How to remove glued laminate countertops?

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

dinotheo@yahoo.com - 25 Feb 2007 20:14 GMT

Hi all,
I am prepping my kitchen for the install of granite countertops. I am
removing the laminate countertops myself and for the most part I am
not really too concerned, except for one part. Most of my countertops
appear to just be screwed down. I have an "upper" area of countertop
that is at bar height. This part of the countertop is 18" deep and
sits on a 2x6 framed half wall. I pulled the trim off and it looks
like this countertop is attached with some sort of construction
adhesive (brown and looks like liquid nails). Can anyone give me some
pointers on how I can go about removing this countertop? This stuff is
really strong I can hang on the ledge and it doesn't even budge.

Thanks,
Dino

Reply to this Message

DanG - 25 Feb 2007 20:53 GMT

You need to verify that any and all screws are removed. You need
to break the glue bond. Remove all drawers and stuff so you have
access to the bottom of the top. Strike upwards with a heavy
hammer/sledge. I have had to use crowbars, chisels, sawzalls,
etc. It can be flat amazing how much a little adhesive and caulk
will hold. Chop the top into little pieces before you hurt the
bulkheads or face frames if you are planning to re use the
cabinets. Most installers use a bit of silicone as it is fairly
easy to remove rather than construction adhesive.

Signature

______________________________
Keep the whole world singing . . . .
DanG (remove the sevens)
dgriff237@7cox.net

> Hi all,
> I am prepping my kitchen for the install of granite countertops.
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> Thanks,
> Dino

Reply to this Message

dinotheo@yahoo.com - 26 Feb 2007 01:21 GMT

> You need to verify that any and all screws are removed. You need
> to break the glue bond. Remove all drawers and stuff so you have
[quoted text clipped - 40 lines]
>
> - Show quoted text -

Dan,
No kidding. That adhesive is amazing.....I am beat...I finally got it
off with only a little damage to the 2x6 top plate.

I used a circular saw to trim the countertop to 6" wide (the same as
the 2x6 top plate). I then used a reciprocating saw and pry bar to get
it up. That particular countertop was angled. Luckily only the angled
piece was glued. The other part was screwed. The 2x6 is a little
chewed up (not too bad though) in a couple of spots. I will fill in
the couple of spots where some of the 2x6 splintered off with wood
epoxy. Now I need to remove a cooktop, sink and backsplashes and the
rest of my countertops....(Luckily they are just screwed)

Dino

Reply to this Message

Homeowner Forum / Construction / February 2007

How to remove glued laminate countertops?