Installing a new countertop is an exciting task. But before you can put in the new countertop, you need to remove the old one.
When you have a granite countertop, things can get complicated as this is a heavy material.
Generally, professionals tend to break the granite into little pieces when removing it from the counter.
However, there is a way to remove the granite from the countertop without damaging it. This article delves into the steps to remove the granite countertop.
Once you’re done, you can replace it with a durable and low-maintenance countertop like quartz.
You can check out the step-by-step maintenance care of your new quartz countertop on this page.
Removing Sinks and Fixtures
Before you remove the countertop, you must first uninstall the fixtures and sinks. Following are the steps for the same:
1. Disconnect the Water Supply
Start by shutting off the water from the emergency cut-off valve. It is generally situated below the faucet within the sink cabinet.
Turn both cold and hot water valves clockwise to stop the supply. Additionally, you will need to disconnect the water lines located directly above the valves.
Turn the nut counterclockwise using pliers or a wrench.
2. Remove the Faucet
At the bottom of the sink, you will find large hold-down nuts. Using pliers, turn them counterclockwise.
Pull up the faucets from the top, remove them, and set aside the plumbing fixtures.
3. Take Out the Sink
Locate the hold-down brackets at the bottom of your sink within the cabinet. Rotate the nut at the bottom of each bracket in a clockwise motion.
Use a putty knife and run it underneath the sink’s edge, where the sink sits above the granite.
It will help in breaking the caulk and glue. If you have an inset sink, run the knife between the granite and the top of the sink.
After that, gently tap under the sink using a rubber mallet in order to drive it up and pull it out of the sink.
Read Also:
- Things To Be Known Before Starting To Use Granite Kitchen Worktops / Countertops | Different Uses of Granite
- Shop for Countertop: Things You Need to Consider Before Buying Countertops
- Granite Countertop Care and Maintenance, The Advantages and How to Maintain
- Formica Countertops – Tips for Buying, Installing and Maintenance
- How a Granite Countertop Can Improve Your Home Décor
4. Make A Mental Note
Once you have taken out the sink, examine under the granite. Make a note of places where the cabinet is coming in contact with the stone.
Additionally, also look for the layer of wood under the granite.
5. Set Aside the Screws
Take out the screws from the layer of the plywood under the granite countertop from within the cabinet.
Locate the screws running through the top support of the cabinet into the plywood’s bottom. You must break the glue seal if you are unable to locate it.
6. Removing the Backsplash
Using a hammer, tap the end of the flat pry bar behind the backsplash’s end. In a gentle motion, pull the backsplash out of the wall.
Start from the corner and work your way across the length until the backsplash comes out easily.
Steps to Remove Granite Countertop
Following are some steps that you need to follow to remove the granite countertop:
1. Loosening Up the Seal
Look for the joints between the brace of your cabinet and the bottom of the countertop. Lookup within the face of the cabinet to identify it.
Gently tap at the edge of the pry bar into the joint using your hammer. After that, gently pry to loosen the glue.
If the plywood is under the granite, work under it to take the granite from the plywood.
Subsequently, tap a wooden shim into the open joint to pull up the countertop at the spot. Pry and shim across the front edge until the whole edge is slightly lifted.
2. Cover the Entire Cabinet
Start at the front and move back while prying the bar to pull up the granite. Move against the top of your cabinet while adding shims.
Move along the length of the surface while prying the next couple of inches back. Work from one end to another until the countertop is lifted up completely.
3. Removing the Granite Countertop
Make sure there is one person stationed 3 to 4 feet apart from the granite countertop along its front edge. Together tilt the granite counter up from the edge at the back.
This will make it easier for workers to lift the countertop and move it to the storage space. Place the granite face down to protect the material.
4. Removing the Plywood
If plywood is installed underneath, you will have to pry it away from the countertop carefully.
Slowly work to break up the glue to take out the plywood. Use a heavy-duty scraper, scrape glue or plywood from the base of the granite surface.
What Should You Do with Your Old Granite Countertop?
Now that you have removed the granite countertop, what do you plan to do with it? Here are some of the ideas that might help you with the same:
1. Turn Your Granite into Something New
If you plan to keep your granite stone, then there are many ways to convert the material into something new and useful for your home.
You can use the granite as a wall decoration, table, cutting board, mortar and pestle, shelves, etc.
The ideas are immense, so work with your designers and come with a way to reincorporate this quality wood back into your home.
2. Donate the Countertop
If your countertop is in good condition, then there are charities around the country that will take them.
These charities build houses from the denotation that they get. And it may also help you to reduce the tax burden.
However, you should consult your CPA regarding the same. Nevertheless, donating granite is a great thing to do if you do not plan to keep it.
3. Recycle the Stone
Millions of tons of construction materials get dumped in the landfill every year, and a substantial amount of this dump can be recycled.
If there is no use for the old granite, you can recycle the material. It is an environmentally-friendly step rather than throwing the material in the trash.
The Bottom Line
Removing your granite countertop does not have to be a big task. Instead, it is about taking the proper steps and being prepared with the right tools for the job.
Along with responsibly removing the countertop, you should also consider what you plan to do with it afterward.
