How To Remove Granite Countertops For Reuse

Put the claw of the pry bar under the rim of the counter and press down on the free end until the countertop begins to lift up.

How to remove granite countertops for reuse. Look underneath inside the cabinets to locate any gap between the cabinet and the granite. Usually just dabs in spots. With progressively finer grits it will shine like new. Use a pry bar to remove the countertops.

Remove the screws from the plywood layer under the granite countertop from inside the cabinets. Scrape and abrade all the remaining caulk from the sink flange. This is a bit more complicated but also works well. Furthermore you might not have enough matching granite to finish the design.

If the counter is attached to the base cabinet with nails or an adhesive use a pry bar to remove it. Most countertops are bracketed to the base cabinets. Look for screws running up through the cabinet top support into the bottom of the plywood. If the screws place too much pressure on the granite it may crack but when inserted properly the screws will cause the plywood to separate from the granite so it can be removed.

To remove the caulking from the front of the cabinets you can also use a strong piece of thin wire. Use a drill and screw tip. Then place your crowbar between the seams of the granite and either the counter or the base plywood tapping it in with the hammer again if you need. This is especially crucial if you have granite cut outs around your sink.

After you ve detached all mechanical fasteners drive a stiff scraper between the sink and the bottom of the stone then drive in a shim. Use a pry bar to gently wedge the old plywood off. Another strategy is to remove the granite with the plywood still attached and then remove it later with a chisel. If you are reusing your granite countertops for your kitchen or bathroom remodel you re limited to use your existing design so the granite will blend into the new space.

Most granite slabs are held in place using silicone to the cabinet. As you go have several wooden shims handy. You will want to cut away the caulking about the counter edges again first. If you cannot find them you will need to break the glue seal between the plywood and the granite before you can remove the plywood.

If the stone has multiple seams nails can be driven up through the plywood into. Remove all doors and drawers from cabinets to protect them. Hold the granite on its end so it is vertical to prevent cracks. Gently lift the granite away from the attached surface.