How to Replace Kitchen Countertops

Replace kitchen countertops to change the design style of your kitchen.

Your kitchen countertop not only is functional but gives the room its aesthetic appeal. When you're ready to replace your countertop, select your materials and pre-order the new one if it requires professional installation.

Things You'll Need

• Utility knife
• Crowbar
• Pliers
• Wrenches
• Screwdrivers
• Drill
• Graph paper
• Pencil
• Brown craft paper
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Level
• Wood shims
• Waterproof caulk

Instructions

1. Remove the sink from the old countertop by scoring the caulk line around the top of the sink. Unscrew the brackets holding the sink in position using a drill or screwdriver. Turn the hot and cold water valves off, and disconnect the water lines. Disconnect the sink drain from the drain pipe. Pry the sink from countertop with a crowbar, and then push the sink up and out of the hole in the countertop.

2. Remove the cooktop. Turn off the main electrical power and the gas line to the cooktop. Score the connection between the cooktop and the countertop. Unscrew the brackets securing the cooktop to the countertop. Disconnect the electrical power line from the junction box and the gas hose from the gas line to the cooktop. Pry the cooktop out of the countertop with a crowbar.

3. Measure the old countertop with a tape measure. If you plan on using the same cabinetry, use the old countertop as a template, even if you intend to modify its design layout. Sketch the layout of the countertop on graph paper, and note its width and length measurements along its length and at different turns and curves. Sketch and measure the position of the cooktop and the sink. Make two separate templates of the holes for the sink and cooktop. Use brown craft paper and a marker to trace the outline of the countertop openings.

4. Order the new countertop. Prior to removing the old countertop, invite the professional countertop installers to come in and double check the measurements and note any other specifications, such as backsplash design and countertop finishing details.

5. Loosen and remove any screws and brackets underneath the countertop that connect it to the kitchen cabinetry with a screwdriver or a drill.

6. Score any caulk lines along the seams of the countertop with a utility knife.

7. Insert the crowbar between the countertop and the wall, and tap it in with a hammer. Continue to loosen the countertop along its length in this manner.

8. Insert the crowbar between the countertop and the lower cabinetry, and tap it in with a hammer. Check along the connection to see if the countertop is stuck to the cabinets.

9. Lift and remove the countertop from the cabinets once it is completely loosened, with the help of one to three people.

10. Clean the wall and cabinetry surfaces of any adhesive or caulk residues before installing the new countertops.

11. Prepare the cabinetry surface for the countertops according to the specifications of the countertop installation company. Make sure the cabinetry's top surface is completely level prior to installation; this can be corrected with wood shims depending on the countertop's material. Apply caulking to the top surface of the cabinets just before the countertop is installed.

12. Complete the professional installation of your countertops. Once the professionals install the new countertop, you can install your own backsplash design that ties your new countertop in with the kitchen's design elements.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Install a Countertop
• Ron Hazelton's Housecalls: How to Install a New Kitchen Countertop

Resources

• Overstock: How to Replace a Kitchen Countertop
• What It Costs: What it Costs to Replace a Kitchen Countertop