6 Steps to Safely Remove Quartz Countertops for Reuse

When renovating their kitchen, most homeowners begin by replacing their countertops and cabinets. What many of them don’t realize is that countertops with zero or little damage can be reused.

Quartz is as durable as other top countertop materials such as granite or concrete. It is also non-porous and resists staining better than these materials. As a non-porous surface, it will also not grow bacteria or viruses and is easy to clean and maintain. Thus reusing quartz countertops is possible. But the question is whether they can be easily removed from old kitchen cabinets in your Toronto home.

The answer is yes – if both old and new cabinets are of the same size. Then you just have to remove them from the old cabinets and place them on the new ones. But you must install them properly (and with a lot of care) to avoid cracks or breaks.

Here are some steps to doing it yourself.

Steps for Removing Quartz Countertops Carefully for Reuse

Before you remove your quartz countertop to reuse it on new kitchen cabinets, always take safety precautions. If you need assistance, hire professional installers.

1. Remove Everything from Cabinets

The first step is to eliminate obstructions from the kitchen area. Make sure to remove everything from inside the cabinets and drawers (think cookware, food items, and utensils)and store them safely elsewhere. Then unplug and move appliances away from the countertops. Be careful not to damage them in the process.

2. Disconnect Pipelines and Drain Lines

The next step is to shut off the water by turning the valves clockwise. Then disconnect the drain line and accumulate the draining water into a bucket. Also, follow the waterlines connected to the bottom of the sink. Remove their nuts using pliers and pull them from faucets.

Use a wrench to shut the emergency valves of your gas line.

3. Remove the Kitchen Sink

Once you disconnect the lines, remove the sink. Identify the hold-down brackets located at the sink’s bottom. Turn the nut counter-clockwise and disconnect it. A chisel or putty knife may be useful to move the sink away from the quartz countertops.

If there is adhesive below the sink rim, use a spray softener. For an inset sink, slide a putty knife under the countertop’s edge as well as the sink’s top. This will help to break the seal. Be careful when you lift the sink to avoid damaging the countertop. The sink may be heavier than it appears, so it is best to lift it with another person.

4. Loosen the Adhesive Quickly

When installing the quartz countertop, caulk may have been used to seal the edges. You may also apply caulk to safeguard it from water damage. Therefore, to remove the countertop without breaking it, it is important to first loosen this adhesive. For this, use any caulk softener and leave it on for at least 60 minutes. Then wipe this adhesive from the wall or backsplash using a putty knife. Be careful to pry this tool below the countertop. Make sure it becomes loose enough to be able to lift it easily.

5. Dismantle the Countertop from the Kitchen Cabinets 

If your quartz countertop is attached to the cabinets with screws, use a good screwdriver to detach them. The next step is to lift the countertop carefully without breaking the cabinets. If the cabinet is hung with brackets, adhesive or nails then use a pry. Slide the pry below the rim of the countertop right from one end and then slowly go to the other ends. This will help you to slowly lift the quartz countertop. Be patient when you do this and abstain from applying too much force on the pry bar.

When lifting the countertop, you may see several nails attached to its bottom. Bend them with the help of a hammer to avoid injury or damage.

6. Remove the Countertop 

Lift the countertop free from the cabinets with someone else’s help. Use a brush to remove debris from the countertop and dump it into the garbage. Keep a roll-off dumpster with you because it may be required to remove the countertop as well as debris.

Finding It Too Difficult? Let Our Experts Handle It for You

Quartz countertops can easily break if you are not cautious. You will lose both money and energy if you break the countertops, sink, or cabinets. Removing countertops well calls for expertise which is why hiring professionals is best. We are experts in offering custom stone solutions with top-quality stone products for residential as well as commercial projects. We’re with you throughout the process, from selecting materials to fabrication and installation. Get in touch with our expert installers now. We’ll be happy to serve you.