Remodeling your kitchen can bring new life to the heart of your home. This home improvement project involves removing old countertops to have new ones installed. It can be tempting to decide to tear them out on your own to cut project costs. While it might seem easy, this task is best left to professionals.
Why Is Professional Help Required For Countertop Removal?
In reality, the difficulty of completing countertop removal alone depends on the material of your old countertop. For example, laminate is relatively easy to remove by yourself. It is the lightest countertop material and is usually held onto the cabinets using silicone adhesive and screws.
However, if you are removing quartz, granite, or another heavy stone, your best option is to call an expert. Unlike laminate countertops, this type of countertop uses epoxy or construction adhesive.
Countertops made of stones also need significant upper arm strength and require lifting, twisting, and bending heavy items to be completely removed. For this reason, you might suffer from sore muscles or injuries if you are not physically fit for the task. Additionally, you run the risk of damaging your cabinets, sink, or plumbing while trying to tear out your countertop yourself.
How Do You Remove Laminate Countertops on Your Own?
As mentioned above, DIY countertop removal is not advisable. However, if you have a laminate countertop, it might be possible to handle your countertop removal with your DIY skills. Here are some steps to follow if you want to give it a try:
Disconnect the Supply Lines
Remove all items from the countertop, including appliances, food, and accessories. Next, disconnect the water and drain lines from the sink. If there is leaking water, place a bucket beneath the pipes. Turn off all nearby electrical outlets to ensure safety.
Remove the Sink
Remove the sink with a chisel and spray a caulk softener to loosen the dried adhesive and mortar under the rim. Once the sink separates from the countertop, lift it slowly and carefully to prevent causing damage to surrounding areas.
Remove the Countertop
Finally, it’s time to remove the countertop. Start by spraying a caulk softener to the adhesive surrounding the countertop edges and wait for an hour. Afterward, remove the adhesive with a putty knife. Use a pry bar to loosen the countertop carefully.
Before lifting the countertop, check if additional adhesive materials, brackets, or nails hold it in place. Afterward, use a pry bar to slowly work on the sides of the counter. Make sure not to use excessive force to prevent damaging the cabinet and other fixtures.
Conclusion
Giving your home a makeover through a kitchen remodel can be exciting, but it can also be strenuous, especially when some tasks are done on your own. Besides experiencing the hassle and stress of completing a DIY countertop removal, you will end up spending more to fix mistakes during installation. Preventing such concerns is easy when you hire professionals in the first place.
If you are now ready to toss your old countertop and seek laminate, granite, or ceramic tile countertop installation, reach out to Miconi. We have the skills and experience to meet your home remodeling needs. Get in touch with us to learn more about what we offer in San Rafael, California!
