Tag Archives: countertop replacement

How Do I Choose a Countertop? Here is How to Go About It

Whether you’re remodeling or creating a new kitchen, you need new countertops in most cases. After removing the old countertops, there are numerous factors to consider when selecting the new countertops.

To help you out, here are factors to consider when looking for new countertop replacement units:

How you will be using the countertops

When deciding on the best countertops for your kitchen, you’ll undoubtedly consider how they look first. If you do not choose a material that can endure the daily use of the room, your money will be wasted. So ask yourself: how do you and your family utilize the kitchen?

Do you cook frequently? Do your counters show wear and tear from hosting parties or having youngsters at home? How long do you intend to live in your house?

You should answer these questions to make the right choice.

Purchasing multiple types of materials is one way to accommodate varied purposes for your kitchen. If you slice a lot of items while cooking, you might want to use butcher block on some of your counters so that you have a built-in cutting board. If you bake frequently, you will benefit from working with dough on a marble surface.

Mixing and matching kitchen countertop materials can also save you money. For example, if you have a large island, you may use a less expensive material here. Then, you can spend a little more cash on nearby counters that occupy fewer square feet.

The amount of maintenance you are willing to do

You should be honest and realistic about this one. Before you fall in love with the appearance of a material, understand the requirements for its upkeep. Here’s something to remember:

The butcher block is long-lasting but must be sealed biannually to prevent severe deterioration.

Porous materials such as marble, limestone, and granite require annual oiling and sealing.

Other materials, like quartz, only require a simple wipe-down without requiring any sealing.

This makes it easy to maintain your units.

If you don’t have much time to do the sealing and other maintenance tasks, you should avoid countertops that require much care as they will be too much of a bother.

Your budget

The cost of materials varies greatly, but with appropriate maintenance, good kitchen countertops can last long. You should choose your dream countertops and pick a variant within your budget.

For example, maybe you like the beauty of marble, but it’s out of your budget. Quartz has a similar look but is slightly less pricey. So, you should consider buying it.

Depending on the variations between your ideal countertops and the less expensive alternative, investing a little more money on something you’ll be using for many years may be worthwhile.

If you aren’t sure how much money you should spend on the countertops, a good rule of thumb is to pay between 15% and 30% of your money on kitchen countertops. If you spend less than 15%, the quality may be inferior to the other materials you use.

On the other hand, if your countertops cost more than 30%, you may be going overboard.

The amount of space that you have

Knowing how many linear feet of countertop space you have will allow you to estimate how much material you’ll need. Take this to several companies and compare it to their various alternatives and brands. This will give you a general estimate of how much it will cost you to purchase one material or brand over another.

The materials and colors that fit your home

And now to the question that often comes to mind: what will look best in my kitchen? Here’s a list of questions to help you decide which kitchen countertop material and color will complement your design:

Do you prefer a particular countertop color?
Do you expect your paint and hardware options to change?
How does your pick look against your current kitchen walls?
Are you satisfied with your present kitchen style or do you wish to change it up?

To leave your options open, choose a material with veins or splashes of color.

You should select a neutral color. Paint and accessories might vary over time, so having counters that match everything is a good idea.

If possible, take the samples home to ensure that you are buying the right countertop that looks great on your home. Looking at the material in your kitchen’s distinctive light and comparing it to the room’s colors, woods, decorations, and flooring will help you decide whether it suits your vision.

Countertop options to go with

Are you wondering what are your options when it comes to kitchen countertops? Well, there are many. The most popular ones include:

Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops, which closely mimic genuine stone, remain popular among those seeking a unique countertop. Unlike the concrete countertops of the late 1980s, which were poured haphazardly over the cabinets, today’s fabricators provide pre-cast counters manufactured in a workshop and delivered—fully cured and finished—to your home.

Pre-cast concrete countertops are normally 1½ inches thick and come in slabs up to 10 feet long. Pigments are added to the concrete during mixing to create a range of hues.

After curing, the slabs are sharpened and sealed to avoid stains. Cracking is always an issue with concrete. Thus, fabricators frequently employ wire mesh, metal rebar, fiberglass, or stainless steel fibers to reinforce the counter.

Granite countertops

Granite is a popular material for kitchen countertops due to its durability and natural beauty. Each block of granite is unique, with different veining and color variations.

Some of the reasons you can consider granite kitchen countertops include:

Increase the value of a home.
They come in a variety of colors and patterns.
They are exceedingly durable and scratch-resistant.
Offer heat resistance.

Parting shot

These are some factors to consider when choosing kitchen countertops Raleigh for your next project. For the best outcome, ensure that you choose countertops that match the design of your home and are easy to maintain.

9 Things to Consider When Installing New Countertops

Are you thinking about replacing your kitchen countertops? There are several things you should think about. These things include:

The quality of your cabinets

Before you choose a kitchen countertop material, consider the quality of your existing kitchen cabinets. This will help you decide whether you want to keep or replace them.

If you plan to replace your cabinets in the next few years, it’s preferable to do so all at once to avoid incurring duplicate installation expenses.

You should also ensure that your cabinets can withstand the weight of your new countertops. You should note that some lower-grade cabinets may lack the structural integrity to support heavier countertop materials.

Granite is three-quarters of an inch thick and weighs around eighteen pounds per square foot, and your counters could weigh several hundred pounds.

Consider whether the cabinets can handle the extra weight. As a rule of thumb, install weights that your cabinets can hold. You don’t want to overburden them, do you?

The configuration of the sink

When it comes time to replace your countertop, you should consider how your sink is configured. If your sink is below the countertop level, you may not need to replace it when you replace the counters.

Sometimes, your new counter may be taller than your old counters, which means your sink drain pipe will not reach the bottom of the sink.

You may also need to alter the faucet setup to accommodate the new counters.

To avoid confusion and ensure you are making the right decision, consult with your countertop installers about whether you can use your current sink or need to replace it.

The condition of your backsplash

When you replace your countertops, you should also inspect your backsplash.

This is because new countertops may transform your kitchen, especially if you’re also installing new cabinets.

An outdated backsplash, on the other hand, can suddenly appear out of place and, in certain situations, may not even match your new counters.

If your new countertops are thicker than your old ones, your backsplash will hang too low on the wall and run into your new counters.

You may also wish to create a fresh design for your kitchen makeover project by replacing the counter. Unless your old and new counters are nearly identical, upgrading your backsplash is wise.

Your budget

Shopping for different counter materials can be enjoyable, but focusing on more practical considerations is vital.

When deciding on countertop materials, you must consider your budget. Of course, the size of your kitchen will influence the price of your counters, but the material will be the most critical element.

If you have a bigger budget, consider natural stone, quartz, copper, and wood materials.

You can purchase some limited granite or concrete patterns if your budget is more in the middle. If your budget is particularly tight, look into laminate and other similar options.

The time you have to maintain the countertops.

You should always consider how much care and upkeep you want to give your new countertops.

Marble, granite, and other natural stone countertops must be sealed and cleaned carefully. Countertops made of concrete, quartz, or solid surface require no upkeep.

Natural materials such as copper and wood may not require much maintenance, but they will develop a worn, used appearance with time.

You must weigh your options and decide on the right material based on the time you have to maintain the surfaces.

Your desired aesthetics

Your personal design taste may be the most important element in choosing the material for your countertop. Your counters are the key focal point of your kitchen and will set the tone for the entire space. You want to choose something that will complement your color scheme and one you will enjoy for years to come.

Quartz, solid surfaces, and concrete countertops are excellent options for a modern or minimalist aesthetic.

Granite and marble give a traditional, high-end feel, whereas tile makes things feel older and more European. Wood or copper could be great options for your home if you want something a little more rustic.

Your old appliances

You should consider how your existing appliances will complement your new countertop. Think of it as wearing a new outfit with old shoes. It doesn’t give a good impression, does it?

While this is the case, don’t be concerned if your appliances are reasonably new and in good condition. You should be worried if the appliances, such as the stove, have been in use for more than 10 years. In such a case, the best way out is to replace them.

Lighting

Most homeowners install under-cabinet lighting. It’s simple to install, but it’s difficult to figure out how to route the wiring when reinstalling it.

It’s also worth mentioning that under-cabinet lighting can produce eye-straining glare when aimed directly at a highly polished stone surface.

It’s something to think about while selecting countertop materials.

You should always consult the experts to ensure you install appropriate lighting for your surfaces. If the lighting is too old, you might have to replace it.

Plumbing

As mentioned above, you must consider the sink configuration when installing new countertops.

Chances are that you are replacing a tile countertop with a solid surface, such as stone, or an engineered composite surface, like Silestone. While the cabinets may remain in place, a sink will require replacement. The exception occurs when the current sink is installed beneath an existing stone counter.

The sink change impacts the faucet configuration, so you will likely have to replace the faucet as well.

Replacing a countertop affects many of the elements around the sink, including the garbage disposer, which isn’t easy to uninstall.

You should work with countertop replacement NC professionals to find ways to modify your plumbing. If it’s too complicated, consider hiring a plumber to help you out.

Is it worth replacing kitchen countertops?

If you are wondering whether it’s worth replacing your old, worn-out countertops, yes, it’s worth it. the benefits you get from replacing your kitchen countertops include:

Improve the appearance of the kitchen

When you replace your old or worn countertops with new ones, you give the kitchen a fresh and updated look, new countertops also bring a cohesive design to the kitchen and can be used to complement the other features and finishes in the space.

For the perfect look, choose countertops that match the kitchen appliances. For example, if your kitchen has stainless steel appliances, you may want to choose a countertop material that complements the finish, such as a quartz or granite countertop.

We have different tastes and preferences so always consider this when choosing the countertop color, pattern, and style.

Improve the kitchen functionality

New countertops provide a more durable and functional workspace in the kitchen, which can be especially important in high-traffic areas or for people who enjoy cooking and entertaining.

For example, when you replace your kitchen counters with quartz or granite, your counters are more durable and resistant to stains and scratches.

During the addition, you can add functional features such as built-in cutting boards or integrated drain boards, which can make food preparation and clean-up more convenient.

Improves the value of a home

A well-designed and attractive kitchen is an important selling point for many homebuyers. New countertops can be crucial in creating a cohesive and appealing design in the space.

If you want to sell your house in the future, materials that are highly durable and easy to maintain are attractive to potential buyers. For example, you can go for materials such as quartz and granite, known for their durability and resistance to stains and scratches.

You should note that when you are remodeling your kitchen for sale, you can easily fail to recoup your investment, so always be strategic about the materials you use. To stay safe, consult an experienced professional to guide you through the materials you can use and those you can’t.

What to consider when replacing kitchen countertops

When replacing kitchen countertops, there are several things to consider

Material: Kitchen countertops are available in various materials, each with unique characteristics and benefits. Some common countertop options include granite, marble, quartz, and laminate. Consider each material’s pros and cons to determine which is right for your kitchen.

You should also consider the reason you are replacing the countertops. As mentioned, you should avoid premium countertop materials when replacing your countertops mainly to make the kitchen and house attractive to buyers.

Cost: Kitchen countertops can be a significant investment, so it’s essential to consider the price when doing the renovation work. Granite and marble are generally more expensive than quartz or laminate, but they offer higher durability and a more luxurious look.

Before starting your project, you need to budget and consider not only the cost of the countertops but that of installation as well.

Durability: Kitchen countertops have a lot of use, so choosing a material that can withstand daily wear and tear is essential. Granite and quartz are known for their durability and resistance to scratches, stains, and heat, making them a popular choice for kitchen countertops.

Marble countertops are soft, but they have a luxurious look making them the perfect option for those who don’t spend much time in the kitchen. If you love cooking or have a young family, you should avoid marble countertops.

Ease of maintenance: The maintenance required for different kitchen countertops can vary. Some materials, like quartz and granite, are low-maintenance and only require occasional cleaning with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Other materials, like marble and laminate, may require more frequent sealing and cleaning to keep them looking their best.

It’s up to you to decide on the ones that fit your lifestyle.

Appearance: The appearance of your kitchen countertops is an important factor to consider, as they can greatly impact the overall look of your kitchen. Consider the material’s color, pattern, and texture, and always choose a style that complements the rest of your kitchen.

If you aren’t sure about the best material, consult a kitchen designer or contractor to help determine the best countertop replacement NC option for your space.

Factors To Consider When Undertaking Countertop Replacement

Even if your countertops have been worn out and you are thinking about replacing them, it doesn’t mean you should simply go ahead and undertake countertop replacement—you need to consider several factors for your project to be a success. Which are these factors? Here they are:

The cabinets

Countertop materials sit on the cabinets, and to retain their look and structure, the cabinets should be able to support them.

The last thing you want is to install the countertops and only for them to crumble due to excessive weight.

To avoid this, ensure that your current cabinets can support the countertop weight. This calls for you to hire an experienced professional to inspect the cabinets and confirm that they can carry the weight. If they can’t carry the weight, first strengthen them. It would also be nice to find a countertop material of a similar weight as the previous material and install it.

Plumbing

Sometimes you have to reconfigure your plumbing, meaning you have to hire the services of a countertop installation professional and hire a plumber.

A classic example of when you may need to hire a plumber is when you want to replace a tile countertop with a solid surface or engineered composite surface. While the cabinets in such a case will stay in place, you may have to replace the sink, unless the existing sink is mounted under an existing stone counter.

As you can tell, the sink change will impact the faucet configuration, and you may also have to replace the faucet.

To avoid surprises, work with an experienced contractor who can foresee the project before it begins.

Your old appliances

When many homeowners think about replacing their countertops, their old appliances are the last thing on their minds. Unfortunately, they are an important aspect of the entire project as they have a significant impact on the look of the countertops once you are done with the project.

If your appliances are as old as your countertops, it would be nice to simply replace them, as leaving them as they are would be synonymous with wearing a new outfit with an old pair of shoes.

On the other hand, if you are one of the homeowners fond of replacing their kitchen appliances when they break down or feel they are getting too old, you have nothing to worry about, as the new countertops will blend just right with the appliances.

If you have to also replace the appliances to prevent them from looking out of place, work with a professional who will guide you on the right appliances.

Lighting

Similar to appliances, lighting can significantly affect the look of your kitchen. The situation is even dire if you have under cabinet lighting.

The reason for this is that under cabinet lighting causes an eye-straining glare when you aim it directly onto a highly polished stone surface. If you already have under cabinet lights and don’t want to remove them, find a countertop material that won’t cause too much glare.

Backsplash

Unless you are replacing the countertops with the same countertop material, you may have to replace the backsplash. This means that if you are installing a different material, factor in the cost of removing and replacing the backsplash.

Your lifestyle

Your lifestyle significantly impacts the type of countertop material you should go for. If you are single and home most of the time and don’t mind giving your countertops a little more care, you can get away with marble countertops Durham.

On the other hand, if you have small children, cook a lot, and don’t like countertop maintenance tasks, it would be nice to avoid countertops that might need care. This means you should stay clear of granite or marble counters. Some of the best materials for you are quartz or other easy-to-maintain materials.

If you aren’t sure of the right materials to go for, get the input of an expert.

When buying the kitchen countertops, don’t buy them from any store—take time and find a reputable store selling high-quality materials at a low cost.

Can You Replace Just The Countertop?

When undertaking countertop replacement, most homeowners replace both the countertops and cabinets. While this is the way it’s supposed to be, not everyone has the budget to replace both simultaneously.

Can you replace just the countertop? Yes, you can do it, but according to granite contractors, you should be cautious of the risks that it comes with. Some of these risks include:

You can invalidate your warranty.

When you install expensive countertops such as granite and quartz, you are given a warranty which gives you peace of mind that you are protected against any damage and countertop problems that might come up.

While this is the case, you should know that if the countertops develop problems during the warranty period and the countertop company realizes that you installed them on old cabinets, the chances are that they will invalidate the warranty even if the problem has nothing to do with the old cabinets.

You can damage the old cabinets.

If you have had your cabinets for more than ten years, the chances are that the cabinets have seriously worn out, and you will be putting them at great risk by placing heavy countertop materials such as quartz, granite, or marble.

To avoid this, if you don’t have the money to replace the cabinets, opt for lighter countertop materials that are easy to move. This way, in the future, when you have money to make the changes, you will have an easy time changing the cabinets.

One of the best countertop materials to go with is laminate. Besides laminate being light, it’s also cheap, so even if it gets damaged during replacement, you won’t incur huge losses. You can also easily replace it even at a tight budget.

When it comes to maintenance, the laminate surface is easy to clean and wipe down, so you have an easy time keeping it clean. The only thing you should keep an eye on is the hot pans and pots that can easily scald the surfaces. As a rule of thumb, never place hot items directly on the countertops.

You don’t give your kitchen a new look you were looking for

The chances are high that you are replacing the countertops because you have had the same kitchen design for a long time, and you want a different look.

When you replace the countertops, you might change the kitchen’s look, but this isn’t satisfactory as you haven’t changed the kitchen design.

To make meaningful change, you may have to add a kitchen island, a new sink, a butcher block, a peninsula, or any other unit, all of which require you to tamper with cabinets.

If you were looking to give your kitchen a new breath of life, you might find changing only the countertops being unmeaningful, which might leave you feeling like you didn’t make the right investment.

Your new countertops might not look the part.

If your cabinets are old, your new modern countertops might not look the part, and as you can guess, this might create a disconnect that gives your kitchen a confused look.

To eliminate the disconnect, ensure that the countertops you are installing blend properly with the cabinets.

Valuable tips when replacing the countertops

Besides ensuring that there isn’t a large disparity between the new countertops and old cabinets, you need to consider plenty of other tips for your new countertop installation to be flawless. Some of these tips include:

Ensure the cabinets are level: It’s normal for cabinets and houses to settle over time, and as you can guess, this causes the cabinets to be unleveled. Before installing the new countertops, check the cabinets and ensure they are level.

Work with an experienced professional: The worst thing you can do is work with an inexperienced contractor to save money. It’s even worse trying to do the project yourself.

Even if you might think that the project is small as you aren’t changing the cabinets, it can be complex, especially because you are dealing with old cabinets.

For your new countertops to be properly installed, let experienced granite countertop installers Durham handle the project.

Guide On Replacing Kitchen Countertops On Budget

If you are thinking about undertaking countertop replacement, the cost of replacing the countertops might be an issue, especially if you don’t have a lot of money. The cool thing is you don’t need a lot of money to replace the countertop as there are plenty of other options you can use.

To help you out, here is a guide on replacing kitchen countertops on a budget:

Painting the countertops

Are your countertops simply old-looking? You don’t have to replace them as you don’t have the money to do it. Instead, you should simply paint them.

Begin with sanding the countertops with a pad sander to scuff up the surfaces to make it easy for the primer and paint to adhere.

When choosing sandpaper, be cautious of the one you go to. As a rule of thumb, avoid sandpaper with rough grit as it will leave deep scratches that will show through the newly painted surface, and you don’t want this.

When it comes to painting, avoid the brush, especially you are new at it, as you will leave unsightly brush marks. Instead of the brush, use spray paint and sealer.

You can also use a dense sponge roller to apply the primer and paint, then seal the paint with four coats of polyurethane to protect the finish.

Cover the countertops

If the countertops are extremely out of shape, you should consider covering them with different materials. You can use fabric, wood veneer or metal. It all depends on you and the results you are looking for.

If you don’t have money to hire a professional to help with the covering, choose an easy covering method such as using fabric or paper that you can even do by yourself.

When covering the countertops using fabric or paper, ensure that you use a 6-inch dense foam roller instead of a brush, then cover the surface with several coats of polyurethane sealer.

Begin with washing the fabric to preshrink it, remove the sizing, and carefully place it on the countertops.

Use countertop remnants

Using countertop remnants can save you a lot of money, and the beauty is the remnants are easy to find. In fact, all you need to do is to visit the countertop discount shops, and you will find them at a very low price. You will find them free in some cases as some countertop shops are desperate to get rid of them.

Some of the best remnants to go for are quartz, marble or granite. For the best deal, avoid remnants in a bundle, so when you are in the stores, avoid the remnants that are placed together with the slabs they came with.

Install butcher block countertops

Butcher block countertops are cheap, and they give your home a cottage feel. You can also install them by yourself without a lot of specialized skills.

When you are shopping for butcher block countertops, go for butcher block slabs. While the countertops might not be selected for quality, they are easy to install, and with basic skills, you can biscuit the joints together, and you have a beautiful kitchen countertop.

The countertops are also designed to hide imperfections, so even if you make a few mistakes, you are sure that the countertops won’t show these flaws.

To keep the countertops looking spectacular, finish them with food-grade oil or polyurethane.

Install laminate countertops

Laminate countertops have been around for a long time, and they are often the go-to countertop materials for people working with small budgets. Like butcher block, laminate gives your house a good look at a small cost, and they are easy to install even with basic construction skills.

You should note that unlike before when you had to settle for flat edges when you chose laminate countertops, modern advances have made it possible to go for specialty edges that give the countertops an upscale look.

Install granite countertops

Many people believe that granite countertops Raleigh are high-end and unreachable, but this isn’t the case. While some granite counters are expensive, it’s not the case across the board.

When you are operating on a tight budget, go for obvious colors such as white and green. As a rule of thumb, avoid rare colors such as red as the countertops will be too expensive.

What Can You Do With Old Countertops?

If you are wondering what can you do with old countertops, you must be having an older home and wondering what to do with the worn-out pieces, right? Well, there are plenty of things you can do with the old kitchen countertops. To help you out, here are some of these things:

Update the countertops

Regardless of the type of countertops you have, you can easily update them. And the beauty is you don’t have to spend a fortune doing it. One of the best ways to improve the look of your countertops is to paint them. Check into your local paint shop and buy a few paint containers.

You should then spend a weekend painting the countertops, and you will have better-looking pieces.

If your countertops are old, chances are they also have a few nicks here and there. Before you paint them, fix these nicks first.

Painting is easy, and you can do it by yourself, but if you don’t have time or aren’t confident in your skills, let a professional handle it for you.

Trash the countertops

Are the countertops too old, or you don’t like them in your house? You can remove and throw them away. You don’t have to hire a contractor to help you remove laminate countertops as they are light and easy to remove. If removing granite, quartz, or any other heavy stone, let an expert handle the removal as you risk hurting your cabinets or even yourself in the process.

If you had installed the lighter laminate countertops, begin clearing any obstructions from the countertops, then disconnect the supply lines to the countertop fixtures. Follow it up by removing the sink and loosen the present adhesive. Once the countertops are loose, lift and dispose them off.

Donate the old countertops

If the countertops are still in good shape, you don’t have to throw them away while they can benefit other people. One great way to make them useful is to donate them to habitat for humanity or any other similar charity.

The cool thing with this move is you get to touch someone’s life, and at the same time reduce your tax bill. If paying less tax is important to you, talk to an accountant and determine how you can save from your donation.

While paying less tax is good, it shouldn’t be your sole motivator towards making the donation. Donate to make better use of the countertops and change lives.

Turn your countertops into a new product.

If you have granite or any other natural countertop, you can give it a new life by converting it into something useful. Some of the ways you can reuse the old countertops are to turn them into tiles, fire pits, shelves, tables, wall decorations, cutting boards, and centerpieces. The only thing you need to do is find a professional experienced in making the transformations, and you are good to go.

Recycle the countertops

With over 53 million tons of construction materials dumped in landfills every year, you should be the source of change. And what better way to do it than to avoid dumping your old countertops and instead recycle them.

Get in touch with your local recycling plant and let them know about your countertops. Some companies will charge you for the recycling, while most will do it free.

Preparing for new countertops

After you have removed the old countertops, your next move should be to prepare the new countertops’ surfaces. Get rid of any dirt or countertop remnants from the surfaces. Are the cabinets in good shape? If they are worn out, this is the best time to give them a makeover.

Once everything is in place, you should now install the new countertop. There is no right or wrong material you can install. It all depends on your tastes and the plans you have for the surfaces. Regardless of the type of countertops you are installing, ensure the work is done by experienced professionals such as certified granite contractors NC.

You don’t want a newbie botching up your expensive project, do you?

Can You Replace Kitchen Countertops Without Damaging Cabinets?

Many homeowners will simultaneously replace their countertops and cabinets, but if you don’t have a huge budget, you can replace them without replacing the cabinets.

While many homeowners replace the cabinets and countertops simultaneously, as they want a uniform look, others do it as they deem the cabinets will get damaged when replacing the countertops. Can you replace kitchen countertops without damaging cabinets? Yes, you can. You only need to be cautious about how you remove and install the countertops.

To help you out, here are the steps to follow when removing the old countertops:

Step 1: Remove everything from the countertops

This is a no brainer as there is no way you can remove the countertops with items still on them, can you? So remove appliances, books, cutlery and any other thing from the countertops. You also should take everything from the drawers and in the cabinets underneath the countertops and place the items in a safe place away from the area you are working in.

Step 2: Disconnect the supply lines.

Once everything is out of the way, shut off the supply lines to the countertop fixtures. These include the water and gas lines to the stovetop. For the drain line, use an adjustable wrench to loosen the large nuts holding the U or J-shaped trap to the sink’s main drain line. If you have a PVC connection, you should be able to loosen the connection by hand.

For the supply lines, turn off the valves for each fixture clockwise to the off position, then disconnect the lines from the valves using an adjustable wrench.

Step 3: Remove the sink

Depending on the type of sink you have, you should proceed to remove it from your countertops. If you have a drop-in fixture sink, use a putty knife or chisel to pry the sink away from your countertop. You will need to chop away at the layer of dried adhesive under the sink rim to free it.

If the sink is fastened to a tile countertop, you will need to chisel away the quarter tiles along the sink’s perimeter. Remember to remove any remaining mortar or adhesive with a caulk remover or chisel.

Do you have an under-mount sink? Unfasten the screws holding it to the countertop and remove the brackets underneath the sink. Using a flat chisel, remove the caulk acting as a seal between the countertop and sink. After you have freed the sink from the counter, it should come out easily, and all you need is to ask someone to help you pull it out, especially if it has an unwieldy double bowl configuration.

Step 4: Remove the countertops

With everything out of the way, now it’s time to get down to removing the countertops. Begin with loosening the adhesive holding the countertops in place. All you need to do is spray the adhesive with a caulk softener, then let the softener sit on the surface for one hour, then pry the adhesive away from the backsplash with a putty knife and workaround until the counter is loose enough to lift.

If your countertops are held into place by screws, unfasten them, then lift the countertop.

Step 5: Remove the countertops from the cabinets

Most countertops are bracketed to the base cabinets but if yours are attached to the base with nails or an adhesive, use a pry bar to remove them. Work slowly around the countertop and only use minimum force to avoid damaging the base cabinets.

Once the countertop is detached from the cabinets, use a flat chisel to remove the tiles from the countertop surface. Doing this frees the countertop and reduces the weight, making it easy to lift out. Once you have removed all the tiles, get in touch with granite contractors to remove the slab. Don’t try to remove the countertops by yourself, as you risk damaging the cabinets due to the heavyweight.

Step 6: Install new countertops.

Once the old countertop is out of the way, now it’s time to install the new countertop. Work with experienced countertop replacement NC professionals and professionally install the new countertops.

4 Problems With Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops make excellent kitchen countertops for those that can’t afford marble or granite countertops. While the countertops are super affordable, and you can install them by yourself, they come with their fair share of negatives. Here are 4 common problems with concrete countertops and how to solve them:

They easily crack

The countertops can crack either soon after installation or later on down the line. The risk is heightened when you use poured in place concrete instead of pre-cast concrete.

Thankfully, you can prevent the cracks from coming about by adding rebar, fiber reinforcement, or wire mesh. If you do this, but cracking still happens, don’t fret as you can fix it. How do you do this?

Use a material that can bond to the concrete to restore its appearance and prevent liquid penetration that could stain the countertops. The material you use should be flexible and strong or stronger than concrete, so future cracking doesn’t happen.

You can seal the crack by yourself or hire a professional to help you out. If you opt to go the DIY route, start the process by cleaning the crack. If the oil or stains have penetrated the crack and discolored the concrete, address the stains before repairing the crack.

If the countertops are new and unstained, apply more sealer down into the crack by rubbing the sealer in with your gloved fingers. For you to repair the crack, the sealer should penetrate the crack and fill it.

A good sealer has low surface tension, so it readily wets out the concrete and has a low viscosity.

For best results, avoid topical sealers as they don’t penetrate and fill the cracks. This is because the sealers have low solid content.

Unlike other problems that worsen with size, it’s not the case with concrete cracks. The larger they are, the easier they are to fix, as it’s easier to get materials into the crack.

The countertops scratch easily.

Other than the countertops developing cracks, they also scratch easily, which can give your surfaces a cheap, ugly look. Thankfully, you can seal the minor concrete scratches and restore your countertops.

There are two ways you can do this: touch up the scratch with a sealer or reseal the entire slab.

When using a sealer, be cautious and ensure you are using the right one. As a rule of thumb, avoid a two-part sealer that you have to mix and spray onto your countertop with special equipment.

Your touchup kit should be as simple as possible. One of the best you can go for is the single-component sealer, such as acrylic.

When it comes to brushes, use a “spotter brush” that gives the best results as it’s fine and doesn’t hold a lot of sealer.

After you have touched up the scratch and the touchup is dry, adjust the sheen to match the surrounding finish, and if there is excess material in the touchup, use a razor blade to scrape off the excess.

They chip easily

Like marble and granite countertops, concrete surfaces can chip when they contact sharp objects near the corner of the countertops. The reason these areas are vulnerable is because there is little material available to resist the full impact of the pan, pot, or any other heavy object.

When there is a chip on your countertops, you can fix it in different ways depending on the chip’s nature. If the chip that came off is available and still intact, you need to glue it back on. On the other hand, if the chip fragment is unavailable, fill the damaged area with new material.

Regardless of the method you use, ensure the adhesive or filler you use color matches the countertops.

The countertops are prone to oil stains.

Since the surfaces are porous, they are prone to dark oil stains. Thankfully, you don’t have to undertake countertop replacement Durham when this happens, as you can get rid of the stains using a good poultice. An ideal poultice is a mixture of powdered sugar, baking soda, and flour with acetone.

Spread the poultice on the oil spot, then cover it with plastic wrap taped down to seal in the poultice.

Is It Hard To Change Kitchen Countertops?

If your current countertops are old, out of style, or you simply no longer like them, you can always change them. If this is your first time, you must wonder, is it hard to change kitchen countertops?

The ease of replacing the countertops depends on your skill level. If you have never done it before, it’s wise you don’t do it as you risk causing excessive damage. Instead, hire an installation professional.

On the other hand, if you are a DIY ninja, you can take on the project. To execute the project successfully, you need to consider plenty of factors that include:

Ease of removing the existing countertop material

To install the new countertop material, you have first to remove the existing one. The ease of removing the material depends on the individual material. For example, laminate countertops or solid-surface materials are easy to remove as they are often screwed into place.

Hard stone counters are hard to remove as they easily crack or pit. Thankfully, if you aren’t planning on reusing them, you can crack them, making your work easy.

Plumbing system

The other thing you need to pay attention to is the plumbing systems. When replacing stone or engineered composite countertops such as Silestone, you have to replace the sink unless the sink is mounted under the existing countertop.

When you have to replace the sink, you have to deal with the plumbing issue, as changing the sink will also impact the faucet configuration. In most cases, you will have to replace the faucet upon replacing the countertops.

Quality of the cabinets

You often place countertops on top of cabinets, so you need to think whether the cabinets can carry the additional weight when making the switch.

If you plan to change the cabinets later on down the road, hold off replacing the countertops until you have fixed the cabinets. This is because removing the countertops in the future will be too expensive, not to mention the risk of damaging the countertops in the process.

Also, most contractors refrain from doing it due to the many risks that come with it. To avoid all this, if you don’t like your cabinets’ current look or have always wanted to improve them, first address them. You will even be better off spending money meant for the countertops to fix the cabinets, then find countertop money later on.

The backsplash material

Countertops and backsplash are like yin and yang—they go together. This means when you install the countertops, you need to think about the backsplash as well. For a uniform look, ensure that the countertop materials match or coordinate with the backsplash.

Lighting

You need to think about how the countertops will look at night or when little sunlight is getting in the house. One of the most attractive lightings is under-cabinet lighting that is easy to install but hard to figure out the wiring, so you will need to take your time and understand it.

While attractive, under-cabinet lighting can cause eye-straining glare when you aim it directly onto a polished stone, so you need to be strategic in your installation.

Old appliances.

How your old appliances will look upon installing the new countertops is an important factor to consider. If you have had your appliances for decades, chances are they are too old, and installing new countertops then leaving the appliances in place is synonymous with wearing a new outfit with an old pair of shoes. It doesn’t look good, does it?

If this is your situation, besides thinking about replacing the countertops, also start shopping for new appliances to give your house an inviting, uniform look.

If your appliances are relatively new and in good shape, you have nothing to worry about as they most likely look the part.

Take your time

The key to successfully changing your countertops is to not be in a hurry. Research the best materials that will look the best for your home. You also need to think about how the countertop materials will look after installation.

While you save money when you install the countertops by yourself, it’s always wise to have an expert countertop replacement NC expert do the work as they do a better job. You also have someone to blame if things don’t go as planned, which is good, isn’t it?