If you love your kitchen cabinets but are less than impressed with your current kitchen counters, you may find yourself wondering if it’s possible to replace your countertops without replacing your cabinetry as well.
Yes, you can!
Surface and structural damage, incompatible style, staining, and improper sealing are among the many reasons you may want to part ways with your countertops. Switching out your counters can be a transformative upgrade that changes the entire look and feel of your kitchen. If you are ready to replace your countertops, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
Kitchen Counter Considerations
If you plan to only replace your countertops, it’s important to note that you will have to utilize the same kitchen layout. Consider your cabinet placement: are you happy with how your kitchen flows? Are your appliances, sink, and drawers placed comfortably throughout your space? If you find yourself dissatisfied with your kitchen’s layout, it may be worth waiting for a total remodel to ensure that your kitchen is a comfortable, functional space to work in.
If you have backsplash installed, or cabinets such as an appliance garage that sits on the countertop, you must consider how it will line up with your new counters. Laminate tops are typically 1.5″ thick, and quartz and granite counters run around 1.25″ thick. Most laminate countertops also have an included 4″ backsplash, so if you’re upgrading to a quartz or granite countertop it may be time to install a new backsplash that runs all the way down to the counter.
Another consideration is the weight limit of your lower cabinets. If you’re planning to make the switch from lighter laminate to a sturdier quartz or granite, check with the professionals assisting with your project that your cabinets can handle and distribute the new weight properly.
Dishwashers are typically screwed into laminate countertops to stabilize them. This is not possible with stone countertops. Ask your sales consultant about installing a dishwasher bracket or, if installing a newer dishwasher, the possibility of fixing it to the cabinets on either side.
Now that we’ve taken time to consider the preexisting factors and potential complications with replacing your kitchen countertop it’s time to weigh out your countertop options.
Laminate
Laminate countertops are typically the most affordable, appealing to the budget-conscious and those looking for a low-maintenance option.
Laminate countertops are offered in a wide variety of colors, finishes, and edge profiles, including those that mimic the look of stone. As previously stated, laminate countertops are typically 1.5″ thick and often include a 4” backsplash. Keep these measurements in mind when mapping out your new counters.
Laminate countertops are the least heat-resistant countertop material and can melt or burn when exposed to a high enough temperature. If you’re in the market for laminate countertops, be sure to have a stylish selection of trivets on standby. Laminate countertops have a shorter lifespan than their natural stone and man-made counterparts. Expect to replace your laminate counters approximately every 10-15 years.
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Quartz
Quartz Countertops are a top choice for kitchen countertops, and for good reason. Made of natural materials, quartz counters are a man-made surface built to withstand tough, daily use. As a hard material, quartz withstands scratches, stains, chips, and cut marks with ease, though we still recommend using a cutting board to keep your counters clean.
Though they do not hold the same “one-of-a-kind” charm that natural stones possess, quartz counters are created in a range of stylish colors, designs, and patterns.
Quartz never has to be sealed, offering a high-end finish at a low-maintenance level. Quartz is highly durable and nonabsorbent, making it resistant to staining. Quartz countertops are heat-sensitive and can be damaged by sudden changes in temperature. Make sure to use the proper heat protection to keep your quartz counters looking like new for their expected 20 years of use.
Granite
When it comes to countertops, Granite is one of the toughest natural stones available. Granite’s scratch, chip, and crack resistant surface makes it an ideal choice for busy households. Granite counters handle heat well and do not melt, but make sure to check your sealer’s specifications before setting a hot pot or pan down, as some sealers may weaken when exposed to high temperatures.
The natural beauty of granite offers a truly one-of-a-kind finish. Granite’s distinctive colors and patterns add an elegant, artistic touch to your home. From rich blacks, speckled browns and grays, rippled rusts, and delicate greens, granite has layers of colors that shift depending on the slab.
As a natural stone, granite is porous, meaning that it’s important to keep up with your counter’s recommended sealing schedule. 25-year sealer is offered, but at a higher price tag. If it’s within your budget, the peace of mind that a 25-year sealer offers is well worth it. Chances are, in 25 years you will be ready to update your countertops again!
Countertop Installation
Once you’ve settled on a replacement countertop, it’s time to begin thinking about the installation process.
As a homeowner, you are typically responsible for the removal of your preexisting countertops. Whether you prefer to remove the counters yourself or hire out, it is your responsibility to pry, scrape, and hammer your counters out without damaging your cabinetry or walls. Along with the countertops themselves, you also must disconnect and remove the sink, faucet, dishwasher, and any other connected fixtures. If you have upper cabinetry that extends to the countertops, such as an appliance garage, this must also be carefully removed and saved for reinstallation.
With the right tools and know-how, installing your new laminate or butcherblock countertops can be done DIY, or you can leave it in the hands of your contractor or the counter fabricator. We recommend letting the professionals handle the installation of heavy quartz or granite counters, as the slabs will be too heavy to move on your own.
Once your countertops have been properly installed, it is again the homeowner or contractor’s responsibility to reinstall the sink, faucet, dishwasher, and any other fixtures that had to be removed.
Some of the granite and quartz countertops we offer may come with the option of an included sink, but we advise that an upgrade is often worth the additional cost. Settling for a cheaper sink may lead you to want a replacement sooner, leaving a hole in your newly cut countertops that will be hard to fill. Taking your time to select the right sink for you and your kitchen may lengthen your project’s timeline but will ultimately save you from the frustration of having to find a replacement.
Ready to find the right countertop for your kitchen? Visit or schedule an appointment with your nearest DKB Designer Kitchens & Baths showroom to browse our wide selection of countertop options including laminate, quartz, granite, and other materials. With the help of our professional showroom sales consultants, you’re sure to find the perfect countertops for your space!