How to Remove Kitchen Tile Countertops Like a Pro
Gear up for this labor-intensive project
- Utility knife
- Pry bar (optional)
- Hammer or rubber mallet
- Putty knife or chisel
- Reciprocating saw
- Drop cloths
- Painter’s tape
- Contractor trash bags
- Adhesive remover (like Goo Gone)
When it is time to toss your outdated tile counters, you need to know how to remove a kitchen tile countertop without damaging your cabinets—or, worse, yourself. The good news is that with a lot of patience, safety precautions, and the right tools, it's a manageable project for homeowners with DIY experience.
Prepare Your Work Area
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.
Remove Kitchen Fixtures
Photo: DjelicS / E+ / Getty ImagesYour 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.
Cut Through Caulk
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.
Soften Any Sealants
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.
Pry Off Tiles
Photo: Bill Oxford / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesNow, 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.
Detach the Base
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.
Remove Remaining Debris
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.
Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Tile Countertops
One of the biggest mistakes to avoid is rushing the process. It increases the chances of costly damage. Examples of rushing things include:
Skimping on the prep work, for example, not covering cabinetry and appliances
Failing to cut through caulk before demoing; this can destroy your backsplash and drywall
Not disconnecting power sources and plumbing, which could lead to water damage or electrical and gas hazards
Also, it bears repeating: Wear your protective gear, including goggles, a dust mask, gloves, and long sleeves and pants. These are all essential for avoiding injury from tile shards, fumes, and dust.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
While removing a tile countertop is possible for homeowners with the right tools and previous DIY experience, hiring a pro is the safer and more efficient choice. While you don't need specific technical skills for this project, it is very labor-intensive and dangerous, meaning you can risk harm to yourself or your kitchen.
To sum up, local countertop contractors have the experience to avoid damaging your cabinets, walls, and appliances. Even better, they handle cleaning and removing hazardous materials like sharp tile shards and dust. In most cases, bringing in a pro guarantees a smoother, safer job with less hassle. The cost to demo a countertop ranges from $50 to $300.
Yes, you can use paint if you want to refresh your tile countertops. However, you must be mindful of the type of paint you use. Look for options explicitly created for tile that are also waterproof and durable. Over time, the paint will chip, so this is not considered a long-term solution for busy kitchens.
Tile countertops are a good option for homeowners looking for budget-friendly kitchen solutions. To get the biggest bang for your home improvement dollars, ensure the tile you install is heat- and scratch-resistant.
Tile countertops can last a very long time, with some home improvement experts saying up to 100 years, similar to stone countertops. However, proper maintenance plays a huge role in a countertop’s lifespan, in addition to the daily wear and tear it is subjected to.
