Tile countertops screwed down and glued can they be removed?

Fer8164309
by Fer8164309
want to replace them with granite but have been told can't be done

  10 answers
  • Hmmm,yes you should be able to replace the countertops, and it depends on who installed them. Generally for tiled countertops a board is nailed, screwed and or glued to the base cabinet. That needs to be removed in order to install granite. There might be a bit of damage, in the process of removing. I would call around and get more estimates, doesn't sound right to me. I would use licensed professionals only.

  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Aug 15, 2017

    At the worst, the counter tops can be broken from the top or bottom with a sledge hammer. The countertop would then be new heavy plywood with granite installed on top of that. "Can't be done" is often quoted by someone who has his own profitable product to see you--or reluctant hubbies. Best wishes ๐Ÿ˜‡

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Aug 15, 2017

    I expect so, but why not just encase them with a New Countertop - it would be cheaper.

  • William William on Aug 15, 2017

    Sure they can be removed. I would use a a reciprocating saw to cut through the nails and glue. Pry an edge enough to get the blade under the wood substrate and cabinet top. You can remove the ceramic tile to reduce the weight.

  • Ana Bacallao Ana Bacallao on Aug 15, 2017

    We had is done. Company we hired removed existing granite tiles and installed granite. It's now over 12 years and have had no problems with our wood cabinets below. Find the right person and they will do it.

  • Pandalana Williams Pandalana Williams on Aug 15, 2017

    I am not sure why you can't? You will need to completely remove the entire top. So, is it plywood that has been glued and screwed down? Remove the screws first. and they pry the top off. Maybe the type of glue? What kind of glue? If you used construction adhesive, then that will be a problem. A razor and a 5 in 1 tool was mentioned in another hometalk question like yours here:

    http://www.hometalk.com/diy/-3824388

  • Pinkflmgo626 Pinkflmgo626 on Aug 15, 2017

    Anything is possible if you can find the right professional to help you. You may need some repairs to the cabinets depending on how solid those suckers are in there! Be sure to ask for referenced and if you can see work that has been done.

  • Sharon Sharon on Aug 15, 2017

    Most counters can be muscled off with a couple strong guys. But I suspect they declined to put granite on cause the cabinets aren't strong enough or are particle board and can't hold the weight. If the joists under the flooring aren't strong enough to bear the weight might be another reason.

  • Fer8164309 Fer8164309 on Aug 15, 2017

    The issue has nothing to do with the cabinets themselves. The professionals we sought to hire said it couldn't be done due to the glue. I personally think they didn't possess the skillset to do the job.

    • William William on Aug 15, 2017

      Yep! Sounds like they don't have the skills. They are probably just installers. Not trained to remove. If possible, get three detailed estimates. This way you will know who is qualified.