How To Replace Kitchen Countertop: DIY Guide

Can I replace my kitchen countertop myself? Yes, absolutely! Many homeowners successfully complete a DIY countertop installation project. This guide walks you through the steps, from planning to finishing. Replacing your kitchen counters can dramatically change how your kitchen looks and feels. Whether you are planning a simple laminate countertop replacement or aiming for a big change like a laminate to quartz countertop conversion, proper steps are key.

Planning Your Countertop Project

Good planning saves time and money. Do not rush this part. Measure everything twice. Think about the material you want. Each material has different needs for support and installation.

Measuring for New Counters

Accurate measurements are vital for countertop fabrication and installation. Errors here lead to costly mistakes later.

Measure Length and Depth: Use a good tape measure. Measure from the wall to the edge. Measure both the front and back edges, as walls are rarely perfectly straight.
Note Cabinet Widths: Know the size of every base cabinet. This helps confirm your template dimensions.
Mark Sink Location: If you have an existing sink, note its location precisely. If you are changing to an countertop undermount sink installation, measure the sink basin size and placement needs.
Account for Overhang: Standard overhang is about one inch past the cabinet face. Note this in your plans.

Choosing Your New Material

The material you choose affects the entire replacement process. Some materials are heavier and need more help to move.

Material Type	Weight Considerations	Skill Level for DIY	Notes
Laminate	Lightest	Easy	Simple to cut and install.
Butcher Block	Medium	Moderate	Requires sealing and finishing. Great for a butcher block countertop upgrade.
Solid Surface	Medium	Moderate to Hard	Can be seamed almost invisibly.
Granite/Quartz	Heaviest	Hard	Often requires professional templating and lifting help.

Step 1: Preparing the Work Area and Tools

Before you start tearing things out, get ready. Clear everything off the counters. Protect your floors.

Necessary Tools and Supplies

Gather what you need before you begin. This makes the project flow smoothly.

Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses)
Pry bar and utility knife
Drill and various bits
Caulking gun and silicone sealant
Shims (for leveling)
Screwdrivers
Saws (circular saw for laminate, specialized blades for stone)
Level

Disconnecting Utilities

You must shut off water before touching the sink or dishwasher.

Shut Off Water: Find the shut-off valves under the sink. Turn them clockwise until they stop. If you cannot find them, turn off the main house water supply.
Disconnect Plumbing: Place a bucket under the P-trap. Use a wrench to carefully disconnect the supply lines and the drain pipe.
Disconnect Appliances: Unplug the dishwasher. If the stove is near the counter edge, you may need to pull it out slightly to access screws.

Step 2: Removing Old Kitchen Counters

This step involves removing old kitchen counters. The process changes based on what you currently have installed.

Taking Out a Laminate Countertop

Laminate countertop replacement starts here. Laminate is usually the easiest to remove.

Remove Sink and Faucet: Detach the faucet from below. If it’s an overmount sink, loosen the clips holding it to the counter underside. Lift the sink out once clips are gone.
Locate Fasteners: Look underneath the cabinets. Screws often hold the laminate counter to the top edges of the base cabinets. Remove all these screws.
Cut the Sealant: Use a sharp utility knife. Cut the caulk line where the backsplash meets the wall. Score deeply to ensure a clean break.
Lift and Separate: Laminate counters often come in sections. Gently pry upward where screws were removed. Lift the section away from the cabinets. Be careful not to damage the cabinet tops.

Granite Countertop Removal

Granite countertop removal requires extra care due to the material’s weight and fragility. Two or more strong people are needed.

Remove Sink and Cooktop: Undermount sinks are held by clips and adhesive. Remove clips first. Use a thin putty knife to gently work the adhesive seal between the stone and the sink flange. Remove the cooktop if applicable.
Cut Backsplash and Sealant: Score the caulk between the backsplash and the wall. If the backsplash is part of the main slab, you might need to cut it free from the wall carefully.
Locate Support Screws: Granite is heavy. It is usually glued and sometimes screwed directly into the cabinet frame. Look for screws or metal brackets.
Break the Adhesive: Carefully apply upward pressure with pry bars placed on wood blocks to protect the cabinet tops. Work slowly. The goal is to break the silicone bond. Never force it suddenly. If sections are too large, you may need to call pros for safe demolition, especially if you plan on saving the slab for reuse elsewhere.

Step 3: Inspecting and Preparing Base Cabinets

Once the old surface is gone, inspect the wood base cabinets. This is crucial before you move on to how to install kitchen counters.

Checking Cabinet Tops for Damage

Look for water damage, especially around the old sink area.

Water Damage: Soft, spongy wood needs repair. You might need to replace small sections of the cabinet tops (the particleboard or plywood decking).
Leveling: Cabinets must be level and plumb (straight up and down). Use long levels across the cabinet runs.

Shimming for Level Surfaces

If your cabinets are not level, your new counter surface will not be flat. This is critical for solid surface countertop installation and stone work.

Place the Level: Put a long level across the cabinet tops. Note where the bubbles land.
Insert Shims: Gently slide thin wood shims between the bottom of the cabinet boxes and the floor (or between the cabinet and the wall if installing vertically).
Recheck: Keep shimming until the level shows a perfect reading across all adjoining cabinets. Secure the cabinets to each other through the frames using screws. This locks them together as one solid unit.

Step 4: Templating for Your New Countertop

If you ordered custom-cut stone (granite, quartz), professionals handle the final templating. If you are doing a DIY countertop installation with materials like laminate or butcher block countertop upgrade, you may do this step yourself.

DIY Templating (For Laminate or Butcher Block)

You create a precise pattern for the fabricator (you!) to follow.

Use Template Material: Sturdy cardboard, thin plywood, or specialized plastic templating strips work well.
Trace the Layout: Lay your template material over the cabinets. Trace the layout exactly. Mark the front edges, wall lines, and cabinet edges clearly.
Mark Cutouts: Precisely mark the openings for the sink, cooktop, and any wall obstructions (like window sills or oddly placed wall bumps). Remember your desired overhang.
Double Check Angles: Measure all corners. If your walls are not 90 degrees, your template must reflect that actual angle.

Step 5: Installing the New Countertop Material

This is the big reveal! The method depends heavily on your material choice.

Installing a Laminate Countertop

This is the most budget-friendly path for a quick change.

Dry Fit: Place the laminate sections onto the cabinets without adhesive first. Check the fit against the walls and ensure all seams line up. Trim where necessary using a circular saw with a fine-tooth blade.
Adhesive Application: Apply construction adhesive (like Liquid Nails) to the top edges of the base cabinets where the counter will sit. Use an even, wavy bead.
Set the Counter: Carefully lift the laminate section (get help; though light, it’s bulky). Set it down firmly onto the adhesive, ensuring the overhang is even.
Secure: Screw the counter from underneath into the cabinet frames, just as you removed the old one. Do not overtighten, as laminate can crack under pressure points.
Seaming: If you have two pieces, use biscuits and specialized adhesive in the seam joint, clamping them tightly until the glue cures.

Installing Butcher Block

A butcher block countertop upgrade is often achieved by gluing and screwing this material as well.

Finishing (If Needed): If your butcher block isn’t pre-finished, apply several coats of food-safe mineral oil or polyurethane finish before installation.
Placement: Place the block onto the cabinets. Ensure it overhangs correctly on all sides.
Securing: Use figure-eight fasteners or specialized metal clips designed for wood tops. These allow the wood to expand and contract slightly with humidity changes without buckling the counter. Screw these into the cabinet frame and the underside of the block.

Handling Stone or Quartz Installation

If you moved from laminate to quartz countertop conversion, this often requires professional help for lifting and final setting, though you can assist in prep work.

Lifting and Placement: Stone slabs are extremely heavy. Use suction cups designed for stone lifting and several strong people. Slowly lower the slab onto the cabinets, aligning the edges perfectly.
Adhesion: Apply a generous bead of 100% silicone adhesive to the cabinet tops before setting the stone down.
Level Check: Use a level across the surface immediately after setting to confirm it hasn’t shifted while curing.

Step 6: Sink and Faucet Installation

This step applies whether you kept the old sink or installed a new one. Countertop undermount sink installation requires extra attention to sealing.

Overmount (Drop-In) Sink Installation

Apply Sealant: Run a thick bead of 100% silicone caulk around the lip (rim) of the sink basin.
Set the Sink: Gently lower the sink into the cutout from above.
Secure Clips: Reach underneath and attach the mounting clips provided with the sink. Tighten them evenly until the silicone squeezes out slightly around the rim. Wipe away excess silicone immediately with a damp cloth.

Undermount Sink Installation

This creates a seamless look, popular with stone and solid surface materials.

Clean Mounting Surface: The underside of the counter cutout must be clean and dry where the sink will attach.
Apply Adhesive: Apply a thick, continuous bead of silicone sealant to the mounting flange of the sink.
Attach Clips/Brackets: Raise the sink into position underneath the counter cutout. Attach the specialized mounting brackets or clips that screw into the underside of the counter material (this is easier with thinner stone or solid surface).
Curing: Let the silicone cure for the time specified by the manufacturer before reconnecting plumbing.

Step 7: Finalizing the Installation and Finishing Touches

The last steps ensure a professional, waterproof finish. This wraps up your how to install kitchen counters project.

Sealing Gaps and Edges

Backsplash Gap: If you removed a backsplash, or if your new counter doesn’t have one integrated, apply a bead of color-matched silicone caulk where the new counter meets the wall. Smooth it with a caulking tool or a wet finger.
Seam Treatment: If you have seams (common with laminate or solid surface), apply the recommended sealant or filler and polish according to the material instructions.

Reconnecting Plumbing and Appliances

Connect Water Lines: Reattach the hot and cold supply lines to the faucet assembly. Hand-tighten, then give a quarter turn with a wrench. Do not overtighten.
Connect Drain: Reassemble the P-trap and reconnect the drain lines to the disposal or main drain.
Test for Leaks: Slowly turn the water supply back on under the sink. Watch all connections closely for several minutes. If you see drips, turn the water off and tighten the connection slightly more.
Dishwasher: Slide the dishwasher back into place and secure it to the underside of the counter using its mounting screws (if applicable). Plug it back in.

Specialty Considerations: Solid Surface and Quartz

The complexity increases significantly with engineered or composite materials.

Solid Surface Countertop Installation

Materials like Corian offer seamless looks.

Seaming: The true magic of solid surface countertop installation is chemical welding. Pieces are joined using a special acrylic adhesive. After drying, the seam is sanded down until it is completely invisible—this often requires specialized sanding tools.
Sink Integration: Solid surface sinks can often be glued directly to the bottom of the counter, making the transition from counter to sink basin completely seamless, without any rim.

Quartz Fabrication and Installation

Quartz requires careful handling, much like granite.

Templating is Key: Due to quartz’s uniform appearance, even a slight misalignment looks obvious. Professional measurement is highly recommended for complex layouts or tight spaces transitioning from laminate to quartz.
Support: Because quartz is engineered, it needs uniform support. Ensure all cabinet tops are perfectly flat before setting the slab down.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much money can I save by doing a DIY countertop installation?
A: Savings vary widely based on material. For laminate, you might save 50% or more by avoiding labor costs. For granite or quartz, professional installation labor can account for 30% to 50% of the total project cost, so savings are substantial, provided you have the right lifting equipment and expertise for setting stone.

Q: Can I install a heavy granite countertop myself?
A: While technically possible, it is very difficult and risky. Granite countertop removal and installation require specialized suction cups, heavy-duty lifting mechanisms (like suction lifters connected to hoists or jacks), and at least three to four strong people. A mistake can easily lead to cracked material or serious injury. For safety, professional countertop fabrication and installation is often recommended for natural stone.

Q: What is the easiest countertop to install for a beginner?
A: Laminate is the easiest. Laminate countertop replacement involves simple measuring, cutting with basic tools, and securing with construction adhesive and a few screws. Butcher block is the next easiest step up, offering a real wood look without the weight or fragility of stone.

Q: Do I need to remove the old backsplash before installing a new counter?
A: If your old backsplash is thin and sits on top of the old counter, you must remove it before removing the counter. If you are installing a new counter that requires a larger overhang, or if the new counter has an integrated backsplash, removing the old one down to the studs ensures a flush fit for the new material against the wall.

Q: What do I do if my walls are uneven when installing a new counter?
A: Uneven walls are common. Use shims under the cabinets to make the cabinet run level first. Then, when placing the new counter, the gap between the wall and the counter edge will be uneven. This gap (usually 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch) is hidden by applying a generous, smoothly tooled bead of silicone caulk where the counter meets the wall.