Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - How to remove a laminated countertop & backsplashes
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buzcar
03-15-05, 02:03 PM
I am in the process of remodeling our bathroom and would like to know how laminated countertops are normally attached to the base cabinets. I have removed the sinks and faucets as well as the screws that attached the countertop to the base but only the front edge of the countertop is separated from the base. It appears that the rear and side backsplashes are cemented to the wallboard, securing the countertop in place. Is this a normal practice, and if it is, how can I remove the 3 backsplashes so the countertop can also be removed? I'm not sure I'm going to like the solution but am waiting patiently for some expert advice.....thanks in advance, :confused: Buz
Joe.Carrick
03-15-05, 02:25 PM
Usually, the attachment at the backsplash is simply a caulking bead which you can cut thru with a mat knife. You may have a little bit of damage to the wall surface by the time you get the caulking off, but not too much.
buzcar
03-15-05, 03:09 PM
That's what I thought it was but after driving a putty knife between the backsplashes and the wallboard about an inch they are still attached quite securely....actually there is no separation at the wall at all! I strongly suspect they are attached with something stronger than caulking?!? Any other ideas????
Joe.Carrick
03-15-05, 06:52 PM
If the side splashes are separate pieces (not molded with the countertop) they are probably attached with adhesive. Use a prybar to pry them away from the wall. You should put a piece of 1x4 against the wall above the splash to act as a fulcrum so that you don't poke a hole in the wall with the prybar. You may still get some damage to the drywall, but that can be repaired fairly easily.
Once the side splashes are off, the counter should be able to be pulled away.
Once the side splashes are off, the counter should be able to be pulled away.
buzcar
03-16-05, 07:30 AM
:thumbup: Thanks Joe.Carrick.....your suggestion to use a prybar worked fine. Unfortunately, all 3 backsplashes were glued to the wallboard as well as the countertop. I thought I might salvage the countertop after removing it but the glue pulled off some of the laminate. No big deal though...my prime concern was removing it from the cabinet base and your solution accomplished that nicely....thanks again....Buz ;)