Kitchen Countertop Replacement in Pasadena, CA

Kitchen countertop replacement is the update people choose when the cabinets are still sound but the tile grout is stained, the laminate is peeling or the old granite looks dated. Swapping only the tops changes how the kitchen looks and works for much less than a gut renovation, and the kitchen is usually out of commission for days rather than weeks.

Are your cabinets worth keeping?

New stone goes on old boxes all the time, but the boxes have to be ready. We check the sink base for old leaks, sagging bottoms, loose face frames and cabinets that were never fastened to the wall. In older Pasadena homes, floors often slope enough that cabinets need shimming before a template. If the cabinets are close to failing, we will tell you before you spend money on stone that will outlast them.

What comes off, and what we find

Removing old counters takes care. Mid-century tile counters usually sit on a heavy mortar base, which is heavy and dusty to remove; laminate usually unscrews from below; old stone has to be cut free of adhesive. Older tile and mortar can sometimes contain asbestos, and painted surfaces in pre-1978 homes can contain lead, so if your kitchen has original materials we may recommend testing before demolition. Under the old top we often find patched plywood, wiring that needs attention, or a backsplash wall that is not flat.

Keeping or changing the sink and cooktop

Decide on fixtures before templating. Going from a top-mount sink to an undermount, or buying a different-size cooktop, the new sink or the cooktop cutout specification needs to be on hand so the stone is cut correctly. Moving a sink to a new location, adding a gas line or adding outlets generally means permitted plumbing or electrical work through the City of Pasadena; a straight swap on the same cabinets often does not, but check with the city's Permit Center for your project.

Backsplash timing

When counters change, the backsplash usually does too. Removing a 4-inch stone splash or tile can damage the drywall or plaster behind it, so plan to repair or retile that wall. Many homeowners choose a full-height slab backsplash behind the range or a new tile backsplash installed after the counters are set.

How long you are without a kitchen

Removal and template are often on the same day or close together. Cutting and polishing in the fabrication shop usually runs at least a week, longer for hard stones or busy periods. Setting the stone in an average kitchen takes a single day, and plumbing reconnection follows once adhesive and sink mounts have set. We give you a timeline at the estimate so you can plan meals around it.

Settling on a surface

Most replacement jobs in Pasadena end up in quartz or granite, with quartzite chosen by people who want a natural look with more durability than marble. Budget, how you cook, and how much upkeep you want decide the rest. We price two options side by side if you are undecided.