If you are looking for a guide on how to remove quartz countertops without damaging cabinets then look no further!!
During a renovation, most homeowners will replace their cabinets and quartz countertops. However, not everyone has the finances for this, so many people also opt to replace the countertop without cabinet replacement. Of course, the key to successfully doing this is to be careful and not damage the cabinets in the process.
While you can hire a professional to do this job, you can also give it a try yourself. Here is a complete guide on how to remove quartz countertops without damaging cabinets.
Requirements For Quartz Countertop Removal
If you want successful quartz countertop removal, you must have the right tools. You can purchase a few tools, and some of them might already be available in your home. Here are the top things you will need to remove your countertops:
- Pry bar
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Bucket
- Goggles or eyewear to protect the eyes
- Caulk softener
- Box cutter
- Chisel
- Putty knife
Remember that you must wear the right clothing items that are not too loose. That is because you don’t want anything getting stuck in the tools or the countertop. Besides that, you must wear protective equipment to ensure that you can safely remove the countertops in no time.
A Step-By-Step Guide Of Removing Quartz Countertops Without Damaging Cabinets
Now that you have gathered all the tools, you must know how to use them and take steps to remove the countertop in no time. You can also get someone to aid you during this process. That is because such countertops are heavy and might not be a job for one person.
Once you have everything you need, you can follow these steps to learn how to remove quartz countertops without damaging cabinets:
1. Clear The Quartz Countertop
Of course, this goes without saying that you have to clear the entire quartz countertop. That is because you don’t want anything obstructing your workspace as you engage in removal. Be sure not to leave anything behind for your safety.
Besides that, you must also open all the cabinets and remove things from inside them. You can place all these items away from the kitchen and your workstation so that there are no hassles. If there are any appliances plugged in above your countertop, you will have to remove those too.
There should be nothing inside your cabinets and the countertop by the time you are done. Everything should be kept somewhere else and safe.
2. Disengage All The Relevant Lines
The next step might seem intimidating to you because not many people understand how to disconnect the lines in their house. However, you must follow clear instructions to execute it successfully. The first thing you need to do is disengage all the sink and gas lines.
After that, you must also turn off the valves. Remember that you have the option to utilize the wrench to turn off the valves in no time. Once you are done, you must disengage the drainage line and use a bucket to collect all the water.
The cold and hot valves are also important to shut, and you can do that by moving them clockwise. On the other hand, if there is a waste disposal machine, you must also disconnect it. Finally, you must take a look at the waterlines at the sink’s bottom.
Once you have located these waterlines, it is time to remove the screws and nuts. You can do this by using a plier and then pulling them with the faucets.
3. Sink Removal
If your line disconnection process is successful, it is time for you to eliminate the fixture or undermount sink. The first thing you must do is find the brackets under the sink’s bottom. Most people find these brackets inside the cabinets.
You will find the bracket’s nut, and you can turn it counterclockwise to guarantee it successfully detaches. If you want more help, you can utilize a chisel or putty knife for sink removal away from the quartz countertop.
On the other hand, if you find adhesive or mortar under the rim of the skin, you must utilize a spray or caulk softener. Of course, if you have an inset sink, all you have to do is slip the putty knife under the quartz countertop’s edge and above the skin. Doing this will instantly cause the seal to break.
You must still remain careful as you lift the sink to ensure that you don’t damage your quartz countertop. It is crucial that during this step, you ask a close family member or friend to aid you. That is because a sink is always heftier than what it looks, and it is not a job for one person.
4. Unfasten The Surrounding Adhesive
When professionals install a quartz countertop, they use caulk to seal the edges, so it remains intact. Besides that, caulk is also used to protect the countertop from any water damage in the kitchen. That is why if you want to know how to remove quartz countertops without damaging cabinets, you must understand how to loosen the adhesive around them.
If you want to ensure ease in this step, you can utilize the caulk softener and let it be on the countertop for about an hour. After that, you can take a putty knife and eliminate the glue from the backsplash or the wall. Remember to be careful when you pry the tool under the quartz countertop so that it becomes detached enough for you to lift.
5. Disassemble The Quartz Countertops
Is your quartz countertop attached to the cabinet with screws? If that is the case, then you must utilize the screwdriver to detach the quartz countertop. On the other hand, if the cabinet is fastened using brackets, nails, or adhesive, then you can utilize a pry to disassemble it.
You can slip the pry beneath the countertop’s rim by beginning from one direction and then going through all the remaining ends. Once you do this, it will aid you in gently lifting the quartz countertop. Remember to exercise extra caution and prevent from using any extra pressure on the pry bar as it can damage the counter and cabinets.
After you pick up the quartz countertop, you will notice a few nails on the bottom. Use the hammer to bend these nails so that there are no injuries in this process. On the other hand, if your quartz counter is incredibly heavy and big, you must cut it using the reciprocating saw, but be sure to wear protective gear for safety.
6. Countertop Removal
Now that you are familiar with the entire process, it is time to remove the quartz countertop. As you have removed the countertop from the cabinets, then you must pick it up and be sure to use some assistance during this process. You can clean the quartz countertop to eliminate the dust and debris on it.
You can also keep a dumpster available in your home if you need to get rid of debris from the countertop and other things. If your countertop is heavy, you must opt for someone else’s help to ensure you can lift it appropriately. Once you do, you can renovate your kitchen in any way you like in no time.
Caring For The Quartz Countertop
These are the top six steps you must follow to learn how to remove quartz countertops without damaging cabinets. You won’t have to remove your quartz countertop if you take care of them and ensure their durability. That is why it is important to know how to care for your countertops properly.
So, if you are installing new quartz countertops after removing the old ones, you must maintain them. Here are the top tips for you to take care of the countertops and get the most value out of your money:
1. Invest In An Excellent Quartz Cleaner
After installing a new quartz countertop, you must take care of it with the right products. There are many cleaners available in hardware stores that will help you get the most out of your countertop for a long time. Many people make the mistake of not reading the label and purchasing a container that has bleach.
Please don’t make this mistake and use a quartz cleaner that does not have any bleach or discoloration will begin to happen. You can also check the label of the product to ensure the safety of your countertop for a long time to come. Once you have the cleaner, you can use it to clean your countertops and give them a polished look.
2. Use Mild Soap And Warm Water Daily
The key to ensuring that your quartz countertops last a long time is consistency. That is why you must clean them every day, but be sure not to use any harsh cleaners for everyday cleaning. You can take some mild soap and warm water to give the countertop a gentle cleaning each day.
Remember that if you constantly use your kitchen and cook every day, then you have to clean it daily in this way. On the other hand, if you don’t use your kitchen much, you can clean with soap and water every other day. Doing this will prevent any dirt from building up, and it will get rid of any spots or stains that might have taken place without you noticing.
3. Wiping Off Stains And Spills
Not everything in our home is under our control. Sometimes, you can use the right cleaning products, and the stains will go away immediately. However, there are times when the stains are extensive, and they don’t go away using a cleaner.
In such times, one of the best alternatives you can use on the quartz countertop is rubbing alcohol. It is excellent for stains that are inky. After using rubbing alcohol, you can use warm water to clean the countertop further.
However, if you don’t have rubbing alcohol at home, you can also use a glass cleaner. Remember that not all glass cleaners are ideal for quartz countertops. It is best to ask the professional that installed your quartz countertop before you use any glass cleaner on it as you don’t want to damage it.
4. Use Plastic Scrapers
If you have neglected your quartz countertop, and there is gunk on it, then you must use a plastic scraper to eliminate the dirt. Such scrapers prevent any scratches from appearing on your countertop as you clean it. In addition, you can use a plastic scraper to remove materials such as dried grease, chewing gums, superglue, and much more.
Remember to scrape these items as soon as they happen. That is why it is crucial to keep a plastic scraper handy in your kitchen. It will allow you to remove such items immediately, and you will have a clean quartz countertop in no time.
5. Use A Chopping Board
Never use knives on top of your quartz countertop. Many people don’t pay heed to this and begin chopping on the countertop without using a chopping board. You must always use a chopping board no matter what countertop you have in your home.
That is because knives will cause scratches on the surface, and they will deteriorate your countertops earlier. So, be sure to always remain gentle with your countertop and use a chopping board for cutting at any time. It will help you ensure the longevity of your quartz countertops in no time.
Also Read : How To Tile A Countertop Over Plywood
Final Words
That was your complete guide on how to remove quartz countertops without damaging cabinets. Besides that, we have also given you tips on how to take care of your new countertops after you remove the old ones. It will help you get the most value out of your money for a long time to come.
So, be sure to apply these tips and make the most of your quartz countertops. You will easily remove them without causing any damage to the surrounding cabinets and drawers. If you can’t remove the countertop successfully, be sure to call a professional.
