Removing island stone top

I bought a house directly behind my office and it had a large island countertop that was the exact stone in my office.

My plan was to use it as a table in my staff room, if I could remove it without fracturing it.

A bead of silicon was all that held it (besides gravity) to the cabinets. I used a razor scraper blade and ran it between the cabinet and the stone. Then I carefully used a straight shovel to pry the stone off the cabinet without cracking it.

I had a cabinet installer tell me that there was no way I could remove it without it cracking, but I guess I lucked out.

Good luck.

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had a cabinet installer tell me that there was no way I could remove it without it cracking, but I guess I lucked out.

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It’s going in the trash so that won’t be a problem. Good to know though that yours was just silicone, that would be easy

Break it off in pieces if you aren’t saving it. It basically just sits on top.

Before assuming that’s the weight do the research based on the type of stone and thickness. Basic google search will get you a range.

Realized I didn’t mention in my original response that mine is 3 cm granite

Should just be a construction adhesive or as some have state, as simple as silicon. The weigh is the main issue. Also just not knowing how much adhesive was used. Is it a thick (~1.5") slab or thin (.75") thick. If thinner, they typically place plywood underneath, so you may have a situation where they have a ton of adhesive surface area. If it were me, I'd at least give it a try before paying that money. After releasing it, I'd slide some 2x4's under and cut it into manageable pieces with a griding wheel.

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Break it off in pieces if you aren’t saving it. It basically just sits on top

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this ^^^^^^

use a skill saw with carbide blade set to cut through it 90% of the way, then as you lift they will break off as you go. cut it into 18" squares or close to it so they arent that heavy and save that money.

also, i have never seen pros use anything but silicone to secure it, otherwise it can never be removed without destroying the cabinets.

if some weekend warrior installed it they might have used adhesive, but if they did, you will need to buy new cabinets

My approach would be to pull out a couple drawers or peak up at the area inside the cabinet where countertops sits on the upright cabinet walls. If the adhesive is rock hard, then they used professional grade stuff, it’s going to be tough to get the stone off without damaging the cabinets.