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Replacing worktop but not tiles?

13 replies

veneeroftheweek · 25/04/2021 20:20

Is it possible to replace a kitchen worktop without damaging the tiles? We do have some spare tiles left over but I'm not sure how doable it is.

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TimeZonedOut · 25/04/2021 20:29

Tiles look quite dated in my opinion.We had new worktops and upstands with the tiles removed. A plasterer patched up the walls, one couldn't tell it had been tiled before.

veneeroftheweek · 25/04/2021 20:33

Thanks but I'm happy with the tiles. Just want to change the worktop.

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BananaPie · 25/04/2021 21:37

I guess it would depend on whether the new worktop is the same depth as the old one, and if not, whether you have enough tiles to run the length of it, replacing the bottom ones.

veneeroftheweek · 25/04/2021 21:59

Ah ok. Thanks. Assuming the new worktop was the same, actually lifting the worktop out is potentially possible without needing to completely retile?

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Sparticle · 25/04/2021 22:07

We’ve just bought a house that the previous owners had ‘granite transformation’ worktops out in a few years ago. Until I looked them up, I assumed they were full granite worktops but they apparently sit on top of the existing worktops. I am very impressed with them!

Sparticle · 25/04/2021 22:08

*put

everythingcrossed · 25/04/2021 22:12

@veneeroftheweek

Is it possible to replace a kitchen worktop without damaging the tiles? We do have some spare tiles left over but I'm not sure how doable it is.
Yes, it's possible, especially if the tiler left a gap at the bottom of the tiles (which is probably filled with silicon) rather than rested the bottom row straight onto the worktop.
veneeroftheweek · 25/04/2021 22:30

That sounds intriguing @Sparticle. Just looking at them online now. Do they look good?

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PigletJohn · 25/04/2021 22:41

if the tiles were fitted after the worktop, they are probably glued together with tile adhesive and grout. If you cut a slot in the grout under the tiles, to separate them from the worktop, there is a reasonable chance that some of them will not fall off.

I think the best tool would be a multicutter with a half-moon blade. An ordinary steel one will wear out, but you can get a carbide grit one. They are expensive so you could try, say, three steel ones.

Saxton is a good--value blade supplier, but high-end multicutters may use a patent head that other brands will not fit. If it doubt, tell them what tool you have (or are thinking of buying).

you can re-seal after changing the worktop with white or coloured silicone sealant.

If tiles fall off, soak them overnight in a bucket of hot water with a little household cleaner. Ordinary tile adhesive will soften and scrape off so the tiles can be reused.

Waterproof tile adhesive, as used in showers and floors, will not come off.

Sparticle · 26/04/2021 07:29

@veneeroftheweek yes they look and feel like solid marble/granite(?) worktops. They must be fairly thick. I only looked them up as we were given the warrantee as part of the buying process and I was nosy and wanted to see how much they cost and it was then that I saw they are covers. Couldn’t find the price out I’m afraid.

veneeroftheweek · 26/04/2021 18:35

Thank you Sparticle, it looks like there's a branch near us so I'm going to check it out. .

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veneeroftheweek · 26/04/2021 18:35

Thank you Pigletjohn for that detailed info!

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applesandpears33 · 26/04/2021 18:42

We got new worktops a few years ago from a company who do kitchen renovations. We got new worktops, sink and a few cupboard doors to replace ones which had been damaged by steam. The company rep warned me before hand that although they would try to be careful they could not guarantee that the tiles would not be damaged. Only one tile was actually damaged and it has a small crack in it. I don't see it on a day to day basis as it is behind the toaster.

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