I have a large area of laminate/composite countertop to remove before reinstalling granite. i can deal with sink removal etc, but in several places there are cabinets (ceiling to counter)with ends that rest directly on the countertop-or so it seems. Plus I have a garage in one corner with the same issue. When i look under the countertop i havent found any screws going through the composite/ laminate and up into the bottom of the upper cabinets to secure them. If anyone can give me an idea of how they might be secured, i would really appreciate it. My granite supplier says i have to remove the countertop BEFORE they will do the templating for the granite- then i wait 3-4 days for the granite to show up. So before i start ripping out piees of countertop, i would love to hear what the typical cabinet maker would use to secure the upper cabinets to the countertop, and how to remove without damaging cherry cabinets.. thanks!

 

Ususally, upper cabinets are just attached to the walls. It is very unusual for cabinets to sit on top of counter tops - except for "garages which are installed after the counter but again are not normally attached to the countertop but to the upper cabinets or adjacent walls.

First you should attempt to remove the garage. Then check to make sure the counter doesn't just but up to the upper units. If that's the case then you should be able to just remove the existing top. If not, you will have to remove the upper cabinets - they should be just attached to the walls and probably to each other (screws at the front from one unit to the next - normally in the face frames).

 

first, thank you very much for your reply!. I am trying NOT to remove upper cabinets- i will need a carpenter to do that. the upper cabinets arent just hung- i have four 36": cabinets that go from ceiling to about 3 feet above the countertop, and at the end of each cabinet is a vertical 3/4 x 12 end that goes from ceiling to countertop. My hope is that they arent screwed into the countertop somewhere-from what you said, I may be OK. i do have a 2" wide vertical trim piece where each cabinet isabutted to the next one--sounds like i need to remove it to look for screws. thanks AGAIN--your help is appreciated. Bob D, Moorestown NJ

 

OK, I think I understand what you have.

You have four 36" wide upper cabinets. These are evidently fairly high on the wall (36" above the countertop) and have 3/4"x12" pieces beteen them that extend all the way down to the countertop. In addition, there is a 2" wide trim piece that covers these pieces and a portion of each cabinet where they join.

If I've got this correct then it is definitely a little unusual. I would think it likely that there may be dowels going from these (dividers) down into the countertop. If so, the job is going to be more difficult.

Any chance of taking a digital picture? It sounds like these were totally custom cabinets and it may be very difficult to get this countertop out.

 

"I am trying NOT to remove upper cabinets- i will need a carpenter to do that"

Does that mean a carpenter WILL be removing the upper cabinets.

Joneq is still confused. Is this right? you have 4- 36" cabinets. each 36"cabinet is flanked by a 3/4 by 12 on BOTH sides. Where 2 cabinets are connected they share a 3/4 by 12 for a total of {5} 3/4 by 12 touching the counter and getting in the way, and the 2" [2 1/4" ---3 x 3/4?]face frame covers where they are joined[I know that can't be right] but I read this.

but in several places there are cabinets (ceiling to counter)with ends that rest directly on the countertop-or so it seems

OR there is [1] 3/4 by 12 on 1 end then 4 -36" cabinets screwed together and the 2" face frame covers where they meet, then another 3/4 by 12 ---12' away from the first one for a total of [2] 3/4 by 12 touching the counter.These would not be screwed in but just sitting on the counter. Here is why the confusion.

"and at the end of each cabinet is a vertical 3/4 x 12 end that goes from ceiling to countertop."



What do you do if the granite is a little less thick than the existing counter assuming you DON'tT remove the top cabinets,and how do you get stuff out of the top. None of my business, just curious.

I would probably opt for removing the upper cabinet and I will bet that you do not need a carpenter to remove your upper cabinets. These will be easier than most to remove,as they will be supported all the time by the numerous 3/4 by 12's. I would remove the doors and any shelves, unscrew them from the wall, enlist the help of a few friends and take them off connected---carfully. leave them in another room till the new counters are in. an then put them back. This has the advantage of removing any potential problems of getting the old counter out and the new counter in. It can be placed where it belongs rather than slid [hopefully] under the 3/4 by12. You don't want to give the installers any chance to charge you extra for anything.


I know there is no backsplash connected to the countertop

 

First, thank you for your kind replies. this is my first try at using DIY, and your information helps a lot.
I am trying to attach a digital photo to clear up the confusion. assuming it gets to you, you can see why I am nervous about carving up my cherry cabinets! I wouldnt survive the beating if i screw them up!
Hope this helps---is there a tool i can use to slide under the ends of the cabinets to cut dowels or screws? OOPS- I see i cant attach a picture- your email please?