How To: Remove and demolish countertop fixtures

Sometimes it comes time to tear down the old and build up the new -- especially in kitchens! People seem to be especially enamored of redoing kitchens to follow design trends, family resizing, or simple updating to keep the house current, livable, and sellable. One way to achieve a different look in the kitchen is by changing the countertop.

Removing a countertop, while not as difficult as installing one, does require some care. You must be careful not to harm the cabinets below or the walls behind the counter. Also, any fixtures such as sinks or cooktops must be carefully removed if they are to be reused.

Another concern is safety. Many construction related injuries occur during the demolition process. Broken tiles, Formica and rusty nails can be very sharp. So, pay special attention to safety procedures. For complete, step-by-step instructions for this DIY project, watch this friendly and straightforward video tutorial.