Quck answer
To remove laminate countertops, follow these steps:
1. Gather the necessary tools: utility knife, pry bar, putty knife, and screwdriver.
2. Disconnect any appliances or fixtures attached to the countertops.
3. Locate the seams and edges of the countertop.
4. Use the utility knife to cut along the seams and edges, removing any caulk or adhesive.
5. Insert the pry bar or putty knife underneath the countertop and gently pry it up.
6. Work your way around the countertop, continuing to pry it up until it is completely loose.
7. Remove any screws or nails that may be holding the countertop in place.
8. Lift the countertop off the cabinets or base.
9. Clean any remaining adhesive or caulk from the cabinets or base.
10. Dispose of the old countertop properly.
By following these steps, you can successfully remove laminate countertops and prepare for a new installation if desired.
Laminate countertops are a cost-effective and durable choice for kitchens and bathrooms. However, over time, they may become chipped or scratched due to heavy use or objects being dropped on them. Whether you want to update your space or simply need to replace your worn-out laminate countertops, it is important to remove them properly to prevent damage to your cabinets, sink, and surrounding surfaces, so that they can be reused.
Cut Through the Caulk
During the installation process, installers often use a significant amount of caulk and adhesive to secure laminate countertops in place. Before you start removing your countertops, use a sharp utility knife to cut through the caulk. This will separate the countertops from the walls, cabinets, and other surrounding surfaces.
Start by cutting through the caulk between the backsplash and the drywall, including along the sides. Next, cut through the caulk that joins the edges of the countertops to the tiles or drywall on each side. Trace around the edge of the sink where it meets the countertop. Finally, cut any caulk or adhesive between the base cabinets and the underside of the countertop. The adhesive may cover the entire length of the unit or only be present in a few spots.
Separate Sink From Counter
Prior to removing the sink, turn off the water supply to your kitchen or bathroom sink and disconnect the drain line. If you have a top-mount sink, remove the screws that connect the sink to the countertop and then pull the sink out of the opening. If the sink is an undermount, use a pry bar to gently separate the sink from the countertop. Once the sink is separated, you should be able to remove it through the cabinet door.
Separate Backsplash From Wall
Many laminate countertops come with a built-in backsplash. After cutting away any caulk that connects the backsplash to the wall, insert a pry bar between the backsplash and the top of the countertop. Carefully pry it away to avoid damaging the drywall. If the entire backsplash is glued to the wall, you may need to pry in this area as well, which could potentially damage the drywall and require replacement later on.
Search for and Remove Screws
To disconnect the countertop from the base cabinets, open the cabinets and look for support brackets or screws. The screws are likely to be located in the corner support blocks of each cabinet, but they may also be found in other areas. Use a drill or screwdriver to remove any visible screws. Once all the visible fasteners have been removed, insert a pry bar under one corner of the countertop and pry it loose.
If the installers used a significant amount of adhesive to secure the countertop, it may be easier to cut it into sections with a reciprocating saw, as recommended by Mees Distributors, Inc. This will allow you to pry each section loose separately. Remember to wear protective eyewear and heavy work gloves if you decide to use a reciprocating saw.
Replace Without Removing
When replacing a laminate countertop, you may be tempted to only remove the laminate finish and leave the substrate in place for refinishing. However, this can result in large divots in the substrate and is not recommended. It is best to remove and replace the entire countertop for the best possible results.
Instead, you can roughen the surface of the laminate by sanding it. After that, you can apply a new laminate finish on top of it using contact cement. However, it’s important to note that this technique requires a high level of skill and specific tools for finishing edges and corners.
