Removing a countertop typically involves detaching it from the walls, adjacent surfaces, and the base cabinets it rests upon. Here's how to remove a countertop, following the steps outlined in resources like Lowes.com:
To remove an old countertop, you'll need to carefully follow a sequence of steps to detach it safely from its various connection points. This process often involves clearing the area, breaking sealant bonds, locating and removing fasteners, and finally lifting the countertop away from the base cabinets.
Here are the general steps involved in removing a countertop:
Step 1: Clear Your Counters
Before beginning any work, ensure the countertop surface is completely cleared. This includes removing all appliances, decorations, and items from the surface. This provides a clean and safe workspace.
Step 2: Remove The Sides Of The Countertop
Often, countertops are sealed or attached to adjacent walls or structures on the sides. You'll need to break these seals. This might involve:
- Cutting through any caulk or sealant using a utility knife.
- Gently prying along the side edges where the countertop meets the wall or cabinets.
Step 3: Pry The Countertop Off The Backsplash
Similar to the sides, the backsplash area where the countertop meets the wall is usually sealed with caulk or adhesive.
- Use a utility knife to cut through the caulk along the joint.
- Carefully insert a pry bar or stiff putty knife into the gap between the countertop and the backsplash.
- Gently pry along the entire length of the backsplash joint to loosen the countertop from the wall.
Step 4: Pry The Countertop
Once the edges and backsplash are loosened, you may need to continue prying the main surface of the countertop.
- Work your pry bar into any gaps you can find between the countertop and the cabinet tops or wall supports.
- Apply gentle, even pressure along different sections to lift the countertop slightly and continue breaking any remaining adhesive or sealant bonds. Be patient and avoid using excessive force that could damage the cabinets.
Step 5: Find And Detach The Screws
Countertops are commonly secured to the base cabinets from underneath.
- Open the cabinet doors and look upwards towards the underside of the countertop.
- Locate all screws that are driven through the cabinet support braces or frames into the bottom of the countertop material.
- Use a screwdriver (appropriate for the screw type, typically Phillips or square drive) or a drill/driver to carefully remove all visible screws. Check thoroughly in each cabinet section underneath the countertop.
Step 6: Detach Countertop From Base Cabinet
With the sealant bonds broken (Steps 2-4) and all securing screws removed (Step 5), the countertop should now be detached from the cabinets.
- With assistance (countertops can be heavy and awkward), carefully lift the countertop straight up off the base cabinets.
- Move it away from the work area.
Remember to have the necessary tools ready, such as safety glasses, utility knife, pry bar, screwdriver/drill, and potentially gloves. Always use caution when prying to avoid damage or injury.
