Here's the short answer: Yes, absolutely. You can replace your countertops without having to renovate all your cabinets.
Installing the new countertops before your cabinets have been refinished will create more work and, most importantly, risk damage. Expert contractors will always advise you to have your refinishing work done before the new countertops are placed so that there's no chance of harming their pristine condition.
It's generally recommended for the cabinets to be done first, protecting their integrity and making countertop installation as smooth as possible. This will ensure that: The countertop material(s) are only moved/installed once. There is less chance of cracking, breaking or chipping of countertop material(s)
Quartz is as durable as other top countertop materials such as granite or concrete. It is also non-porous and resists staining better than these materials. As a non-porous surface, it will also not grow bacteria or viruses and is easy to clean and maintain. Thus reusing quartz countertops is possible.
Lucky for you, cabinet refinishing can offer a great way to replace kitchen cabinets without sacrificing your counters.
Since countertops sit directly on the cabinets, the cabinetry must be installed prior to the final measurements, fabrication, and installation. If an apron or farmhouse sink is being used, it must be installed prior to template process.
No. Granite is heavy, typically weighing between 16 to 17 lbs. per square foot. But if you have standard manufactured cabinets (or custom cabinets of compatible strength), you do NOT need to add any reinforcement to your cabinets, assuming you are using 3cm (1 ¼") thick granite..
Usually, you can replace granite countertops without damaging the cabinets. A professional installer who knows what they are doing should be able to remove old countertops without damaging cabinetry and install new granite countertops. Initially, installers use silicone to adhere the granite slab to the cabinets.
Almost certainly, yes. Generally speaking, unless your kitchen units are very old, it is highly unlikely that they will be too weak to handle the weight of any solid stone worktops, including quartz.
Quartz can be more expensive than other countertops but is generally cheaper than natural stone and other luxury options. It does require professional installation and can discolor when exposed to high temperatures and extensive heat for long periods.
Synthetic materials are typically less expensive than natural stone, with laminate and acrylic being the most cost-effective choices. "Soapstone and tile are also lower-cost options for countertop materials, but they come with some weaknesses like low durability and limited color options," says Carson.
The Condition of your Old Countertops
If you're old countertops are a neutral color and in decent condition, it may not make sense to replace them ahead of putting your home on the market. However, if the countertops look dated, are stained or are in poor general condition, they can be a deterrent to selling your home.
Granite and quartz countertops offer a great return on investment when it comes to increasing the value of your home.
Expected Lifespan
If properly maintained, marble or concrete should last around 20 years. Laminate can survive anywhere from 20 to 30 years. While tile may be able to endure for 100 years or more, that doesn't take into account the gunk and grime that can accumulate between the tiles.
Timelines for Countertops and Cabinet Installation
They are not meant to last forever and depending on the material, they may require a full revamp every 10 to 15 years.
While white quartz countertops are still in style for many of today's homeowners, a new wave of countertops is on the horizon. That's right, with paint trends leaning warmer, I'm also seeing a LOT of demand for countertops that lean to the WARM side of things vs. the white and gray trend of the last 5-10 years.
Quartz (Engineered Stone)
This high-end material is one of the top choices for a luxury kitchen countertop.
Taking the time to care for your granite will help maintain the natural beauty of your countertops. Quartz, on the other hand, is much easier to clean and maintain. Because quartz is a manufactured product, it is non-porous and more resistant to staining. Quartz is also well known for being GERM-FREE.
Like any other thing, the ease of replacing countertops depends on your skill level and the scope of the project. If you are used to installing countertops, you will find it easy to undertake the replacement. The same thing applies if you have a small project.
Generally the most affordable countertop material available, laminate is made from layers of plastic bonded to particleboard to form a solid surface. Preformed counters with a built-in backsplash come in a limited range of colors and patterns.
To give you an idea of quality and longevity, most warranties max out at about five years. However, if the countertops are in a high-traffic space you'll likely see signs of wear much sooner than that, even with a higher quality product.
Everything from white granite and black granite countertops to granite slabs has fallen out of style. The second reason granite countertops have lost their appeal is that the preference for light, simple kitchens has replaced the trend of dark, warm kitchens. Designers quit wanting “movement” and instead wanted peace.
The support for granite countertops will depend on the design. The standard overhang is just 1.5 inches over the cabinet, so that will not require any support. However, if the design of your countertops has a longer overhang and cantilevers, then you have to show that to your countertop supplier.
If it's a feeling of space, then the lighter of the two dominant colours should go on the vertical cabinet spaces, and the darker one on the horizontal countertop ones. If you want a more intense feel, flip that dynamic around.