How To Remove Formica Countertops To Take Your Kitchen From Outdated To Updated

Is your kitchen stuck with those old, worn-out Formica countertops? There are drawbacks to installing Formica countertops in your home; namely, over time, this once-popular material can start to show its age. But here's some good news: You don't need to hire a contractor to take care of this. As YouTuber Hammers Home Reno demonstrates, you can tackle this project yourself with a bit of elbow grease and some basic tools. Before you dive in, though, you'll want to make sure you have everything you need. Gather up some essential supplies like a putty knife, pry bar, hammer, and a screwdriver. You can buy most of these online. For instance, Amazon sells a Nylon Handle Putty Knife for only $6.

Once you have your materials, start by properly cleaning your Formica countertops and clearing the area around them. Move anything that's stored on top or underneath them out of the way. You'll want to protect your floors as well, so lay down some cardboard or a drop cloth to catch any debris that might fall during the process. If your countertops include a sink or are connected to appliances like a stove or dishwasher, make sure to disconnect the water supply and any power sources.

Once everything is cleared and prepped, take a good look underneath the countertop to see if there are screws securing it to the cabinets. If there are, use a screwdriver to remove them before prying. Then, slide the putty knife between the countertop and the cabinet where the Formica surface is attached. This will help loosen the adhesive. Next, gently tap the end of the putty knife with a hammer to work it further into the seam between the countertop and the cabinet. Move along the edge to break the adhesive bond without damaging the cabinet.

Once the adhesive is loosened enough, insert the pry bar into the gap you've created. Carefully work the pry bar around the perimeter of the countertop, using steady pressure to lift it from the base. As the countertop starts to come free, apply even pressure with the pry bar, working around all sides. Use the putty knife as needed to help separate stubborn areas. Once the adhesive is broken and the countertop has been loosened, carefully lift it off the base. Depending on the size and material, you may need assistance to fully remove it.

If your countertops come with a backsplash, it's best to remove that as well if you're having a full kitchen redesign. The backsplash is often held in place with screws or adhesive, so you'll want to score along the caulked edge where it meets the wall. Just like with the countertops, use your putty knife to carefully pry it away. Be mindful not to damage the drywall underneath — slow and steady wins the race here.

After the Formica countertops and backsplash are completely removed, the final step is clean-up. Sweep up any debris and wipe down the cabinets to get rid of leftover adhesive or dust. Now you've got a clean slate, ready for whatever new countertop material you've chosen. If you know how to install new countertops yourself, this is the perfect time to double-check your measurements and make sure everything is prepped for installation.