How to Remove a Countertop
Shut off the supply lines to the countertop fixtures, if applicable., Disconnect the drain line under the sink., Pull out the countertop fixtures., Separate the countertop from the base cabinets.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Shut off the supply lines to the countertop fixtures
To safely remove your old countertop, you'll first have to disconnect the water lines to the sink and gas lines to the stovetop.
Turn the emergency shut-off valves for each fixture clockwise to the off position.
Disconnect the supply lines from the valves using an adjustable wrench. -
Step 2: if applicable.
Use your adjustable wrench to loosen the large nuts that hold the J- or U-shaped trap to the sink's main drain line.
Hold the trap in place with channel locks.
If you have a PVC connection, you should be able to loosen the connection by hand.
If you have a garbage disposal, disconnect it from the sink, as well. , Be careful not to damage a sink or cooktop that you plan to re-install in your new countertop.
Undermount-style sink:
If the sink is an undermount type, unfasten the screws holding it to the countertop.
The sink should come out easily once it is freed from the counter.
Have another person help you pull out the sink, particularly if it's an unwieldy double-bowl configuration.
Drop-in fixture:
Use a chisel or putty knife to pry the sink away from the countertop.
Chop away at the layer of dried adhesive under the rim of the sink to free it.
If the sink is fastened to a tile countertop, chisel away the quarter tiles along the sink's perimeter.
Also remove any remaining mortar or adhesive.
Get help to lift out the fixture, especially if it's large or heavy ceramic. , Determine how the countertop is fastened to the base cabinet.
Typically, a clamp configuration using threaded fasteners is involved.
Small countertops, like bathroom units, may be fastened to the base cabinet using adhesive.
Use a pry bar to take off this type of construction.
Formica or laminate countertop:
Most countertops are bracketed to the base cabinets.
Remove the retaining screws inside the brackets and set them aside.
If the counter is attached to the base cabinet with nails or an adhesive, use a pry bar to remove it.
Start at a corner and pry the surface, lifting the countertop as you go.
Tile countertop:
Remove the tile from the surface.
This frees the countertop and also reduces its weight, making it much easier to lift out.
First, carefully pry the tile running up the backsplash away from the wall.
Remove the rounded, bullnose tile along the front of the countertop.
Repeat the process on the tile glued to the countertop, slicing between the mortar and wood underlayment.
When the tile is removed, go under the counter and take off the brackets holding the countertop to the base cabinets.
Lift the countertop off.
Granite countertop:
Most natural-stone countertops are heavy, and therefore, difficult to remove.
They are either attached to particle-board underlayment or epoxied directly onto the base cabinets.
The base cabinet can easily be damaged during the procedure.
It's usually best to have a contractor do this type of removal. -
Step 3: Disconnect the drain line under the sink.
-
Step 4: Pull out the countertop fixtures.
-
Step 5: Separate the countertop from the base cabinets.
Detailed Guide
To safely remove your old countertop, you'll first have to disconnect the water lines to the sink and gas lines to the stovetop.
Turn the emergency shut-off valves for each fixture clockwise to the off position.
Disconnect the supply lines from the valves using an adjustable wrench.
Use your adjustable wrench to loosen the large nuts that hold the J- or U-shaped trap to the sink's main drain line.
Hold the trap in place with channel locks.
If you have a PVC connection, you should be able to loosen the connection by hand.
If you have a garbage disposal, disconnect it from the sink, as well. , Be careful not to damage a sink or cooktop that you plan to re-install in your new countertop.
Undermount-style sink:
If the sink is an undermount type, unfasten the screws holding it to the countertop.
The sink should come out easily once it is freed from the counter.
Have another person help you pull out the sink, particularly if it's an unwieldy double-bowl configuration.
Drop-in fixture:
Use a chisel or putty knife to pry the sink away from the countertop.
Chop away at the layer of dried adhesive under the rim of the sink to free it.
If the sink is fastened to a tile countertop, chisel away the quarter tiles along the sink's perimeter.
Also remove any remaining mortar or adhesive.
Get help to lift out the fixture, especially if it's large or heavy ceramic. , Determine how the countertop is fastened to the base cabinet.
Typically, a clamp configuration using threaded fasteners is involved.
Small countertops, like bathroom units, may be fastened to the base cabinet using adhesive.
Use a pry bar to take off this type of construction.
Formica or laminate countertop:
Most countertops are bracketed to the base cabinets.
Remove the retaining screws inside the brackets and set them aside.
If the counter is attached to the base cabinet with nails or an adhesive, use a pry bar to remove it.
Start at a corner and pry the surface, lifting the countertop as you go.
Tile countertop:
Remove the tile from the surface.
This frees the countertop and also reduces its weight, making it much easier to lift out.
First, carefully pry the tile running up the backsplash away from the wall.
Remove the rounded, bullnose tile along the front of the countertop.
Repeat the process on the tile glued to the countertop, slicing between the mortar and wood underlayment.
When the tile is removed, go under the counter and take off the brackets holding the countertop to the base cabinets.
Lift the countertop off.
Granite countertop:
Most natural-stone countertops are heavy, and therefore, difficult to remove.
They are either attached to particle-board underlayment or epoxied directly onto the base cabinets.
The base cabinet can easily be damaged during the procedure.
It's usually best to have a contractor do this type of removal.
About the Author
Carl Long
With a background in lifestyle and practical guides, Carl Long brings 5 years of hands-on experience to every article. Carl believes in making complex topics accessible to everyone.
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