In this guide, we explain how to replace kitchen countertops without replacing your cabinetry, along with what you need to know before doing so.
A good thing to consider if you’re updating your kitchen but find that updating your cabinets is too expensive is that you can opt out of completely replacing them. It is still possible.
It’s a bit risky, but with a little research and maneuvering, it’s definitely possible to pull it off with the information and guidance you receive.
There’s no need to upgrade your cabinets and your kitchen countertops all at once, especially if your budget won’t stretch that far.
The following points should be taken into account before taking on any project of this kind.
Consider your kitchen’s overall design. Your existing kitchen cabinets can be modified or refinished if you don’t want to change anything about the layout or the cabinet placements.
It would be wise to seek the advice of a professional interior designer before making any decisions. Your kitchen might be able to be maximized in other ways besides what is mentioned.
If you decide that your kitchen layout is fine the way it is, upgrading your countertops on top of your kitchen cabinets will certainly make a huge difference no matter what your budget is.
To create or remodel your floor plan, you can use kitchen design software. Before purchasing and installing any materials, you can visualize the space and different ideas.
Old cabinets are at risk for damage
When choosing heavy countertops such as granite or quartz, proceed with caution. You may even have to replace your old cabinets completely if the structural integrity is compromised due to their weight.
The good news is that there is still a way around this. A lighter countertop, such as laminate, would be ideal. This material is excellent. Unlike marble, quartz, and granite, they’re lighter and come in many varieties.
Laminate is also affordable, so if it breaks or is damaged, it won’t put a major dent in your pocketbook.
Warranty for countertops
It’s fairly common for the manufacturer of highly expensive countertops to provide a warranty that will cover any damages that may occur for reasons that are neither your fault nor the manufacturer’s. Nonetheless, this is assuming that new, sturdy cabinets will support their countertops. You should really consider purchasing new cabinets if you have any doubts about the strength to support a heavier stone countertop.
If you do not have the option of replacing your old cabinets at this time, you should at least inspect its structural integrity thoroughly. Your warranty may be voided if anything should happen to the cabinetry or if it collapses. However, if you think your cabinetry is sturdy enough to handle the weight of a heavy and new countertop, you are welcome to proceed.
The Contact Paper Option
Taking all of these points into consideration, there is another option to update your countertop in an affordable way, but still attractive manner, would be to use peel-and-stick contact paper. It may sound crazy if you haven’t heard of it but it is great for some situations. This can be applied to old kitchen counters in order to give them a fresher look and ultimately a new design, while still keeping the same materials.
They come in so many designs that you can get them to mimic granite, marble, stone, and other materials that you may like.
If you want to further modernize your kitchen, upgrade your kitchen faucet with a touchless model.
How to Replace Kitchen Countertops Without Replacing Cabinets
Countertops can be replaced without replacing cabinets when white kitchen cabinets are used.
Homeowners love great kitchens, and many would love to have them but the high cost of renovations is often a big obstacle. There are still ways to get around this issue.
Countertops can be changed without the cabinetry having to be replaced. The following tips can help you get that process started to replace kitchen countertops.
The Old Countertop Must Be Removed
The first step is to remove the old countertop. Make sure you remove it in the best way possible, avoiding damage to your old cabinetry.
Your countertop’s original attachment method really determines how well it works. Depending on the nail size, you may need a pry bar, a hammer back, or perhaps a reciprocating saw.
You may want to cut off a section of a large countertop to make its removal easier if it is particularly large. If you plan to reuse your cabinet wood for the new countertop, make sure you watch where you cut and saw.
It may be necessary to pad some wood pieces into the counter to level it and provide a stable and balanced surface for the countertop.
You can further secure your new countertop by smoothing some construction adhesive over the entire surface before you tack it down.
Next Steps
To help the glue set up, you need to weight down the newly installed countertop with a wooden construction or some sort of weight. As soon as the glue dries, ensure that it’s securely set and put in place.
With screws, you can further secure the piece
It won’t be enough to adhere the countertop to the top of the cabinetry. Anchoring it down with screws is also needed.
The screws should be drilled and attached from underneath so that the top of the countertop will remain smooth, clean, and free of holes or drill marks.
Install Sinks and Fixtures By Sawing and Drilling
Using a jigsaw, cut out shapes for the faucets, sinks, and other fixtures on the countertop after you measure and mark their locations. Taping the edges of a laminate countertop helps to prevent the laminate from chipping.
It may be difficult to update the backsplash once your sinks and faucets are installed, so you should not install your fixtures until your backsplash is updated.
Also check out 8 Most Common Open Floor Plan Mistakes to Avoid