In a perfect world, no damage would be done to existing surfaces during home improvement projects, but accidents do happen and sometimes we need to perform emergency repairs.
Granite countertops are not only stunning and long-lasting, but they are also quite tough. That said, their sturdiness also makes them susceptible to dings and scratches.
Can the cabinets be safely removed or replaced once the granite counter top has been removed? Certainly you can!
Granite countertops are favoured by many homes due to its aesthetic appeal and durability.
Even though Granite is a hard stone, it still need maintenance.
The risk of causing harm to somebody is a prevalent source of anxiety.
Knowing the best method for removing your old countertops is helpful if you want to replace them with new ones or simply the tops.
If you want to get rid of your granite counters but are worried about scratching your cabinets, read on!
Removing Granite Countertops Carefully to Prevent Cabinet Damage
While granite worktops can be a stunning addition to any kitchen, they aren’t as simple to remove as laminate.
For the most part, granite tops are mounted to the cabinets below a sink, whether it be a drop-in or an under-mount.
Removing the countertops could necessitate taking down the cabinets as well, which would be an expensive proposition.
The cabinetry can be protected in a number of different ways.
1. Tools Needed
As granite’s popularity soars, more and more homeowners are confronted with the issue of removing their old countertops without causing any harm to their cabinets.
Although granite slabs often have thorough instructions on what tools you’ll need to accomplish the work, some homeowners are unsure if such instruments are adequate to make the removal job simple and worry about harming their cabinets in the process.
In order to remove granite counters from your kitchen without causing too much damage, you should get the necessary equipment and choose a method that has proven successful in your space.
Ratcheting wrench Rubber mallet
Scraper
A pry bar
Hammer Chisel and Utility Knife
Screwdriver
Flashlight
Dust mask, disposable
Eye protection
Plyers
Calming agent for caulk
Strong footwear
2. How to Dismantle Granite Countertops
In order to successfully remove granite counter tops, a patient DIYer is required.
A professional should be consulted if you lack the necessary skills or time to complete the task on your own.
Depending on the specifics of the job, the cost to remove granite counters might range from $1,500 to $2,600.
What this entails will be determined by the scale of the counter and the extent to which it must be demolished.
1.Getting ready to remove granite.
Granite countertops can be a pain to remove from a kitchen or bathroom.
Protect your floors, furniture, and appliances from scratches and filth by covering them up.
Then, take out the sinks and faucets (and other fittings). Since they will be an obstruction, getting rid of them now will simplify the rest of the process.
Before removing the granite, ensure sure the water is switched off and the pipes are drained.
Caulk between the sink and the countertop is a common method for keeping the sink in place, which adds another layer of difficulty when attempting to remove granite worktops.
You can use a knife to easily remove the caulk around the sink’s edge.
After the sink has been entirely unfastened, you can remove it by lifting it up with a rubber mallet.
You may have missed the screw holes on the underside of the granite that secure it to the cabinets.
If you want to safely remove the counters, you should start by taking out the screws.
2.Take off the counter
Set up a neat desk. When it comes to the design of a kitchen, the placement of countertop appliances and accessories like toasters and blenders is crucial for both their functionality and aesthetics.
Everything mounted above the counter needs to be taken down.
This will serve two purposes: first, it will prevent you from accidently damaging the pricey appliances and electronics in your kitchen, and second, it will prevent you from damaging your countertop while working on it.
Take away the plywood that was supporting the granite. A special glue is typically used to screw the plywood firmly to the concrete structure. Determine where the screws are located on the plywood’s surface and remove them using the appropriate tool.
The underlayment for the kitchen cabinets should now be visible as you open them.
It’s best to start at the front and work your way to the back when lifting the granite off the top of the cabinet supports.
Wedge the pry bar between the granite and the supports to loosen them. The granite top and front of the counter need to be worked to loosen it.
Avoid scratching the particle board or the cabinet frame.
Be careful when chipping away at granite countertops or other granite surfaces.
The granite kitchen counter should be removed in an inverted configuration whenever possible.
First, you’ll want to turn the counter over from the back.
Pad the countertop with any sort of padding or a blanket so that it doesn’t get scratched when you turn it over.
Do not try to move the stone by setting it down on the floor and sliding it.
A wooden palette or cardboard box is ideal for transporting granite.
Final words
Granite is lovely for countertops, but if you’ve decided you want to make a change and get rid of it, you’ll need to give some thought to the cabinets.
It would be incredibly costly to repair or replace the kitchen cabinetry if it were ever damaged.
Applying the advice in this piece can help you remove granite countertops in a way that is less damaging to your cabinets and yields better results.
