Learn how to remove countertops to save you money on a kitchen remodel. We have included removing laminate countertops as well as stone or granite. This project is fairly easy for a beginner but may require some help from strong friends.

Woman in gray shirt using tool to remove countertops on white cabinets.

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Often times, installers won’t tell you about the hidden costs of their installation prices. Current prices for removing old countertops are about $17-30 a square foot! In fact, we saved on average, $650 by removing the old countertops ourselves during several renovations including replacing bathroom vanity tops and kitchen countertops.

If you are relatively handy, removing countertops is a pretty straight forward do it yourself.

There are essentially only two ways in which countertops are installed. They either screwed into brackets, as is the case of laminate counter tops, or they simply rest on the cabinets themselves. Today, I am taking you step by step through how to remove a countertop to save money!

Recommended Tools and Supplies

Screwdriver or drill with attachment
A Caulk knife or box cutter
Adjustable Wrench (to loosen pipes for sink, faucet or stove)
Bucket
Putty knife
Flashlight
Prybar – to remove the 4-inch lip surround if you have one.
Reciprocating saw – only needed to break very large or heavy countertops when disposing. Do not cut stone countertops.
Tools for patching walls, if necessary.

Important tip: Wear the proper gear such as gloves, masks, glasses, and proper shoes. You never know when you are going to drop a hammer on your foot or step on a nail. You should also use the proper safety equipment to prepare for the unexpected, particularly if you have an older home that may have things like asbestos, lead paint, or mold.

Required Prep

Empty the cabinets underneath

Dust will happen. Dropping something may happen. removing your countertop will leave your dishes and bakeware exposed.

Uninstall appliances and Drains

Remove any connecting pipes such as those to the sink and faucet first. Gas lines or electrical lines to a stove also need to be shut off and secured for removal.

How To Remove Laminate Countertops

For any type of countertop, first remove the 4-inch surround if you have a separate one. Cut any caulk that attaches it to the wall and to the countertop with a box cutter or caulk knife. Use a pry bar to gently pry away from the wall.

You may pull some of the drywall paper and that’s ok. It can be patched or will be covered with a backsplash or another surround.

How to remove laminate countertops including the four-inch surround.

To remove laminate countertops, plastic, or sometimes molded surface countertops, check for brackets and screws underneath. These are usually in the corners but can be anywhere along the frame. These types of countertops may also be caulked in addition to the brackets. (Photo below in “How to Remove Granite Countertops).

After all screws are removed, use a box cutter to run along the front edge of the countertops. This is often caulked with clear silicone. After all caulk is cut enough (both inside and out) to release the top, gently lift the countertops from the front to a 30-degree angle and pull out from the cabinets.

Remove any excess caulk that was left with a putty knife before installing the new countertop.

How To Remove Granite Countertops

If you have a four-inch surround that is separate, first remove that. Cut any caulk that attaches it to the wall and use a pry bar to gently pry away from the wall. (See photo above.)

To remove quartz or granite countertops, there is often a caulk line between the cabinets and the countertop. Check both the inside and the outside of the base cabinets. To remove, use a utility knife, and cut the caulk line, being careful not to mar the cabinet faces. Granite and other stone surfaces are not bracketed to the cabinets themselves.

Underside of a granite countertop to show how it is installed.

After all caulk is cut enough (both inside and out) to release the top, gently lift the countertops from the front to a 30-degree angle and pull out from the cabinets.

That’s all there is to it!

Tips for Replacing Countertops

Whether you install new countertops yourself or have a company do it, there are a few tips for a professional and successful installation.

Check for Proper Fit

If you are also replacing your sink or any appliance with connections, make sure the connections will properly fit before the install. This is particularly true if you are changing the depth of the sink.

Make sure the pipes, gas lines, and electrical are long enough for a potential change in height.
Will the garbage disposal still hook up properly?
If you are installing a new drainpipe, make sure you have 1 inch, at minimum, of drain line coming out from the wall. (This is fixable if you don’t, but I have run into this problem a few times.)
Even if your installation comes with a sink, they usually only include the basin. You will have to purchase a drain kit and plumbing separately.

Stone covered kitchen island with raised breakfast bar with stove and countertop removed.

How to Check for Level

It’s a fact that houses settle and that cabinets may not be level. A good countertop installer will make sure that your counter tops are level. However, you can and should check by placing a level on the countertops before your installers leave.

Dark wood cabinets in white kitchen with white walls and countertops removed.

Review and Approve Everything

Very few things are cut on site. If you have a natural stone, make sure you approve not only the slab, but the placement of the cuts as well. Review the seams. There may be a mar in a section of the countertop you want to avoid, or you may want to minimize any seams.

Ask to see the slab with the cut markings on it before they cut. The outlets behind our bar were not correctly measured.

Wider pieces should be the priority such as islands and bar tops. Reviewing and asking questions is very important when you are working with any company.

Looking for More Kitchen DIY Projects? We have tons from our Renovations:

Dark wood cabinets in traditional kitchen with white and gray tile backsplash and light marble countertops.

After having been through the process of replacing countertops many times in so many different houses and for others, I know what to look for and have always been extremely happy with how it turns out.

Weekend DIY project. A pegboard organizer in the craft room above the desk workspace.

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PS I love seeing your creations! Be sure to take a photo and tag #cravingcreative on Instagram! You can also stay in touch with me through following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribing to the newsletter!