If you're planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, removing your existing granite countertop is one of the first steps before a new installation
If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, removing your existing granite countertops is one of the first steps before a new installation. While granite is known for its beauty and durability, removing it requires a strategic approach to avoid damaging surrounding cabinets, walls, or plumbing fixtures.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to demo granite countertops safely and efficiently, whether you’re replacing them with new kitchen countertops, switching to quartz, or repurposing the stone elsewhere.
Understanding Granite Countertops
Before we dive into the demolition process, it’s helpful to understand what makes granite unique. Granite is a natural stone slab made from crystallized minerals, often cut into slabs and polished for installation in kitchens and bathrooms. Its weight and composition make it both a stunning design feature and a complex material to remove.
👉 What Is a Granite Countertop?
Tools and Materials Needed
To demo a granite countertop, you’ll need a variety of tools to ensure a clean and safe removal:
- Pry bars
- Utility knife
- Rubber mallet
- Power drill (with screwdriver bit)
- Putty knife or paint scraper
- Reciprocating saw (optional for cutting through glue or caulk)
- Moving straps or lifting devices (if slabs are large)
- Safety gear: gloves, goggles, long sleeves
Step 1: Prep the Workspace
Safety first. Start by removing everything from your kitchen countertop or bathroom countertop surface, including appliances, decor, and plumbing fixtures. Disconnect the sink, garbage disposal, and faucet. Shut off water lines and disconnect any electrical elements.
Protect your floors and cabinets using drop cloths or cardboard panels.
Step 2: Score the Adhesive or Caulk
Using a utility knife, score the seam where the granite countertop meets the wall backsplash or where caulk has been applied. This helps minimize damage to drywall or tile during removal.
Step 3: Remove the Backsplash
If you have a granite slab backsplash, remove it first. Use a putty knife and gently wedge it behind the backsplash to loosen it. Work slowly to avoid cracking the slab or damaging the drywall behind it.
Step 4: Unscrew or Unclip Fasteners
Granite countertops are often attached to base kitchen cabinets using silicone adhesive or mechanical fasteners. Open the cabinet doors and locate any screws or brackets securing the granite to the frame.
Use your drill or screwdriver to loosen these. If there are none, proceed to pry the granite off gently using a pry bar and mallet.
Step 5: Pry Up the Granite Slab
Work a pry bar under the edge of the countertop. Tap lightly with the mallet to create separation between the granite and the cabinet base. Start from a corner and move your way along.
Be careful—granite countertops are heavy. For large sections, use lifting straps or get assistance. If you plan to reuse or repurpose the stone, avoid cracking the slab.
Step 6: Remove the Granite Safely
Once the slab is loose, lift it away from the cabinets with care. Carry the slab vertically (never flat) to avoid snapping or cracking. Place the removed granite on a padded surface or wood frame to avoid damage.
🪵 Tip: Wondering how to reuse your granite or other stone materials? Learn more here:
👉 What to Do with Leftover Marble Slab?
👉 How to Use a Marble Slab as a Food Prep Surface?
Step 7: Clean and Inspect the Area
After removal, scrape away any remaining adhesive or caulk from the cabinet surface. Inspect your cabinets for damage or warping before installing new countertops. You may also want to re-level the base before the next countertop installation.
🧼 Learn more about countertop prep and installation here:
👉 How to Install Granite Countertops Without Grout Lines
👉 How to Install Granite Countertops Tile Over Formica
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forcing the pry bar under the granite too aggressively—this can crack the stone or damage cabinets.
- Lifting the slab flat instead of on edge—increases risk of breakage.
- Skipping safety gear—granite slabs are extremely heavy and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
- Forgetting to turn off utilities before removing sinks and appliances.
Should You Hire a Professional?
If your countertop is large, if plumbing and electrical work is involved, or if you plan to reuse the granite, hiring a professional contractor may be a safer bet. The cost may be worth it for avoiding damage or injury.
What to Replace Granite With?
Thinking of switching from granite? Quartz is a popular alternative due to its low maintenance and seamless look.
👉 What Are Quartz Countertops?
Final Thoughts
Removing a granite countertop is a doable DIY project if you follow the right steps and use proper safety measures. Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen countertop or planning to reuse the stone, careful removal ensures your project gets off to the best start.
✔ If you’re not repurposing the slab, consider donating it or transforming it into another functional surface like a workbench or table.