How to Remove Kitchen Tile Countertops Like a Pro

This project is extremely messy, and you can expect flying debris. For those reasons, protecting yourself and your kitchen is essential. In addition to wearing head-to-toe protective gear, ensure your countertops are clear and your other kitchen surfaces are fully protected. Cover your cabinets, appliances, and floor with drop cloths and secure them with painter's tape.

Additionally, this project will generate a lot of dust, so consider covering kitchen entryways to prevent it from spreading to other rooms.

Your tile countertops may include a built-in cooktop or sink. To avoid damaging them, disconnect and move these items out of the way. First, shut off the water, gas, or electrical lines before disconnecting the plumbing and other connections. It is also wise to refer to the manufacturer's instructions when moving appliances.

Use your utility knife to cut through the caulk sealing the countertop along your walls and backsplash. Apply gentle pressure as you slice through the caulk edges. The aim is to loosen the bond to avoid unnecessary damage to these surfaces when prying up the tile.

Your tile counters may be held in place by glue or a construction sealant. When that is the case, you can use a heat gun or even your hair dryer to soften the adhesives for tile removal. You may need to repeat the process as things cool down.

Now, you are ready to demolish your tile countertop. Start at the counter edges, using a hammer, chisel, and putty knife to bust up the grout lines. Grab your pry bar and gently lift tiles to avoid flying shards.

If the tiles are not budging, gently tap them with your rubber mallet or hammer to loosen them. Reheating the tiles with your heat gun to soften any adhesives during this stage may be very helpful.

We must stress the importance of wearing protective gear during this process. The bare minimum includes safety goggles, gloves, and long sleeves.

Congratulations! Most of the hard work is complete. Now it's time to remove the exposed board that held your old countertop in place. 

Use a drill to take out any screws securing it to the base cabinets. If it's glued down, apply heat to loosen the adhesive, then insert a pry bar at one corner and carefully lift it around the edges. Be mindful of the cabinetry below to prevent damage. You can use a reciprocating saw to cut the base into smaller sections for easier removal.

Now that your tile countertop is gone, remove any glue and caulk left behind. Use a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the adhesive, then scrape it off with a putty knife. For particularly stubborn adhesives, you can use a remover like Goo Gone.

Next, sweep up large chunks of debris using a broom and dustpan, then make a second pass with a shop vacuum to capture all the smaller broken shards. Wipe down any dust on surfaces with a damp sponge in preparation for the new countertop installation. The estimated cost to install a new countertop ranges between $1,880 and $4,475, based on your location and required materials.

Lastly, remember to use contractor bags when it is time to remove debris from your home. Broken tiles can’t easily tear these durable trash bags.