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Q: How do I remove a tile countertop with a wood edge without damaging the cabinets?

1" wood border appears to be attached to top front of cabninets

Posted in Kitchen on

tile countertops demolition Flag / Report


  • A: Carefully!



    First thing to know is that most likely there is 1"-1 1/4" of basically concrete under your counter top. I would purchase some ram board (strong card board like protection) and protect the cabinets and the flooring underneath. Second remove the wood trim carefully as to not damage the cabinets. Third take a skill saw (worm drive circular saw) with a diamond blade and cut the tile and concrete into manageable pieces (1-2 square feet) and then remove them one piece at a time. Keep in mind this is heavy and dirty work. You need proper protection of the rest of your home for major dust and proper self protection gear (ie. gloves, safety glasses, dust masks). You do not want to breath tile and concrete dust. If you have a helper, take a small water bottle and drill a hole in the cap, as you are cutting have the helper squeeze water out of the bottle onto the blade of the saw (make sure you are using a heavy duty properly grounded extension cord in a GFI outlet). This may be something to hire out, if you tackle it yourself have help.

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  • A: That was a good answer.



    The only thing that I wood add is when removing the wood molding use a small pry bar with some kind of protection on it (like a thin rag). Start at an end that is in a less conspicuous to the eye so if you make a mistake it will not be noticeable. This will allow you to get a feel first. Also start were you see a nail head (preferably at the end of the board) and put the pry bar above the nail between the wood trim piece and the cabinet and gently tap with a hammer (with out scraping the cabinet with your hammer). When your bar grove is above the nail, slowly pull up on the bar until the trim board losings. Here is the tricky part, you want to work your way down the trim board (above each nail head) losing the board only half way at first, then come back and repeat the process again until it is off. I do it this way so I do not brake or crack the trim board.
    Hope this helps and good luck.
    Sean B. Perkins

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    Aug 9, 2020

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