The costs associated with removing a countertop vary by project. In most situations, the cost to remove the material and haul it away can range based on size, project scope and disposal costs. The type of material also plays a role, especially when it's heavy, such as granite or marble. In these cases, the contractor must carefully remove pieces to minimize damage to the cabinetry and flooring, and labor costs can be higher.
Standard Services | Quantity | Low | High | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
What you can expect | |||||
Range per countertop: | $40.81 | $73.34 | |||
Range for this type of project: | $41 | $73 | |||
Estimate: $57 | |||||
Kitchen Countertop Labor, Basic | 1 hour | $22 | $52 | ||
Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete project. Countertop will be detached from adjacent surfaces, broken into portable segments, and removed from premises. Fee is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of project site, and meticulous cleanup. | |||||
Kitchen Countertop Debris Disposal | 1 countertop | $19 | $21 | ||
Responsible disposal of all project debris, including the cost to load and haul old materials, installation waste, and any other refuse. |
cost to remove a kitchen countertop | |
National Avg. Materials Cost per countertop | $18.94 |
National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 1 countertop | $54.45 |
National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 1 countertop | $38.94 - $69.96 |
A key contributor to the cost of removing kitchen countertops is the size of the project. Most of the time, it includes removing or loosening the countertop from the cabinetry. Countertops are typically held in place with an adhesive, and care is required to minimize damage during removal. If the cabinetry is also being replaced, the project may go a bit faster since you don't need to worry about damage.
Many contractors charge based on square footage; however, some may also charge a fee for making repairs associated with the cabinetry surface. If the countertop is easily removed, limited damage occurs to the cabinets. This is common with laminate and quartz because they are lighter in weight. For heavier countertops, including all-natural stones and cement, adhesive removal can add to the cost. Generally, proper removal methods minimize the risk of damage.
In addition to labor, kitchen countertop removal costs also include disposal of the material. Contractors generally charge a set fee for the disposal, including hauling fees. In some cases, additional fees may apply for the use of equipment for the project. Material costs may also apply if the company has to make significant repairs to the existing cabinetry after the removal.