How to Remove Granite Countertops with Backsplash Attached

Many homeowners planning a kitchen renovation wonder how to remove granite countertops with backsplash attached without damaging their walls, cabinets, or flooring. Since granite is heavy and backsplashes are often tightly secured with adhesives and caulk, the process requires careful planning and execution. Done incorrectly, it can lead to broken stone, damaged drywall, and expensive repairs.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about removing granite countertops and backsplash together, provide a step-by-step countertop and backsplash removal method, show you techniques for protecting walls during backsplash and countertop removal, and explain the safest strategies for detaching granite with backsplash.

Removing Granite Countertops and Backsplash Together

One of the most challenging parts of any kitchen renovation is removing granite countertops and backsplash together. Since the backsplash is often installed directly over the countertop, both elements are tightly bonded. Attempting to separate them without a plan can cause serious damage to walls or cabinetry.

Why Removal is Difficult

• Strong adhesives: Granite countertops and backsplashes are installed with silicone, mortar, or construction adhesive.

• Weight: Granite slabs can weigh hundreds of pounds, making them difficult to move safely.

• Fragile walls: Drywall can easily crack if too much force is applied during backsplash removal.

  
  

Tools and Safety Gear You’ll Need

• Utility knife

• Pry bar

• Painter’s tape

• Screwdriver or drill

• Protective blankets or cardboard

• Safety goggles, gloves, and dust mask

• Moving straps or dollies

  
  

Key Precautions

• Work with at least two or three people is too heavy for one person.

• Always shut off water and disconnect plumbing before starting.

• Cover floors with thick blankets or boards to avoid cracks.

  
  

At SF Marble and Granite, when we handle granite installation in Lowell or removal projects, we follow precise procedures to make sure no damage occurs. If you’re planning on upgrading to quartz or marble, our local quartz fabricators can provide seamless transitions after removal.

Step-by-Step Countertop and Backsplash Removal

Following a structured process for step-by-step countertop and backsplash removal ensures you complete the project efficiently and safely. Here’s the professional approach:

Step 1: Clear and Protect the Work Area

Remove everything from cabinets and countertops. Use drop cloths to protect floors, and painter’s tape to shield walls.

Step 2: Disconnect Plumbing and Appliances

Turn off the water supply, disconnect sinks and faucets, and carefully detach appliances such as dishwashers and cooktops. Granite removal often requires loosening these connections.

Step 3: Score the Caulk and Adhesive

Use a utility knife to cut along the edges where granite meets walls, backsplash, and cabinets. This breaks the seal before prying.

Step 4: Remove the Backsplash Carefully

Insert a pry bar gently between backsplash and wall, working slowly to prevent cracks in drywall. In some cases, the backsplash may come off in sections with the granite countertop still attached.

Step 5: Loosen and Lift the Countertop

Work a pry bar under the granite edge and lift carefully. Once loosened, use moving straps and team support to raise the slab. Always lift never drag granite.

Step 6: Remove Countertop and Backsplash Together

If the two pieces are still bonded, remove them as a single unit. This is often the safest way to avoid damaging walls or cabinetry.

Our Backsplash service in Lowell, MA specializes in this process, ensuring smooth removal and preparation for new installations. By following these steps, you’ll master how to remove granite countertops with backsplash attached safely and effectively.

Protecting Walls During Backsplash and Countertop Removal

When tackling how to remove granite countertops with backsplash attached, one of the top priorities is protecting walls during backsplash and countertop removal. Drywall is fragile, and even a small mistake can result in cracks, holes, or expensive repairs.

Common Risks to Walls

• Scraping from pry bars

• Adhesive pulling drywall paper off

• Heavy granite slabs falling against the wall

• Backsplash tiles breaking and damaging the surface underneath

  
  

Best Practices for Wall Protection

• Use painter’s tape: Apply tape along seams where backsplash meets the wall to reduce tearing.

• Work slowly with a pry bar: Apply gentle, even pressure to minimize damage.

• Protect with foam boards: Place boards against walls before moving granite slabs.

• Cut thoroughly: Ensure all adhesive and caulk are scored before prying.

  
  

Professional Advantage

At Sf Marble and Granite, we always protect walls when providing backsplash installation in Lowell or handling removals. Our careful approach ensures homeowners don’t have to deal with additional drywall repairs before installing new materials.

If you’re learning how to remove granite countertops with backsplash attached, remember: protecting your walls saves time, money, and frustration.

Safe Methods for Detaching Granite with Backsplash

Finally, when it comes to safe methods for detaching granite with backsplash, the goal is to avoid unnecessary breakage while keeping walls, cabinets, and flooring intact.

Safe Removal Strategies

• Lift together when possible: Instead of forcing granite and backsplash apart, remove them as one unit if still bonded.

• Use team lifting techniques: Granite requires at least two or three people for safe handling.

• Employ proper tools: Rely on utility knives, pry bars, and moving straps—avoid makeshift methods that can cause injury.

• Never rush: Patience is the most important safety tool during removal.

  
  

Why Professional Help Matters

DIY is possible, but mistakes can be costly. Our team at Sf Marble and Granite combines experience in granite installation in Lowell, backsplash installation in Lowell, and services from our local quartz fabricators to provide safe, professional results every time.

If your priority is truly how to remove granite countertops with backsplash attached, following these safe methods ensures a successful outcome.

How to Remove Granite Countertops: DIY vs Professional

Homeowners often research how to remove granite countertops and decide whether to tackle the job themselves or hire professionals. DIY removal can be rewarding but carries significant risks of injury, broken stone, or damaged cabinetry and walls.

Choosing experts like Sf Marble and Granite means every step is handled carefully. From demolition to preparation for granite installation in Lowell or backsplash installation in Lowell, our services guarantee efficiency and safety. Plus, with our local quartz fabricators, we can seamlessly upgrade your kitchen with durable and stylish quartz surfaces after removal.

You may read this: How Long Does a Backlit Backsplash Last?

Conclusion

Understanding how to remove granite countertops with backsplash attached is essential for a smooth, safe, and successful kitchen renovation. By following the right process removing granite countertops and backsplash together, using a proper step-by-step countertop and backsplash removal approach, focusing on protecting walls during backsplash and countertop removal, and applying safe methods for detaching granite with backsplash homeowners can achieve professional-level results.

At Sf Marble and Granite, we take pride in offering complete services, from backsplash installation in Lowell and granite installation in Lowell to expert removals and custom upgrades with our local quartz fabricators. contact us to get help because our team is here to deliver excellence. Our Backsplash service in Lowell, MA ensures that every project is completed with precision and care.

FAQs

Q1: Can granite countertops and backsplash be removed without damage? 

Yes, with the right tools, patience, and professional techniques, it’s possible to remove them together without major damage.

Q2: How heavy are granite countertops with backsplash? 

Granite slabs can weigh 18–20 pounds per square foot, and when attached to backsplash tiles, the total weight increases significantly.

Q3: Should I remove backsplash before countertops? 

Not always. In many cases, it’s safer to remove them together. Our Backsplash service in Lowell, MA provides expert handling.

Q4: Is DIY removal safe?

 It can be done, but risks are high. Hiring Sf Marble and Granite ensures safe, damage-free results.

Q5: Can I replace granite with quartz? 

Yes! Our local quartz fabricators specialize in custom quartz installations for homeowners looking to upgrade from granite.