Lauren HollandBy Lauren Holland

Updated November 2026

Changing countertops in kitchen projects is one of the most visible upgrades you can make, and it can be done in a weekend or spread across a few weeks. This guide walks through measuring, choosing a material, removing the old top and setting the new one, so you know what to expect before you start. Most of the work is planning; the physical steps go faster once the measurements are right.

Measure and Confirm Your Layout First

Start by measuring the length of each run of cabinets, the depth from the front edge to the wall, and the location of the sink, cooktop and any openings. Record measurements to the nearest eighth of an inch, and measure at more than one height because walls are rarely perfectly plumb. Standard base cabinets are 24 inches deep, and countertops usually overhang the front by about 1 to 1.5 inches, so a finished top is typically 25 to 26 inches deep.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Kitchen Countertops Quartz vs Granite: Which Is Better for Your Kitchen?.

Check whether the existing cabinet boxes are level and square. If the cabinets sag, the new top will sag with them, so correct that before you template or order anything. This is also the moment to decide whether you want a backsplash change, since new tops often require adjusting the wall tile.

Choose a Material That Fits Your Use

Material choice affects the install method. Laminate and solid surface tops are light enough for a two-person install with basic tools. Quartz, granite and similar slabs are heavy and usually installed by a fabricator who templates the space and cuts on site or in a shop. Butcher block is a common DIY choice because it can be cut and fastened with woodworking tools, though it needs regular oiling.

Compare the maintenance, heat tolerance and seam visibility of each option before committing. The site’s guide to Types of Kitchen Countertops: Materials, Costs and Care Compared covers those tradeoffs in more depth.

Remove the Old Countertop Safely

  1. Shut off the water supply to the sink and disconnect the supply lines and drain.
  2. Disconnect the cooktop or range if it sits in the counter, and turn off the gas or circuit first.
  3. Remove the sink clips, then cut the caulk seal around the sink and lift it out.
  4. Unscrew the countertop from below through the corner blocks or mounting brackets in the cabinets.
  5. Pry the top loose gently with a helper, lifting from the back edge. Laminate tops are often glued to plywood substrate, which may need to be cut free.
  6. Scrape off old adhesive and caulk so the cabinet frames are clean and flat.

Stone and solid surface tops are heavy and brittle. Plan for at least two people, and do not lift a slab by the overhang alone.

Set and Secure the New Top

Dry-fit the top before applying any adhesive. Check that it sits flush against the wall and that the overhang is even at both ends. Shim low spots under the cabinet frame, not under the top, so the load stays where the cabinets carry it. Once the fit is right, apply a continuous bead of silicone or construction adhesive to the cabinet frame, set the top, and fasten it from below using corner brackets or screws through the cabinet blocks. Leave a small gap at the wall if the manufacturer specifies one for expansion, and seal it with a flexible caulk in a matching color.

Reconnect Sink and Appliances

Set the sink in the cutout, mount the clips and restore the water and drain connections. Run the water and check every joint for drips before you put anything back in the cabinets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Ordering material before the final measurements are confirmed, which leads to costly re-cuts.
  • Skipping the level check on the cabinets, which causes uneven overhangs and sink drainage problems.
  • Using rigid caulk at the wall line, which cracks as the house settles.
  • Forgetting that the new top adds thickness, which can affect appliance clearance or drawer fronts.
  • Lifting heavy stone alone, which risks injury and cracked slabs.

A long straightedge and a digital level help confirm that the cabinet run is flat before the new top goes on. View on Amazon

A set of plastic shims lets you correct small height differences without damaging the cabinet frame. View on Amazon

FAQ

Can I change countertops without replacing the cabinets?

Yes, as long as the cabinet boxes are sound, level and able to carry the new top’s weight. Stone tops are heavier than laminate, so check the framing before choosing a heavier material.

How long does a countertop change take?

A laminate or butcher block swap can often be finished in a day or two for an experienced DIYer. Stone tops usually involve a template visit and a separate fabrication and install window, which can take a few weeks.

Do I need a professional for the plumbing and gas work?

Disconnecting and reconnecting gas lines should be handled by a licensed professional. Consult a qualified plumber or electrician for any work beyond simple water shutoff and reconnection.

Conclusion

Changing countertops in kitchen spaces rewards careful measuring and patient prep work more than speed. Confirm the cabinets are level, choose a material that matches your skill and budget, and take the old top off carefully. With those steps done, the new top usually goes in cleanly.

Ready to choose one?

Lauren Holland

About Lauren Holland

Lauren Holland is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our kitchen design & remodeling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.