Can You Reuse Granite Countertops – Practical Guide

Imagine spending thousands of dollars renovating your home and fitting premium granite countertops; then, for some reason, you have to either move or sell the property, and you can’t fathom leaving your granite countertop behind.

Now, the big question is, can you remove your granite countertops and reuse them?

Well, to be honest, it is most likely impossible, and that’s because there are several hurdles you need to address for the entire process to be successful.

These hurdles are:

High granite damage risk

Most homeowners prefer granite countertops because of their sturdy and indestructible nature.

That said, granite is heavy and brittle.

This simply means that removing the countertop in one large slab is nearly impossible due to the risk of damaging it.

And if for any reason you have to remove it, it’s always best to have a professional handle it as they most likely have the right tools for the job, which in most cases is quite expensive.

Again, you must have a couple of people hold along the countertop length.

This is to prevent any pressure point that might cause cracking.

Also, remember that even when you hire a professional to handle the job, you’ll most likely sign an agreement that frees them from any liability should there be any damage to your countertop during removal.

The reason experienced contractors include such a clause in the contract is because of the high risk of damage that occurs during the removal process.

Before you ever decide to remove your granite countertop, double-check to confirm the type of granite you have.

We always admonish homeowners to do this because granite can be weak and brittle or harder and stronger.

Obviously, it makes sense to always opt for the harder and stronger option as it is easier to salvage it without the risk of any damage.

Let us also quickly add that it’s important to factor in a granite countertop’s thickness when buying because removing a thicker slab is easier than a thinner one.

If you want to know the thinness or thickness of your countertop, look at it from beneath the cabinet.

If you spot plywood below the granite, it is thin and can result in cracking.

On the flip side, if there is no plywood, the granite countertop is thick and can be salvaged without issues.

Ideas on you can reuse old granite countertops

There are very few ways to reuse granite table tops for other things around the house and the best thing is you don’t have to be a thrifty or handy person, or even have access to some tools.

Here are a few simple ideas on how you can repurpose your granite countertop today

• Use your old granite tabletop for an outdoor BBQ area
• Build a permanent outdoor table setting
• Use it as a workbench
• Make a garden bench
• Use it for a new bathroom countertop on your vanity

You’ll need to match your new space layout with the old

We are sure you already cut the slabs during installation, so the only way you’ll be able to reuse your countertop is if it fits your new kitchen layout.

What this simply means is that if your granite countertop had a few cutouts, let’s say around the sink or wet bar area, to be able to reuse it in your new space, you need to ensure that your new kitchen has the same layout, which as you might guess is nearly impossible.

Even if your new layout matches by some stroke of chance, you’ll still have a problem if your new space is bigger or smaller than the old one.

Should that be the case, you’ll have to find a new granite piece that matches, which, to be honest, is difficult, especially if your previous granite pattern and color are unique.

Even if you’re lucky enough to get a piece that matches, you’ll still have a visible seam along the attached area, which can significantly impact the overall look of your kitchen.

To be able to remove and reuse your granite countertop, you have to ensure that both houses have the same cabinet layouts.

Also, you need to ensure that the width and length of the old countertop fit the cabinet dimensions in your new space.

Considering what we highlighted, you’ll agree that removing and reusing your old granite countertop is stressful.

Plus, the costs of the entire process outweigh the benefits.

Hire an expert contractor

Of course, many benefits come with removing and reusing granite countertops, especially when you have spent a lot of money installing them in your home.

Secondly, you won’t have to spend an insane amount of money getting new granite countertops for your home.

But while the prospect of removing and reusing your granite countertops sounds exciting, as we have discussed above, it comes with plenty of challenges.

So you need to think twice and be strategic when approaching them.

To increase your chances of success, it’s always best to work with an experienced contractor.

Being an experienced contractor means they must have handled similar projects in the past.

Frequently asked questions

Can I salvage and reuse my granite countertops?

It’s often possible to remove and reuse a granite countertop.

Nevertheless, the success of the entire process depends on the size and, of course, the layout of both the new and old kitchens.

These things could make the entire process complicated.

For the best possible outcome, we would recommend consulting with a granite and fabrication shop.

These guys have a lot of experience up their sleeves and will tell you whether or not it is a good idea to reuse a granite countertop.

As we mentioned earlier, when you get a professional to handle the job, you might be required to sign a disclaimer.

This is because the process is risky and can result in serious damage.

Can I remodel my granite countertop?

Instead of spending thousands of dollars on new countertops, you can remodel an old granite countertop.

Sure, you may damage your old granite countertop during the removal process, but then again, there is a possibility that you can cut and trim an old granite countertop and fit it in your new kitchen space.

To ensure the entire process is smooth, we always encourage homeowners to hire a professional.

Are granite countertops expensive?

There are a lot of amazing things that make granite a go-to option for kitchen cabinets and countertops.

That said, granite is a tad expensive.

So unless you have the money for it, it’s best to opt for an alternative like wood.

More so, they are fragile, so you have to handle them gently, as any damage could cost you a whole lot of money.