Yes, you can change kitchen cabinets with countertops in place. It is a tricky job but often possible. You can install new cabinets without removing countertops. This project needs careful planning and skilled work. You can update your kitchen cabinetry around existing counters. This can save you money and time.
Many people want to replace kitchen cabinets existing counters. This guide will show you how. We will look at why you might want to do this. We will cover the steps needed. And we will share tips for a good outcome.
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Why Keep Your Current Countertops When Changing Cabinets?
People choose to keep their existing countertops for many reasons. It often comes down to saving money and less mess.
Saving Money
Countertops can be very expensive. Materials like granite, quartz, or marble cost a lot. So does the work to cut and put them in. By keeping your current counters, you save this big cost. This makes your kitchen update much cheaper. You can then spend more money on better cabinets. Or you can save the money for other home projects.
Less Hassle and Mess
Taking out old countertops can be a big, messy job. It creates a lot of dust and debris. It also takes more time. Keeping your counters means less work for you. It means less noise. And it means less waste going to the landfill. The project will be quicker to finish.
Good Condition Counters
Maybe your countertops are still in great shape. They might be nearly new. Or they are made of a strong, lasting material. It makes no sense to replace something that is still good. You might love their color or pattern. Or they match other parts of your home. If they work well, keep them.
Eco-Friendly Choice
Replacing counters adds to waste. Keeping them is a greener choice. It uses fewer new materials. It saves natural resources. It also means less energy used for making and moving new items. This is good for the planet.
Checking If You Can Keep Your Counters
Not all kitchens are the same. Some countertops are easier to keep than others. It depends on how they are made and put in.
How Countertops Connect to Cabinets
- Laminate Counters: These are often glued to a wood base. This base sits on the cabinets. They are usually screwed to the cabinet frames from the top. It can be hard to remove them without damage.
- Solid Surface (e.g., Corian): These are also often glued down. They might have a little give. This can make them a bit easier to lift.
- Stone (Granite, Quartz, Marble): These are very heavy. They are usually held in place by their own weight. A little caulk or glue might be used. They are often not fully attached to the cabinets below. This can make them easier to remove and put back. But they need great care. They can crack easily.
- Wood or Butcher Block: These are typically screwed down from the top or underneath. They can often be removed and put back with care.
- Tile Counters: These are built on a solid base. The base is often attached to the cabinets. This makes them very hard to remove without breaking the tile.
Condition of Your Countertops
Before you start, check your counters.
* Are they flat?
* Do they have big cracks or chips?
* Are there water stains or warped spots?
* Do they match the style you want for your new kitchen?
If your counters are very old or damaged, keeping them might not be worth it. New cabinets will make old counters look even worse.
Type of Cabinets to Replace
This job is mostly about replacing base cabinets. These are the cabinets below the counter. Wall cabinets hang above the counter. They do not hold up the counter. So, replacing wall cabinets is usually simple. You do not need to worry about the counter at all for them.
Getting Ready for the Cabinet Swap
Good prep makes the job go smoothly. It protects your kitchen and makes work easier.
Empty Everything
Take everything out of your old cabinets. Empty your drawers and shelves. Clear off the countertops. Store items in another room. This keeps them safe and out of your way.
Protect Your Kitchen
Cover floors with drop cloths or old blankets. Use heavy cardboard to protect your countertops. Tape plastic sheeting over any open doorways. This stops dust from spreading. Turn off the water supply to the sink. Turn off power to outlets on your backsplash.
Get the Right Tools
You will need tools for this job.
* Screwdrivers: For cabinet screws.
* Pry Bar: For gentle prying.
* Level: To make sure new cabinets are straight.
* Shims: Small wedges to level cabinets.
* Drill: For new cabinet screws.
* Saw: If you need to cut out parts of old cabinets.
* Caulk Gun: For sealing gaps.
* Safety Gear: Gloves, eye protection, dust mask.
Removing Old Kitchen Cabinets While Saving Countertops
This step is the most important. It needs patience and care. You want to remove old kitchen cabinets while saving countertops. This means the countertops must stay unharmed.
Step 1: Disconnect Plumbing and Appliances
- Sink: Turn off water at the main valve or under the sink. Disconnect water lines. Remove the drain pipe. Take out the sink. This might be tricky if the sink is under-mounted. You may need to cut caulk around the sink rim. Be very careful not to scratch or chip the counter.
- Dishwasher: Unplug it. Disconnect water and drain lines. Slide it out.
- Range/Cooktop: Unplug and move the range. If you have a cooktop in the counter, disconnect gas or power. Then carefully lift it out.
- Garbage Disposal: Unplug and disconnect it from the sink drain.
Step 2: Separate Countertops from Base Cabinets
This is where the real skill comes in.
* Find Screws: Most countertops are held down by screws. These screws go up through the top of the cabinet frames. Look inside the top of the cabinet boxes. You will see screws pointing upwards into the countertop. Unscrew these.
* Check for Glue/Caulk: Some counters have glue or caulk on the top edge of the cabinets. Use a utility knife to cut through this seal. Be gentle. You do not want to scratch the counter.
* Gentle Lift: Once all screws are out, try to gently lift the counter. Do not force it. If it does not move, look for more hidden screws or glue spots.
* Heavy Counters: Stone counters are very heavy. You will need help. Use suction cups if you have them. Carefully lift the counter straight up. Move it to a safe, level spot. Put it on blankets or soft pads. This protects it from chips and cracks.
Step 3: Removing the Old Cabinets
Once the countertop is off, removing the old cabinets is easier.
* Disconnect Cabinets: Unscrew cabinets from each other. They often have screws holding their side frames together.
* Unscrew from Wall: Unscrew the cabinets from the wall studs. These screws are usually in the back of the cabinet.
* Take Out: Carefully pull the old cabinets away from the wall. Take them out of the kitchen.
Installing New Cabinets Without Removing Countertops
This is the next big step. You need to install new cabinets without removing countertops. If you were able to remove the countertops cleanly, you can skip to Step 4. If the countertops stayed in place (e.g., they were somehow integrated or very tricky to move), this part focuses on installing around them. However, for most standard installations, the countertops must be temporarily lifted or removed. The “without removing” part often implies not replacing the material of the countertop, rather than not moving it at all. For the purpose of this guide, we will assume you lifted it off. If you did not, it means you’re replacing only the cabinet boxes underneath a fixed counter. That is extremely difficult and usually not advised.
Let’s adjust this to reflect that the counter was removed in the previous step, or you’re doing a highly specialized job. For practical purposes, “install new cabinets without removing countertops” means you are not replacing the existing countertop material, but you will need to lift it off the old cabinets to put new ones in.
Let’s assume the countertop was moved to a safe spot.
Step 1: Prep the Walls and Floor
- Clean: Clean the wall and floor where cabinets will go.
- Check Level: Use a long level to check the floor. Note any high or low spots. You will need to shim the new cabinets to make them level.
- Mark Lines: Draw a level line on the wall. This line marks the top of your base cabinets (usually 34.5 inches from the floor). This helps you set the new cabinets at the right height.
Step 2: Install Base Cabinets First
- Start in a Corner: Always begin installing base cabinets in a corner. Work your way out.
- Place First Cabinet: Put the first cabinet in its spot. Check it for level (front-to-back and side-to-side). Use shims under the cabinet if needed.
- Screw to Wall: Once level, screw the cabinet to the wall studs. Use long screws. Make sure the screws go into the wood studs, not just drywall.
- Connect Cabinets: Place the next cabinet. Check it for level. Then screw it to the first cabinet. Screw through the face frames where they meet. Use strong screws designed for cabinets. Repeat for all base cabinets.
Step 3: Install Wall Cabinets (If Doing So)
- Mark Line: Draw a level line for the bottom of your wall cabinets. This is usually 54 inches from the floor.
- Start in Corner: Begin with the corner wall cabinet.
- Screw to Wall: Lift the cabinet into place. Hold it up or have someone help you. Screw it to the wall studs.
- Connect Others: Install the next wall cabinet. Screw it to the first cabinet. Make sure all cabinets are level and plumb (straight up and down).
Step 4: Add Filler Strips and End Panels
- Fill Gaps: Sometimes there are small gaps between cabinets and walls. Use filler strips to close these gaps. Cut them to size. Screw or glue them into place.
- End Panels: Add decorative end panels to any exposed cabinet sides.
Step 5: Put the Countertops Back
This is where you achieve seamless cabinet replacement with existing benchtops.
* Clean Surfaces: Make sure the top edges of the new cabinets are clean and level.
* Lift and Place: With help, carefully lift your saved countertops. Set them gently onto the new base cabinets. Make sure they line up correctly.
* Check Level: Once the counter is on, check it again with a level. It should be perfectly flat. If not, you may need to adjust the cabinet shims below.
* Secure Counters: Now, secure the countertops to the new cabinets. Screw up through the cabinet frames into the underside of the countertop. Use screws that are long enough but not too long. You do not want them to go through the counter! For stone counters, often just caulk along the edges or small dabs of epoxy are used. Their weight holds them.
* Seal Edges: Apply a bead of silicone caulk where the countertop meets the wall or backsplash. This seals out water.
Step 6: Reconnect Plumbing and Appliances
- Sink: Install your sink. Connect the drain and water lines. Check for leaks.
- Dishwasher, Cooktop, Range: Put these back in place. Connect their power or gas lines. Make sure they work.
Challenges You Might Face and How to Handle Them
Replacing base cabinets without disturbing countertops is hard. But common problems have solutions.
Damage Risk to Countertops
- Problem: Cracks, chips, or scratches can happen when moving or lifting heavy countertops. Stone counters are very fragile.
- Solution: Get help. Use proper lifting tools. Lay down thick padding (blankets, foam) when moving or storing the counter. Be very gentle at all times. Professionals know how to do this best.
Leveling Issues with New Cabinets
- Problem: Floors are rarely perfectly flat. If cabinets are not level, your countertop will be uneven. This looks bad and can cause problems.
- Solution: Use a long level. Adjust cabinet heights with shims. Shims are thin, tapered pieces of wood or plastic. Put them under the cabinet base until it is perfectly level. Then screw the cabinet to the wall.
Matching New Cabinets to Old Layout/Plumbing
- Problem: Your old cabinets might have been a certain size. New ones might not fit perfectly. Sink, cooktop, or dishwasher openings might not line up.
- Solution: Plan carefully. Measure your old cabinet sizes. Try to buy new cabinets that match. If new cabinets are slightly different, you might need filler strips. For plumbing, make sure the sink base cabinet has the right cutouts. You might need to adjust pipes slightly. A plumber can help if needed.
Slight Height Differences
- Problem: Your old countertop might sit at a slightly different height on the new cabinets. This can happen if new cabinets are not exactly the same height as the old ones.
- Solution: Most cabinets are a standard height (34.5 inches). Ensure your new ones match. If there is a small gap under the counter or against the wall, you might need to add a small trim piece (like a scribe molding). Or you can adjust the shims under the cabinets very carefully.
Cost to Replace Kitchen Cabinets But Keep Countertops
One big reason to keep your counters is cost savings. How much can you save?
Breakdown of Costs
| Item | Average Cost Range (Per Linear Foot or Total) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Cabinets | $100 – $600+ per linear foot | Stock, semi-custom, or custom options. Varies greatly by material. |
| Labor for Install | $80 – $200 per linear foot | Includes removal of old, installation of new. More if counter needs lifting. |
| Plumbing Work | $200 – $600 | Disconnect/reconnect sink, dishwasher, etc. |
| Appliance Hookup | $100 – $300 | For cooktop, range, microwave if moved. |
| Supplies | $50 – $200 | Screws, shims, caulk, glue. |
| Countertop Work | $300 – $1000+ | Professional removal/reinstallation of heavy or delicate counters. |
| Total (Cabinets Only) | $1,500 – $10,000+ | For an average kitchen (10-15 linear feet of base cabinets). |
Note: These are general estimates. Prices vary by location, cabinet type, and contractor.
Savings Compared to Full Renovation
Replacing countertops can add thousands to your bill.
* New Laminate: $20 – $60 per square foot.
* New Solid Surface: $50 – $120 per square foot.
* New Granite/Quartz: $40 – $150 per square foot.
* New Marble: $75 – $200+ per square foot.
For an average kitchen with 30-40 square feet of counter space, new countertops alone could cost anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000 or more for materials and labor. By keeping your current countertops when changing cabinets, you skip this big cost. This makes the project much more affordable.
Refacing vs. Replacing Cabinets with Existing Counters
When you want to update kitchen cabinetry around existing counters, you have two main choices: refacing or replacing.
Cabinet Refacing
- What it is: You keep your existing cabinet boxes. New doors, drawer fronts, and a new “skin” (veneer) are put over the old boxes. You get a fresh new look without ripping out cabinets.
- Pros:
- Less Cost: Often much cheaper than full replacement.
- Less Mess: No demolition needed.
- Faster: Usually done in a few days.
- Keeps Layout: Your kitchen layout stays the same.
- Easier with Existing Counters: You do not need to move your countertops at all. This is the easiest way to update if you keep your counters.
- Cons:
- Same Layout: You cannot change your kitchen layout.
- Same Inside: Old drawers and shelves stay the same.
- Cost vs. New: Can still be pricey, sometimes 70-80% of new cabinets.
- Limited Change: Only a cosmetic update.
Cabinet Replacing
- What it is: You take out all old cabinet boxes and put in brand new ones.
- Pros:
- New Layout: You can change your kitchen layout completely.
- New Storage: Get modern storage features like pull-out shelves or soft-close drawers.
- Better Quality: You can choose higher quality boxes.
- Long-Term Solution: It is a full upgrade.
- Cons:
- Higher Cost: More expensive than refacing.
- More Mess: Demolition creates dust and debris.
- Longer Project: Takes more time.
- Tricky with Counters: As discussed, keeping existing counters adds a layer of difficulty.
When to Choose Which
- Choose Refacing if:
- Your existing cabinet boxes are sturdy and in good shape.
- You like your current kitchen layout.
- You want a quicker, less messy update.
- You want to avoid any risk to your countertops. (This is ideal for keeping counters.)
- Choose Replacing if:
- Your old cabinet boxes are weak, damaged, or poorly made.
- You want to change your kitchen layout.
- You want to add new storage features.
- You are okay with a longer, messier project.
- You are willing to take the risk or pay a professional for the careful countertop handling.
Tips for a Smooth Cabinet Replacement Project
This is a big job. Here are some tips to help.
- Hire Professionals for Tricky Parts: Removing old kitchen cabinets while saving countertops is hard. Especially with heavy stone. A pro knows how to handle it. They have the right tools. They can help with seamless cabinet replacement with existing benchtops. This can save you money in the long run. Breaking a countertop is much more costly.
- Plan Every Detail: Measure everything twice. Draw out your new cabinet layout. Make sure new cabinets fit. Check where plumbing and electrical outlets are. Think about where your sink and appliances will go.
- Take Your Time: Do not rush. Each step needs care. A small mistake can cause big problems.
- Consider a Dry Run: If you are unsure, try a small part first. Or even practice lifting something heavy.
- Have Help: Do not lift heavy items alone. Always have an extra set of hands for countertops.
- Budget for the Unexpected: Always set aside extra money. Things can go wrong. You might find rotten wood. Or a pipe might break. An extra 10-15% of your budget is a good idea.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I reuse my old sink with new cabinets?
Yes, usually you can reuse your old sink. Make sure your new sink base cabinet is the right size. It needs to fit the sink. Also, make sure the countertop cut-out for the sink matches the old one. If not, you may need a new sink.
How long does it take to replace cabinets without replacing countertops?
It takes less time than a full kitchen remodel. But it still takes a few days to a week for an average kitchen. This depends on how many cabinets you have. It also depends on how hard it is to move your counters. Doing it yourself will take longer. Hiring pros will be quicker.
What if my current backsplash is glued to the old cabinets?
This is a common issue. If your backsplash is on the wall, it’s fine. But if it’s a short backsplash piece glued to the counter, it might come off with the counter. If it is tile glued to the wall and also to the old cabinet, it might be damaged when you remove the old cabinets. You might need to repair or replace that part of the backsplash. This adds a small extra cost.
Can I add new features like soft-close drawers to my old cabinets?
If you are replacing the entire cabinet boxes, then yes. New cabinets come with these modern features built-in. If you are only refacing, you might be able to add new drawer slides or hinges. But it might not be easy or cost-effective for all old cabinets.
Is this a DIY project or should I hire a professional?
Replacing cabinets while keeping countertops is a challenging DIY project. It is best for experienced DIYers. Moving heavy countertops, especially stone, is risky. You can break the counter or hurt yourself. Hiring professionals for the cabinet removal and installation is a wise choice. They can do the work safely and correctly. This gives you peace of mind.
Updating your kitchen by replacing base cabinets without disturbing countertops is a smart move. It saves money and reduces waste. With careful planning and skilled work, you can get a fresh new look for your kitchen.