Many older homes have old laminated bathroom countertops and many newer homes have bathroom countertop problems, such as water damage and scratches. Replacing a bathroom countertop can be completed by any handy homeowner with a few tools.
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Step 1: Remove the sink
Disconnect the water supply and drain from the sink. Close the valves of the water supply lines and remove the lines from the valves using slip-joint pliers.
Then disconnect the water drain pipe above the trap using large slip-joint pliers.
Look under the sink and you will find the clips that hold the sink in place. Take a screwdriver and remove all of the clips by turning the screws counter-clockwise until they come off. You can now lift the sink out of the countertop.
Step 2: Take off the old laminate countertop
Many countertops are screwed down. Simply locate these screws and remove them. If glue has been used, use the same procedure with the putty knife to loosen the countertop.
Cut through any caulking between the back of the countertop or the backsplash and the wall. At this point the countertop is free of the wall and cabinets. Now it should be easy to take out.
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Step 3: Install the new countertop
The home center or cabinet shop that makes your new countertop will, at your request, fabricate it in any number of sections for convenient handling. They will also install concealed fasteners so that you can reassemble it with tight, perfectly matched joints.
Before installing your new countertop, check that your original base cabinets are solidly in place and that they are level and have not settled over time.
Fit the new countertop and cut a hole for your sink. Place the countertop in place to be sure it fits properly.
- Start by laying the sink upside down on the countertop.
- Make sure the sink is centered, and then trace the sink with a pencil.
- Remove the sink. Draw a line inside the traced line parallel to it and 3/4 of an inch from it.
- Drill a hole on the inside line that is big enough to fit a jigsaw blade in. Place the jigsaw blade in the hole and cut along the inside line.
- The countertop is now ready for the new sink.
Install the countertop and sink. Place the countertop back in its place and insert the screws in the previous holes. Tighten the screws. Install the sink and reconnect the water and drain lines
Apply a bead of caulking where the countertop or its backsplash meets the wall.
