Can I Replace My Countertops WITHOUT Replacing Cabinets?
Kitchen countertops deteriorate more quickly than cabinets. Unsurprisingly, many want to replace them without replacing the cabinets. The question is, is it possible?
You can replace your kitchen countertops without replacing the cabinetry if they are still in good condition. By doing this, your kitchen gets a new look, and you save some money too!
Of course, like any renovation project, there are a few things you need to think about. Some frequently asked questions include the following:
- Can you put new countertops on old cabinets?
- Can you replace the countertop without replacing the sink?
- Can you replace granite countertops without damaging the cabinets?
- Who discards the old countertops?
Be sure to continue reading to get the answers to all these questions. The more you know before starting your project, the better prepared you will be. And we all know preparation is key!
Can You Put New Countertops on Old Cabinets? Absolutely!
A person’s sense of style changes as the years go by. That’s why a kitchen remodeling project can breathe new life into your home. Unfortunately, replacing both cabinets and countertops in your kitchen can be expensive. But what if you only replace your countertops?
You can put new countertops on old cabinets to give your kitchen a new look. In saying this, though, there are a few things you need to consider, like the following:
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- How will you remove the old countertops? Some materials, like laminates, are screwed in place, which is easy to remove. However, marble and granite slabs are trickier and can damage your cabinetry. That’s why it’s better to ask a professional to remove the old countertops to avoid damage to your cabinets.
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- Can your cabinets support your new countertop? Your old cabinets must be strong enough for the material of your new countertops. If it isn’t, they could buckle under the weight and cause quicker deterioration. It is especially true with marble, granite, and quartz countertops.
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- Can your floor support additional weight? If you’re changing from plastic or laminate countertops to stone, it places extra weight on the floor. If your floor is not strong enough, it might dent in over time.
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- Will you need to replace your sink? If you have to replace your sink, it will affect the faucet configuration. It will affect how the new countertop should be cut out.
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- Does the new countertop match your backsplash? You might consider a different countertop or also replacing your backsplash if it doesn’t.
- Consult a contractor, remodeler, or granite installer about pre-cut countertops. Although they are cheaper, these pre-cut countertops don’t account for everything. For example, your wall variances or locations may differ, so that it won’t be a perfect fit.
While keeping this in mind, remember that it’s always best to consult with a professional. Although it might be a little more costly, it will help avoid expensive mistakes and do-overs.
Can You Replace Countertop Without Replacing Sink?
Because renovations can be costly, it’s normal to wonder which parts need replacement and which don’t and what’s the best time of year to buy countertops. When it comes to replacing countertops, you might wonder whether you should replace your sink.
You could replace your countertops without replacing the sink. BUT depending on the current condition of the sink, we recommend upgrading it. More often than not, people have to replace their sinks too. It also depends on whether you have an under-mount sink or a top-mount sink.
An under-mount sink is installed under the countertop, and there is no rim between itself and the counter. Sometimes it’s challenging to get the existing countertops off the under-mount sink without damaging it. So, it might not be that easy to reuse.
A drop-in sink drops into a pre-cut hole in the countertop, and its rim rests on the counter. They are easy to install and don’t need additional holes in the counter for the faucets. At the same time, if installed correctly, they won’t damage your countertops, making reusing them easier.
If you’re unsure whether your sink is reusable, ask your contractor. This is why our friends at HomeTech Services out in Northern Virginia recommend that you first prepare your home for any kind of renovation, this includes planning! They will assess the condition of your current sink and advise on your next course of action.
Can You Replace Granite Countertops Without Damaging Cabinets?
Granite countertops are beautiful, hard, sturdy, heat-resistant, and scratch-proof slabs. That’s why it’s such a popular choice for countertops in homes worldwide. And it is precisely this sturdiness that makes people wonder whether they can replace their granite countertops without damaging the cabinets.
Usually, you can replace granite countertops without damaging the cabinets. A professional installer who knows what they are doing should be able to remove old countertops without damaging cabinetry and install new granite countertops.
Initially, installers use silicone to adhere the granite slab to the cabinets. So, removing the slab isn’t the issue. Instead, removing the dried silicone without chipping away pieces of the cabinet proves difficult.
Because countertop contractors have experience removing all sorts of counters, they know how to do it to avoid damage. That’s why it’s better to get help from a professional than do it yourself.
Who Discards My Old Countertops?
It’s implied that replacing your countertops means that the old ones should be thrown out. But who is responsible for discarding the old countertops?
Usually, the installers themselves will tear-out and discard the old countertops when replacing new ones. They have the right-sized vehicle (trucks typically) to transport it and know what to do with it. Of course, if you did it yourself, you can call a cabinet and countertop removal company to get the job done.
While it’s a quick solution to get your home neat again after the renovation, you can do a few other things with the old countertops. You can:
- Reuse the material in new projects
- Sell it to someone for some extra cash
- Donate it to charities if it is still in good shape
- Create a new piece of furniture, like a coffee table, with it
- Smash it into pieces and use it in a mosaic art piece if it’s a stone countertop.
You can use many creative ideas to reuse your old countertops, says Jason at HomeTech Services. But, if you don’t want to go that route, asking the installer to remove it or getting a removal company is your best bet.
The Bottom Line
Replacing your kitchen’s countertop is sometimes the easiest way to breathe new life into your home’s design. Because you can replace it without having to replace your cabinetry, too, you’ll save some money in the process.
Although you don’t necessarily have to replace your cabinets as well, you need to consider whether they’ll carry the weight of your new countertop. At the same time, it’s also essential to see whether you have to replace your sink, as it will affect your budget. Usually, your installers can help with these queries, so don’t hesitate to ask them.
Because granite is such a popular countertop material in homes, many wonder whether they can replace those without damaging the cabinets. Yes, you can, but it’s better to get a professional to remove it. That way, they ensure your cabinetry sustains minimal to no damage throughout the process.
Finally, your installers should remove the old countertops. If you don’t want to discard them, there are other things you can do to recycle them.
