When it comes to home remodeling, the first place many homeowners consider is the kitchen, because just a small remodel in the kitchen can dramatically improve the look and resale value of your home. One of the easiest places to start is by replacing the countertops. Installing new countertops is not only an easy upgrade, but it is also a fairly quick DIY project. If you are planning a remodel and want to replace the countertop, these step-by-step instructions will help you get through this do-it-yourself project.
What You’ll Need:
- Protective eyewear
- Work gloves
- Towel
- Reciprocating saw
- Adjustable wrench
- Chisel
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Putty knife
- Pry bar
- Painters tape
Instructions:
Step 1-Prep the area by clearing out the cabinets and removing the drawers. Use painters tape to tape the cabinet doors closed. If you have a window above the countertop, the window casing may need to be removed to remove the old backsplash. Carefully remove the window casing to avoid damaging it so it can be reinstalled later.
Step 2-Shut off water supply. Before you can remove the old countertops, you will need to remove the sink, so the water supply to the plumbing lines will need to be disconnected. If the stovetop is near the counter, you will also need to disconnect the gas supply.
- Turn the emergency shut-off valves to these fixtures to the off position and then use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the supply lines from the valves.
- To disconnect the faucet, turn off both the hot and cold water supply lines.
- Using an adjustable wrench, disconnect the faucet water lines from the main line by loosening the large nuts that connect the U or J-shaped trap to the main drain line. It’s helpful to have a towel nearby to catch any water that may be left in the pipes. Don’t forget to disconnect the garbage disposal as well.
Step 3-Remove the sink. In many situations, the sink can be removed with the faucet still attached, but if you do not have enough clearance, use a wrench to remove the nuts holding the faucet spout and handles in place.
- Under the sink, remove the retaining clips that hold the sink in place on the counter
- Disconnect the plumbing trap from the sink drain and remove it
- If the sink is a drop it style, use a putty knife or chisel to pry through the caulking and loosen it from the countertop. If the sink is an under-mount style, use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding it in place.
- Carefully lift the sink out; certain materials are heavy, such as cast iron, so you may need help lifting the sink out.
Step 4-Remove the countertop backsplash by starting in the middle and use a pry bar to remove the backsplash.
Step 5-Removing the countertops. First, check under the countertops to make sure there aren’t any screws holding it place, if so; use a screwdriver to remove them. Once all of the hardware, backsplash and sink has been removed, the countertop can be lifted away. If the countertops are extremely large or oddly shaped (such as an L-shape), remove the caulking or hardware that is securing the pieces together or use a reciprocating saw to cut the countertop into more manageable sections.
If the countertop is tile, removing the tile will make the countertop lighter and easier to remove. Always wear work gloves and protective eyewear when doing any DIY remodel project. If the countertop is granite, it will be heavy, so enlist a friend to help lift it off or cut the granite into smaller sections before removing.
We have a large selection of countertop materials, so don’t forget to stop by Mees Distributors, Inc. to pick out your new countertops.