How should I go about removing kitchen countertops?

Answer by  Greg81 (44)

Kitchen countertops are nomally screwed onto the cabinets from underneath. In some stone countertops a adheasive caulking is used. The first step is to remove the sink(faucet and drain first) which will have screw on clips underneath. Then, unscrew the countertop or use a utility knife to cut through caulk.

Answer by  jsflw2010 (459)

You must determine first the materials that make up the countertops and how they are attached to the support framework.

Answer by  wjmcomposer (45)

Using a pry-bar, remove the backsplash, checking for nails. Inspect under the counter, removing screws or other fasteners. Check with a knife or reciprocating saw for a bead of silicone between the counter and the base. It should remove easily after that.

Answer by  Darrell (316)

Use a putty knife to loosen any caulk or paint connecting the counter edges to the walls. In addition to construction adhesive, countertops are held in place by several screws. They're visible if you look under the counter from inside the cabinets. Once unscrewed coutertops will usually lift off.

Answer by  HJ (143)

Look at the bottom of the countertop from inside the cabinet (remove drawers, empty cabinets, look with a flashlight). You'll need to remove a sink too, if there is one.

Answer by  beck (1099)

First look to see how the counter tops are secured to the cupboards below. Try removing brackets or screws that hold the countertop in place without damaging the cupboards. If you need to remove the counter that contains the sink, turn off all water, disconnect all plumbing carefully before trying to remove this countertop.

Answer by  geetloaf (61)

Cut the caulk that seals the tops to the wall. Then remove all screws that secure them to the cabinets. Remove any plumbing in the tops and you're finished.

Answer by  Latin4 (11170)

Shut off the water and disconnect the faucets and sink and remove from the countertop. Pry the backsplash and countertop away from the cabinets. This will take two people. Lift the backsplash up and discard.

Answer by  Liz59 (10966)

Well, you can remove them from breaking open the bottom. If you want to remodel your kitchen, then you can just break through the cabinets as well. Whatever the case is, you remove from underneath.

Answer by  kennethjgoodson (4903)

The best thing to do is to see how they are installed. Most of them are normally screwed into the cabinets frame and it makes it easy to take the countertops off. If it is glued you can use a tool to seperate the two and take it off that way. Check for screw first.