While home remodeling is fun, it’s also a costly avenue to venture down, often filled with unpredictable outcomes. If your kitchen needs gutting and you’re looking to do it yourself, you can save money by doing your own removal. Consider these steps to help you in removing kitchen countertops.
Remove All Barriers
Clearing your area of any impediments is the first step in how to dispose of old kitchen countertops. After moving appliances and other things blocking your way, you can extract the drawers and all stored items inside. Start from the bottom up—that way, you can prevent dust from getting in the drawers.
Also, for additional safety precautions when removing old countertops, withdraw any food, cutlery, and other objects from the construction area. Any items that could pose a safety risk or get in the way while removing old kitchen countertops and cabinets should be moved. By doing this, you ensure that you have a safe space to work while clearing the barriers that could lead to an injury.
Disconnect Lines That Are Connected to Countertop Fixtures
Here’s a quick step-by-step list to help in taking out your kitchen countertop safely:
- Grab a changeable wrench to shut off valves for the gas line connected to your stove. Be sure to turn the wrench to the off position.
- Check the electrical outlets and ensure they are protected and set off.
- Turn off your water lines, drainpipes, and anything else attached to your sink. If there is excess water, use washcloths or even a bucket to clean it up.
You should also disconnect the supply lines from each countertop area that is being replaced. If you don’t, not only will you have an awkward layout, but you will risk not having enough room for your replacement countertop. If you have an irritating corner piece, consider removing it as well to avoid delaying the process of replacing your countertop after disposing of the other.
Take Out the Sink
When you disconnect the drain lines and collect any surplus water, use a notch or a knife and remove your sink. Drench a softener over the sink to remove leftover, dried-up material underneath the rim. Then, carefully and slowly lift and remove the sink to avoid any damage to the area around you.
An excellent tip to remember is that sinks are relatively heavy, many weighing over a ton; so, this may not be a one-person job. Find an assistant to aid you with lifting the sink, including double-bowl models.
Now, for the fun part: how to dispose of your kitchen countertop.
Take Out Any Remaining Material
Do you remember installing your first kitchen countertop? So do we. When we first installed countertops, a caulk seal was used to help cover edges, and, as the years went by, more was applied to prevent any damage from water. The simplest way to remove kitchen countertops is as follows:
- Spray areas with caulk on the edges and let it sit for an hour.
- At the end of the hour, use a sharp object to remove the paste from the area.
- Using your tool, pry it away from the wall until you can carry it out.
Unscrew The Cabinets From The Countertop
Before unscrewing any cabinets, check if the counter is fastened with bolts. In this case, use a tool to help undo them. The countertops will easily lift after that without damaging anything.
Use a pry bar if your countertops are held down by braces, pegs, or some other type of adhesive. You can lift the countertop from under and work your way around the counter. Don’t force it off, and use patience when taking off the countertop from both ends. If your countertop is heavy, you should consider using a tool to cut it into pieces that are easy to lift and remove. For additional safety measures, use protective goggles and a specialty mask to prevent inhaling any debris.
Dispose of The Countertop
When learning how to remove countertops, even your own, you need to consider the correct method of disposing of it efficiently. Consider renting a 40 cubic yard dumpster to haul away debris and hard-to-get-rid-of oversized pieces at the end of your remodel. At Vine Disposal, we offer great methods for waste management. One of our most popular uses of waste management is home renovations, including a whole kitchen remodel. We can also plan around your schedule if you need your countertop removed right away.
You can also get rid of your countertops by donating them to a non-profit. Many use the material to build homes that conserve and help the environment, reusing material to make new furniture or other countertops.
If there are some leftover countertop pieces that you didn’t dispose of, you should consider upcycling them. You can do this by taking apart the details more and using them as tiles for your floors or put them in your bathroom, hallway, or garage. This is one way of figuring out what to do with old countertops.
Replacing Your Countertop
With your old one gone, it’s time to think about a new array of kitchen countertops. There are plenty of options, and we know that the choice is difficult and overwhelming. You can go for what’s on-trend right now or consider a particular style. Granite countertops, for example, create a more natural feeling in your kitchen. Granite is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a wide selection of finishes—the options are endless, ranging from matte to glossy.
After replacing your countertop with a new upgrade, you can finally show off your latest kitchen at your future get-together with friends and family. However, don’t stop here with your renovation projects, and consider remodeling an unused space into something new for the entire family.
Once you dispose of or donate your old countertops, you are set on your way to having a more comfortable home and space for entertainment. Focus on your new countertop and put all of your appliances back where they were before. That way, you can start your life in your new, renovated home.
