How to Remove a Laminate Kitchen Countertop
Homeowners and contractors alike choose laminate kitchen countertops for their cost, ease of installation and variety of color and pattern choices. Laminate countertops offer a fairly durable countertop surface, but damage does occur in the form of scratches, cuts and chips. When countertops become damaged, replacement becomes necessary. Removal of laminate kitchen countertops requires some skill, patience and time. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Utility knife
- Pipe wrench
- Adjustable wrench
- Screw driver
- Pry bar
- Metal putty knife
- Solvent
Instructions
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1
Turn off the water and gas supply to the kitchen. Shut off electrical power to the dishwasher, stove and garbage disposal.
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2
Use a sharp utility knife to cut through caulking around the sink, backsplash and corners.
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3
Disconnect the kitchen sink drain pipes with a pipe wrench, faucet and sink sprayer from the water lines. Have a bucket handy to catch water trapped in the pipes. Lift and remove the sink; set aside for future use or discard.
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4
Use a screwdriver to remove screws holding the countertops to the cabinets.
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5
Pull the stove out of its place, turn the gas supply off behind the stove to keep gas in the line. Disconnect the electrical power and use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the stove from the gas pipes. Pull the stove out and set it to the side.
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6
Use a screwdriver to remove the screws securing the dishwasher to the countertop. Pull the dishwasher out and disconnect water and electrical power lines. Set the dishwasher aside.
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7
Use a pry bar to carefully force the countertops away from the base cabinets. Lift the countertops and remove.
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8
Use a flat blade screwdriver or sturdy metal putty knife to pry off the laminate backsplash. Use an adhesive dissolving solvent to dissolve particularly difficult adhesive.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear safety glasses and gloves to avoid injury.
Use adhesive dissolving solvent in a well ventilated area and do not allow contact with skin. These solvents cause chemical burns to the skin.
References
- Photo Credit Beautiful and new kitchen furniture on modern kitchen image by terex from Fotolia.com
