If you plan on tackling a renovation project in your home in the near future, there are many aspects to consider. One of the most obvious is the cost. To keep the expenses under control, you might be contemplating using some of the existing components of your space, like your stone countertops.
Here at Bad Lizard Granite & Quartz, we understand that countertops are an investment. One question homeowners frequently ask us is can they reuse their current countertops when upgrading or remodeling kitchens or bathrooms to cut costs? Though this option appears economical, our team wants you to know that there are some potential problems to consider when thinking about reusing your old countertops. Continue reading to learn more.
LIMITED DESIGN POSSIBILITIES
If you want to make any changes at all to the existing footprint of your kitchen or bathroom cabinetry, using your current countertops is not an option. Hunker states that keeping the current design of your space is essential if you have granite cut outs around your sink or wet bar. Another aspect you should consider is whether you want to expand your countertops. If so, you may not have enough material for the new design. And even if you do have material leftover, it will be hard to match, and there is the likelihood you will have visible seams where the additional slab is attached.
POSSIBILITY FOR DAMAGE
Granite is one of the most popular materials people choose for countertops in their homes — and for a good reason! Granite is long-lasting and is a highly durable material that stands up well to everyday use. However, the removal process for stone countertops, like granite, is very complicated and requires special tools.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for damage to occur during the countertop removal process. During removal, you need to have several people holding the granite along its length, so there are no pressure points. Pressure points will cause the countertop to bow. Furthermore, the process of removing granite countertops puts them at an increased risk of cracking and chipping. These certainly are issues that you do not want to encounter if the goal is to reuse your existing countertops.
RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY
Remember, granite is a heavy stone. Therefore, in large slabs, it can be quite challenging to maneuver. If you do not know what you are doing, you can get seriously hurt if you attempt to remove it without professional assistance.
WHAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE?
The many issues surrounding using your old countertops often make the process extremely difficult, or in most cases, virtually impossible. If you have any questions about whether reusing your countertops is an option or not, you should talk to your local countertop fabricator and installer to discuss the best approach for your space. Keep in mind that here at Bad Lizard Granite & Quartz, we do not remove existing countertops with the goal of reusing them. We only remove existing countertops with the goal of replacing them with new ones.
While it may seem like a cost-effective solution initially, in the long run, attempting to reuse your existing countertops could cost you more money and create more concerns than just replacing them in the first place. If you would like to learn more about saving for your new countertops, check out our blog, Countertop Costs: Saving for Your Dream Countertops.
FINDING THE COUNTERTOP THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU | BAD LIZARD GRANITE & QUARTZ
At Bad Lizard Granite & Quartz, our team takes pride in helping our customers find the countertop that best fits their wants, needs and ultimately, budget. If you have questions or need help finding the perfect countertop for your home, please give us a call at 304-472-6483, and we would be happy to help and provide you with a personal tour through our facility. We have the largest indoor selection of natural stone slabs in West Virginia! Additionally, each week on our Facebook, we will be featuring our Slab of the Week. Follow our Facebook page for beautiful countertop inspiration!
Please keep in mind that all of our customers must schedule an appointment before visiting our facility due to the ongoing pandemic. We are currently closed to walk-in customers.