When renovating your kitchen and need to take out the old counter top, take great care not to cause damage. This is especially important if you plan on switching to a different material such as tile or laminate for countertops. Being cautious makes installing new countertops much simpler; just take extra time with each step!
First, inspect the surface of your kitchen for any cracks or scratches that might be present. If you spot any, contact a professional who can safely and effectively complete the removal process.
Next, you should clear away any debris or utensils that have built up on the countertop. Doing this will expedite the work and protect cabinets from becoming damaged in any way.
Once applied, spray the adhesive connecting your countertop to a backsplash or wall with caulk softener and let sit for an hour. This will cause the glue to become loose so you can pry it off with whatever tool of choice.
Once the adhesive is loose, use a putty knife or box cutter to scrape away. This will make it easier for you to lift your countertop out of cabinets and onto a flat surface.
Before beginning to take out the countertop, it’s wise to disconnect appliances. Doing so will prevent them from getting pushed out of their original spot when you pull them from their cabinet – this could cause serious issues.
Finally, disconnect the water supply lines to your faucet. Doing this will allow you to drain out any standing water and save time when reinstalling your sink or garbage disposal later on.
If your countertop is attached to the base cabinets with brackets or nails, use a pry bar as little force as possible when prying it away from them.
In addition to a pry bar, you’ll need some basic tools for this project: a screwdriver and putty knife. These will enable you to break the adhesive off without damaging your base cabinets.
Once you’re finished, your countertops should be placed in a trash can or dumpster for safe disposal. In some cases, you might even be able to reuse them elsewhere in your home if they are not cracked or damaged; however, if you are uncertain how best to do it correctly, call in an expert for assistance.
Removing your countertop can be a relatively straightforward DIY job, but it’s essential that you understand what you’re doing before beginning. Doing this will prevent many headaches in the future when it’s time to reinstall new kitchen countertops or replace your backsplash.
When it comes to taking out a granite countertop, it’s best to hire an expert as there are intricate procedures that must be followed. Doing it yourself could prove hazardous; trust a professional for the job instead.
