Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - poored concrete counter tops

how do i remove a poored concrete counter top?

I don't think the people who come up with ridiculous ideas such as concrete countertops think of that in advance LOL.

I would think you need a big hammer to start pounding away at breaking the concrete into chunks that you can move.

First, let me state that I've never taken such a countertop apart, so I could be wrong. But in the past, I've easily cut through concrete with a diamond tip masonry blade on my circular saw (larger blade) or angle grinder (smaller). For the grinder, I reckon the blade was about $15 and still cuts fine after about 50 linear feet of cutting. I'm not sure how well this would work if there was rebar in the counter. However, the advantage of cutting is that you don't induce the kind of shock you would otherwise by using a hammer/sledge. Note that cutting cement creates large amounts of a very fine silica dust that is dangerous. So mask and goggles are de rigeur.

Good luck.

Both ideas are good in ways. The hammer will reduce stress to the user...gives a way to vent frustration of having to remove a concrete counter top. The saw will be a bit more expensive but will probably work better if the bathroom is too small to swing a big hammer. The blade you use to cut the concrete will cut through any rebar without any trouble at all. I've seen alot of driveways and garage pads cut this way and the rebar gets cut as smooth the concrete.

Another thing to consider is sizes. How thick is the concrete and how big is the counter top?

Lorne

Counter should be attached to cabinets with a bead of silicone caulk. This can be cut with a utility knife and the counter pried free. That is unless the counter was poured in place. If so, concrete may have been poured onto a board which was screwed to through the cabinets. An inspection beneath and under the edges should reveal how counter is attached.

If the counter is large, it will take many hands to lift it and maneuver it out of the house. It probably weighs about 20 lbs./sq. ft. If not planning on replacing cabinets, extra care will have to be taken not to damage the cabinets.

Maybe a little late for the original poster, but here's my two cents:

How about cutting into managable secions and working a prybar into there? Get a real beefy one that can do some damage.

Make sure to tape off the room very well - that dust has a way of filling your entire house. I would get a respirator w/ replacable cartridges. The more of your skin you have covered - the less you'll get pinged by flying pieces. I've found a full face shield helps w/ that as well.