How to Remove Old Kitchen Countertops
Countertop removal ranges from straightforward (laminate) to back-breaking (granite). The technique varies significantly based on material, but the principles are the same: disconnect everything, cut the bonds holding it down, and lift it out. Here is how to do it safely without destroying your walls or your back.
Quick Summary
Time needed
3-5 hours
Cost
$50-200 (tools/disposal)
Difficulty
Moderate to Hard
Know Your Countertop Material
The removal approach varies dramatically based on what you are working with. Identify your countertop type first.
Laminate (Formica)
Most common in older homes. Lightweight, screwed from underneath through corner brackets.
Granite or Quartz
Extremely heavy stone slabs. Usually siliconed to cabinets, no mechanical fasteners.
Tile
Ceramic or porcelain tile over plywood or concrete board base. Labor-intensive to remove.
Butcher Block or Solid Wood
Wood countertops, usually screwed from underneath. Moderate weight.
Universal Steps (All Countertop Types)
1. Disconnect All Plumbing and Appliances
Before touching the countertop, disconnect everything attached to it or running through it.
Disconnection Checklist:
- •Faucet: Turn off water valves, disconnect supply lines, disconnect from sink
- •Sink: Disconnect drain P-trap, remove mounting clips (undermount) or caulk line (drop-in)
- •Cooktop: Turn off gas or disconnect electric, remove mounting screws
- •Dishwasher: No countertop connection, but note if it is bracketed to underside
2. Remove Backsplash (If Needed)
If your backsplash is part of the countertop (common with laminate and some stone), you may need to remove it first to avoid damaging the wall. If it is separate tile, you can leave it for now.
Tip: For laminate countertops with attached 4-inch backsplash, carefully pry it away from the wall using a pry bar and putty knife. Some wall damage is normal - you will repaint anyway.
3. Cut All Caulk and Adhesive Bonds
Use a sharp utility knife to cut through caulk everywhere the countertop meets the wall, backsplash, or sink. This prevents tearing drywall when you lift the counter.
Where to Cut Caulk:
- •Along the back edge where counter meets wall
- •Around sink rim (drop-in sinks)
- •Between countertop sections at seams
- •Around cooktop opening if applicable
Material-Specific Removal Techniques
Removing Laminate Countertops
- 1.
Locate fasteners from below
Crawl under and look for corner brackets with screws going up into the countertop. Typically 4-6 screws per cabinet section.
- 2.
Remove all screws
Unscrew from underneath. The countertop may also be glued - that is OK, you will break that bond next.
- 3.
Pry up and lift
Insert pry bar between counter and cabinet, gently pry up to break adhesive. Lift counter off cabinets. Two people can handle most laminate counters.
Removing Granite or Quartz Countertops
WARNING: Stone countertops are EXTREMELY heavy. A typical 8-foot section weighs 200-300 lbs. Do not attempt without 3-4 helpers.
- 1.
Cut silicone adhesive
Stone is typically held down only by silicone beads. Use a putty knife or wire to cut through silicone underneath.
- 2.
Lift with multiple people
Position 3-4 people around the slab. Lift together in one smooth motion. Stone can crack if twisted or dropped.
- 3.
Or: Break it up for disposal
Most people break granite for easier disposal. Cover with old blankets and use a sledgehammer to break into 30-40 lb chunks. Wear safety glasses.
Removing Tile Countertops
- 1.
Demolish the tile surface
Use a hammer and cold chisel to break up tile. This is messy and time-consuming. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
- 2.
Remove substrate
Tile sits on plywood or cement board. Once tile is off, unscrew or pry up the substrate like a laminate counter.
Alternative: Some people cut through the substrate with a circular saw set to depth, then remove tile and substrate as one piece. Faster but creates more dust.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: Counter will not budge after removing screws
Solution: Probably glued down with construction adhesive. Use a pry bar at multiple points. You may need to use a reciprocating saw to cut through adhesive from underneath. Accept that you might crack laminate - you are throwing it away anyway.
Problem: Granite cracked during removal
Solution: This is common and usually not a big deal unless you were trying to preserve it. Granite is brittle. If pieces are manageable size, continue with disposal. If you broke it into too-large pieces, use a sledgehammer to break further.
Problem: Drywall tearing away with counter
Solution: You did not cut the caulk line well enough. Stop, use a fresh utility knife blade to cut deeper into the caulk, then try again. Minor drywall damage is normal and can be patched.
Countertop Disposal Options
Laminate Countertops
- • Break into 3-4 foot sections
- • Usually accepted in regular trash
- • Or take to landfill yourself
- • Free on Craigslist if intact
Stone Countertops
- • Break into 30-40 lb pieces
- • Rent dumpster or take to landfill
- • Some fabricators accept for free
- • Very heavy - plan accordingly
Tile Countertops
- • Broken tile in contractor bags
- • Substrate to landfill or dumpster
- • Very heavy when bagged
- • Dumpster recommended
Butcher Block
- • Cut into sections with saw
- • Regular trash if small pieces
- • Popular free item on marketplace
- • Can be repurposed for shelves
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove granite countertops without breaking them?
It is possible but difficult. Granite is extremely heavy (150+ lbs per section) and brittle. If you want to preserve it for reuse or donation, you need at least 3-4 strong helpers and must be very careful. Most people intentionally break granite during removal for easier disposal since intact granite is hard to move and has little resale value once removed.
How do I remove laminate countertops that are glued down?
Laminate countertops are typically screwed up from underneath through corner braces or brackets. Look under the countertop for screws connecting it to the cabinet. Once you remove all fasteners, use a pry bar to gently lift the countertop, breaking the adhesive bond. The build-up strips along the front edge may also be screwed or glued.
Do I need to remove the sink before removing the countertop?
Yes, always disconnect and remove the sink first. Turn off water supply valves, disconnect supply lines and drain pipes, then either remove the sink completely or cut the caulk and drop the sink through the hole from above. Undermount sinks are held by clips from underneath that must be unscrewed.
What is the best way to dispose of old countertops?
Disposal depends on material. Laminate countertops can often go in regular trash if broken into pieces. Stone (granite, quartz, marble) must go to a landfill or dumpster - break into manageable pieces with a sledgehammer. Some stone fabricators will take old stone for free. Tile countertops can be broken up and disposed of in contractor bags or a dumpster.
How many people do I need to remove countertops?
For laminate countertops, 2 people is sufficient. For stone countertops (granite, quartz, marble), you need at least 3-4 people due to the extreme weight - a typical 8-foot granite section weighs 200-300 lbs. Never attempt to move stone countertops alone or with just one helper.
Counters Gone. Flooring Is Next.
With countertops out of the way, you can now access and remove the old kitchen flooring. This is the final major demo task.