How to Remove a Laminated Counter Top
Laminated counter tops are used in many homes and businesses. The thin laminate surface is made from layers of paper that have been soaked in resin. Extreme pressure and heat are applied to the laminate to give it a hard, durable finish. Laminate material is then bonded to a framework made of particle board or plywood to make a counter top. Laminate counter tops are usually secured to the base cabinets by driving in screws from the underside of the cabinet through the corner blocks. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Phillips screwdriver
- Phillips bit (optional)
- Power drill (optional)
- Utility knife
- Pipe wrench (optional)
- Adjustable wrench (optional)
- Towels (optional)
- Helper (optional)
Instructions
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1
Open the cabinet doors underneath the countertop to be removed.
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2
Locate the retaining screws on the corner blocks at the top of each cabinet that the countertop rests on.
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3
Remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver or a Phillips bit inserted into a power drill.
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4
Score through the caulking between the back splash on the countertop and the wall with a utility knife.
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5
Turn off the water supply valves under the sink cabinet. Loosen the large nut that attaches the sink drain to the underside of the sink with a pipe wrench. Loosen the fittings on the water supply lines from the water supply valves to the underside of the faucet with an adjustable wrench. Have a towel ready once the countertop is removed to wipe up any spills. Skip this step if the section of countertop you will be removing does not contain a sink.
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6
Slide the countertop slightly away from the wall. Lift the countertop straight up from the cabinets. Use a helper as laminate countertops -- especially if a sink is installed -- can be very heavy.
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Tips & Warnings
Disassemble sections of countertop from underneath before trying to remove them as an assembly. This will make the job easily and you will not have to lift as much. Laminate countertop sections are joined at 90-degree corners with nuts and bolts. Loosen the nuts from the underside of the countertop surface with an adjustable wrench, then remove the bolts. Score the top of the countertop at the caulked joint so the pieces will separate easier.
