I am preparing to rennovate three bathrooms and a kitchen that all have laminate counter tops. The client would like to preserve all of the tile in the bathrooms as it is all in pristine condition.
Has anyone ever removed laminate countertops and installed new ones without damaging existing tile? If so, what would be your recommended process? I am sure removal can be done in carefully extracted pieces but getting a new top in seems almost impossible.
The client would actually like marble tops in the bathrooms which, I believe, poses even further complications.
help and thanks,
Gordon
Replies
Why is there concern about the tile? I think we need a little more information. If its simply caulked to the tile just cuts it loose and carefully remove.
I recently r/r a counter in a bathroom where the counter was surrounded on three sides by tile. I removed the sink and gently cut it up, no problems.
The concern for the tile is monetary, time, and the fact that it is in excellent shape.
Your suggestion for the marble sounds like good advice.
thanks,
gordon
Sometimes they want everything, don't they.
All we can do is the best we can do and remember to charge accordingly.
Marble tops would be a breeze. The installer would simply mount a backsplash the same size as the missing tile and butt the countertop into it. Undermount the sink and it would be gorgeous!
Kitchen, same way, except the backsplash would be plywood, with formica, the same color as the new backless counter.
A little silicone or grout where needed.
Corian kitchen counters or granite would save you alot of trouble.
Gord
Gord,
Thanks, Corian is a great option. I think I may try suggesting concrete as well as I've seen some pretty good applications of this poured in place.
The tile does surround the countertop on three sides and I am most concerned about getting into the cutouts on all three sides for a clean fit.
thanks for the post,
gordon
removing old countertops always requires some finesse, particularly in a small bathroom as you describe.
start by removing the sink,removing the screws and cut the caulking all around
the top will probably have to be cut into section for removal, using a jigsaw, through the sink area is usually the easiest, being careful not cut the cabinet or hit the tile
try to cut a section out of the front edge and as big a piece as posible around the faucets` then you should be able to snap the horizontal section away from the backsplash
the key is to remove it a piece at a time
Couldn't you put new laminate over the old, assuming the old is in good condition (still adhered to the base)?
Sounds like a headache, but if there's a lot of tile you may have to leave it and try to surgically implant new countertops. If we're talking about a single course of tile as a backsplash, then remove it and replace it.