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How To Remove Countertops Step by Step
Laminate and butcher block countertops are often fastened to the cabinets with screws. Removing these countertops can be a do-it-yourself project if you have intermediate experience with home improvement projects and you take your time. However, removing some countertops, such as granite, quartz or concrete, is a job for a professional.
We give you tips for removing a typical laminate countertop in a kitchen with a drop-in sink and dishwasher. We explain the process below, but the basic steps are:
- Turn off power and clear the countertop and cabinets.
- Put on safety gear.
- Uninstall the sink and remove the dishwasher mounting screws.
- Cut the caulk sealing the countertops to the wall.
- Separate the countertop backsplash from the wall.
- Separate the countertop from the cabinets.
- Remove the countertop and make repairs.
- Dispose of the debris.
Your countertop and kitchen setup might be different. Use these tips to plan your project and adapt them to your countertop. While we focus on a kitchen countertop, the process for removing a laminate bathroom countertop is similar.
Step 1: Prepare the Counters and Cabinets
Get the work area ready:
- Turn off power to nearby outlets and switches. Turn off the water to the faucet.
- Use a non-contact voltage tester to verify the power is off at each outlet and switch.
- Clear everything off your countertops, empty the cabinets and remove the drawers.
- Check the cabinet interiors for any electrical wiring or plumbing you need to be aware of.
- Protect your floor with drop cloths.
Step 2: Put on Safety Gear
Removing a countertop is a type of demolition, so you need to protect yourself from hazards like debris, nails and tools. Wear safety glasses and work gloves. You should also wear a long-sleeve shirt, long pants and boots or closed-toe shoes.
Step 3: Remove the Sink and Prepare the Dishwasher
In most cases, the sink and dishwasher are installed on or connected to the countertops.
Remove the Sink and Faucet
You can often remove the faucet and sink as one piece. However, you first need to turn off the water to the faucet, disconnect the water lines and drainpipes, and if you have one, the disposal. Have a small bucket or some cleaning cloths ready to catch drips. While our sink installation guide focuses on installing a new sink, it shows you the steps for removing an existing drop-in sink and disposal. Removal steps for other sink types vary.
Unfasten the Dishwasher From the Countertop
You probably don’t need to disconnect and move your dishwasher. You should be able to simply remove the screws fastening the dishwasher mounting clips to the underside of the countertop. If you see the dishwasher has additional mounting points or you’re unsure, check your manual or the manufacturer’s website for instructions.
Enlist a helper for supporting and moving the sink and disposal.
Put the mounting screws for your sink and dishwasher in separate plastic bags to make them easy to find.
Step 4: Cut the Caulk at the Wall
Silicon caulk often seals the edge of the countertop or countertop backsplash to the wall or a tile backsplash. Protect your wall or backsplash by running painter’s tape just above this caulk line. Then use a utility knife to cut through the caulk. It might take a couple of passes to fully separate the caulk. Work carefully to avoid damaging the wall or tile. Repeat the process for all countertop sections.
Step 5: Separate the Countertop Backsplash From the Wall
In some cases, the countertop backsplash is secured to the wall with adhesive. If so, you can use a paint multi-tool or small prybar to separate the backsplash from the wall. Use a hammer to tap the blade of the tool between the backsplash and the wall.
Countertop backsplashes are often integrated with the countertops, but if they’re separate pieces, you might need to pry them from the wall before you can remove the countertops. In this case, use a stud finder to locate wall studs and pry against the stud locations to remove the backsplashes from the wall and countertops.
Step 6: Separate the Countertop From the Cabinets
Laminate countertops typically secure to the base cabinets with screws. Locate and remove the screws under the countertop. You might need to cut through caulk that seals the countertop to the base cabinets. Use a utility knife as you did in Step 4, above.
If the countertop is glued to the base cabinets, separate it with a multitool and prybar, as in Step 5, above.
Some countertops are installed over a plywood or particle board base. In these situations, the base might be screwed or nailed to the cabinets from the top. Remove the screws or pry the board up from the cabinets. Be careful of exposed nails and remove them or bend them down with a hammer after removing the board.
Repeat this process for all sections of the countertop.
Step 7: Remove the Countertops From the Cabinets
Now you should be able to lift the countertop sections away from the cabinets. Countertops are heavy, so get assistance from a helper. Once the countertops are out of the way, check the tops of the cabinets and remove any exposed fasteners. Remove any remaining caulk or adhesive from the cabinets.
Depending on the design of your new countertop, you might need to make some minor repairs to the wall. Patch, prime and repaint as necessary and let the repair dry completely before installing the new countertop. Our guide to drywall repair shows you how to fix small holes or cracks and patch larger holes.
Our articles on installing laminate countertops and installing butcher block countertops show you how to measure for and install new countertops. Don’t have time to do it yourself? Let us install your countertops.
Step 8: Dispose of the Countertop Debris
Dispose of the old countertops according to the procedures for your community. Check for specific rules about construction debris. Your area might have designated collection days or disposal sites. If countertop removal is part of a larger kitchen remodel, consider renting a dumpster for construction debris.
If the countertops are in good condition, you might be able to recycle them or use them to create a work surface in a garage or shop.
Removing Countertops With Help From Lowe’s
If you’ve got intermediate experience with DIY projects and common tools, removing a countertop yourself can be an alternative to paying a professional. Shop Lowes.com for the tools and safety gear you need to do the job right. Or stop by your local Lowe’s and talk to a Red Vest associate about your project. They can make sure you have everything you need for the work and give you tips for a successful project. They can also help you pick out new countertops and set up installation.