How to Remove a Granite Countertop without Breaking it

Removing a granite or other stone countertop with breaking it can be done but you’ll have to take your time and exercise caution.

Here are some basic steps for how we removed our granite from some kitchen cabinets. The video of our process can be seen below:

Caution before getting started

Granite is VERY heavy. The 2 pieces we removed were 230 lbs and 270 lbs. Make sure you have enough extra hands to do such a move. We also used moving straps to facilitate the move. Having all the extra support and extra hands can make a world of difference in making sure some kind of injury isn’t the end result.

Steps for detaching and moving granite countertops

  1. First, gather the necessary tools and supplies. You will need a pry bar, a hammer, a chisel, a heat gun, a box cutter, and a few towels or blankets to protect the countertop while you work.
  2. Turn off the power to the kitchen and any appliances that are under the countertop. This is a safety precaution to prevent any accidents while you work.
  3. Carefully remove any appliances or fixtures that are attached to the countertop, such as the sink, cooktop, and backsplash. Use a pry bar to gently lift these items off the countertop and set them aside.
  4. Locate the screws or fasteners that hold the countertop in place. These may be located under the backsplash or along the edge of the countertop. Use a screwdriver or drill to remove these screws. Sometimes the only adhesive is glue, caulk, or silicon. Try cutting those with a box cutter.
  5. Use a heat gun to soften the seam material where the countertop meets the base cabinets. Be careful not to overheat the material, as this could cause damage to the countertop or base cabinets.
  6. Once the seam material is softened, use a box cutter to carefully dig it out from between the countertop and the base cabinets.
  7. Once all the screws and seam material are removed, use a chisel and hammer to gently pry the countertop away from the wall. Be careful not to damage the wall or the countertop while doing this.
  8. Once the countertop is free, gently lift it off of the base cabinets and set it aside on a flat surface, such as the floor or a workbench. Use towels or blankets to protect the countertop and prevent it from breaking.
  9. If the countertop is too heavy to lift on your own, you may need to enlist the help of a friend or professional mover to carefully transport it to its new location.

The reason we moved our granite was to repurpose some of it in the basement. That can be a big money saver if you have success.