During a home renovation, you may wonder how to remove granite countertops for something newer. Indeed, removing these materials from your kitchen tops requires much expertise and careful handling. You don’t want to ruin your cabinet or hurt yourself while pulling it out. How, then, do you do so safely and achieve maximum results?
To remove granite countertops, begin by clearing the space and getting all the materials needed. You’ll need a dust mask, gloves, a wrench, safety goggles, a putty knife, caulk softener, a bucket, etc. Afterward, take preventive measures like turning off the electricity before removing the plywood, the backsplash, and finally, the granite. Lastly, replace the granite countertop and discard the previous one.
This post will show you how to easily remove granite countertops without hurting yourself or ruining your kitchen design. Read on to the end of this post to fully comprehend the process and have all the required knowledge.
My Quick Overview (30 Sec)
- Granite is one of the most durable materials used for kitchen countertops and can be tricky to remove due to its sheer weight.
- Only a few basic tools are required to remove it. But be prepared for an arduous process of protecting surfaces and removing other components before executing the removal.
- Any electrical or water supply to the section being removed must be turned off.
- Remove any faucets, sinks, plywood, and backsplash before attempting to remove the granite countertop using a hammer and pry bar.
What Is A Granite Countertop?
In geological terms, granite is an igneous rock that has 20 percent quartz or more. Its unique hue is determined by the mineral makeup of each individual slab. However, the stone typically appears in shades of pink and gray. Granite is renowned for its beauty and durability in its native setting.
It is a popular material for kitchen countertops because it is strong and looks nice. You’ll never believe granite can work so well when you examine its raw form until it is cut and polished. Afterward, it is as smooth as glass.
Granite’s price has increased, but its many benefits to building countertops make up for it. If you have granite counters, you can skip the hot pad routine. Non-porous granite naturally resists the growth of mold and mildew. This rock is easy to clean because it doesn’t absorb cleaning chemicals or run the danger of being deformed by them.
A further perk is that granite countertops don’t need to be sealed. In its finish, it stands out as a versatile material that can improve the look of any kitchen.
How To Remove Granite Countertops
First, you should hire a professional granite countertop removal service instead of doing the job yourself. A significant injury or even death might follow from botching this task. The following ideas are general tips for the most common situations, which will likely help. That said, proceed with optimum caution:
1. Clear Out The Space
It’s a good idea to clear all drawers and cabinets beforehand to reduce the risk of dust contamination and damage. This is a necessary step, especially when you’re doing it in the kitchen.
2. Get Your Materials
You’ll need a dust mask, gloves, a wrench, safety goggles, a putty knife, caulk softener, and a bucket. Also, ensure you have a screwdriver, a pry bar, a box cutter, and a chisel. Get yourself a saw that can handle material as big and tough as a granite countertop.
3. Take Precautionary Measures
Next, flip the main switch off so there won’t be any fires or electrocutions. Turn off the water supply, including the hot and cold-water pipes and the main shutoff valve. Water lines must be followed to the sink’s base before the faucets can be detached.
Turn the nuts on the bottom of the hold-down bracket counterclockwise with the pliers. Afterward, remove the faucets by pulling them upward from the rim.
The sink may be removed in the same way. First, unscrew the nuts from the hold-down brackets under the tub. Then, break the caulk that holds the sink to the counter with a flat chisel or knife. To remove the sink, hit its base with a rubber mallet.
The above is an ideal approach to removing an under-mount sink. However, a putty knife or chisel is ideal for removing a drop-in fixture sink. You’ll cut through the adhesive coating that holds the sink to the countertop.
4. Remove The Plywood And Backsplash
The next step is to loosen the screws that attach the plywood sheet to the cabinet. You can use a screwdriver tip and a drill for this.
The top of the cabinet provided a clear view of the screws that secured the plywood. You can always break the adhesive and pry the plywood off if this is not the case.
Now, using the hammer and pry bar, begin at the top of the backsplash, where it meets the granite counter. Work your way down in tiny, steady stages until the backsplash comes off effortlessly.
5. Remove The Granite
You now have a solid foundation on which to build. The last and primary step is to physically remove the granite.
Get started by placing a pry bar into the gap where the cabinet meets the countertop. Give it a few light taps with a hammer to break the adhesive. A wooden shim tapped between the countertop and the cabinet’s front edge will keep the countertop in place while you work. The front side of the frame may then be unscrewed and shimmied down.
The granite must be pried away from the cabinet supports before the granite slab can be lifted. Therefore, keep working your way further into the cabinet. Be cautious not to crack the countertop and use wooden shims to keep the space open.
The heavy countertop needs to be lifted, which is a job for a crew. Take one person for every 3–4 feet of the granite slab as a ballpark figure for the required workforce. Then, everyone should lift the granite slabs slowly and carefully by tilting the countertops from the back edge. Keep granite vertical at all times. Never, ever flat-carry granite counters; you risk damage or injury.
6. Final Steps
You can easily replace an old countertop with a new one in a kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor space. If it’s worn out and you want to get rid of it, you can always sell it for scrap. You can also donate it to a charity that can put it to good use. When putting it away, make sure the top is facing down.
Conclusion
Please keep in mind that this is not a simple task that can be accomplished without the proper resources and workforce. Now that you know how to do granite removal, you may go ahead with the project with the help of your friends or family.
