove sections of the tile as you continue.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Be careful. You can injure yourself on broken tiles, Formica and rusty nails.
