How to Remove Kitchen Countertops

If you’re wondering how to remove kitchen countertops, a guide will simply break down the steps. This will often be the last job performed when removing a kitchen.

Step 1 – Initial Checks and Tidy

This can be a difficult job so you will want to make your life easier by removing everything off the top of the counters and items inside the base cabinets.

For you to fully lift a countertop you will have to remove appliances that have been integrated into it. For example, If your hob and sink are integrated into your kitchen counter, you will have to disconnect and remove these beforehand.

These tips apply mostly to laminate countertops, as kitchen counters made from materials like granite will be a lot more difficult to remove. In these cases, we advise getting in touch with a professional. If you are inexperienced or uncertain about performing this job, again we’d also advise getting in touch with a professional.

Step 2 – Loosen Screws

You should remove drawers and items from the cupboards below the counter so you can access the screws keeping the counter in place. With the underneath of the counter now visible and accessible you should check thoroughly to find every screw. You may need a drill to loosen these screws as they may be difficult to budge by hand.

Screws aren’t the only thing keeping your countertop in place, there will most likely be spots that have been glued down in place. If after unscrewing your countertop, it still doesn’t lift off you will have to prise it carefully away from the glue.

Step 3 – Lift Counters

You can use your scraper if the adhesive or glue is located closer to the front of the counter. If you fit your scraper in between the cabinets and the counter you may locate some glue and be able to break the seal. If not you can try using a crowbar to slowly lift the counter up and away from the cabinets below. Perform this slowly and carefully if you don’t want to damage your cabinets. With the right amount of force, the counter should tear away from the cabinets. With heavier and larger sections of countertops you will need the help of a second person to lift the kitchen counter.

Removing Lower Kitchen Cabinets

If you need to go the extra mile are removing your lower kitchen cupboards too, you can start by trying to find the screws that fasten the separate cupboards together. Modern kitchens will usually be made up of modular cabinets that are designed to combine together to fit any layout. Older cabinets might be just one large unit, naturally, these are more difficult to remove as they will require more heavy lifting.

The only other step should be to find the screws that fasten your cabinets to the wall or floor. With these unscrewed, you should be able to lift the cabinet out of place.

If you’ve removed both your cabinets and countertops it’s fair to assume you’ll be landed with a lot of waste. A skip can help clear the waste over a couple of days or a collection can get rid of it at once.