what can i do with old granite worktops

by Raheem Dach Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Granite Recycling. When swapping out an old kitchen counter for a new one, the old countertops often goes to the trash.
Selling Scrap Granite Slabs At Affordable Costs. Several granite companies now sell half slabs for smaller projects. Sometimes a renovation project requires different colored pieces.
Creating Complementary Home Decor Projects. Homeowners change their countertops as part of home remodeling projects. Putting granite into complementary use helps to use up remnants, too.
Repurposing For Interior Home Projects. Granite is often used to create kitchen counters and bathroom vanity units. ...
Using Granite Remnants For Exterior Home Projects. Leftover granite also works well as a tiling option for patios and front porches. ...

Donate your old counter. If your stone is still in good shape, consider donating it to Habitat for Humanity or a similar charity. Because Habitat for Humanity builds homes based on donations they can use your old granite countertop. Plus, donating goods like this can reduce your tax bill.Aug 2, 2021

What to do with old granite countertops?

Donate your old counter If your stone is still in good shape, consider donating it to Habitat for Humanity or a similar charity. Because Habitat for Humanity builds homes based on donations they can use your old granite countertop. Plus, donating goods like this can reduce your tax bill. However, we are not accountants. Nor do we play a CPA on TV.

What happens to leftover granite countertops?

The unfortunate thing is that most granite remnants end up in dumpsters. However, leftover granite pieces can get a new life in different ways. When swapping out an old kitchen counter for a new one, the old countertops often goes to the trash.

What to do with leftover countertop remnants?

Before and After pictures from their first flip (It's Great to Be Home blog) - great idea about asking the countertop fabricator to make a cutting board out of the remnants... Granite table that can be made into a fire pit.

How long do granite countertops last?

Trash the old granite countertops The average life expectancy of a granite countertop is long. Remember, many stone countertops throughout the world are still around in historic buildings. Experts estimate that most natural stone countertops can last over 100 years.

What can you do with outdated granite countertops?

If you can't change the granite, change its surroundingsGive the cabinets a facelift with paint.Go further and replace those cabinets.Give a new face to the wall above the counters (by repainting perhaps).Repaint all the kitchen walls.Freshen up the floor.

Can used granite countertops be reused?

If you are reusing your granite countertops for your kitchen or bathroom remodel, you're limited to use your existing design so the granite will blend into the new space. This is especially crucial if you have granite cut outs around your sink.

Can you cover existing granite countertops?

Nearly any type of counter can be overlaid, as long as it is strong enough to support the overlay: tile, laminate, stainless steel, granite, quartz, concrete, and wood.

How do you redo granite countertops without replacing them?

7 Ways To Redo Your Countertops Without Replacing ThemConcrete 'marble' This makes getting that sought after marble look super affordable – with this project coming to around £30. ... Tile Style. ... A Coat of Paint. ... Penny for your thoughts. ... Chalkboard countertops. ... Make contact. ... Stone spray paint.

Can old granite countertops be recut?

Granite countertops that last However, if you need to modify this space for a new sink, refrigerator, or cooktop, the good news is that your granite can be recut to accommodate the different setup.

How do you demo a granite countertop?

0:128:27How To Remove Granite Countertops Without Breaking the Granite.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut right now what I'm going to talk about is how to remove granite countertops. And you mightMoreBut right now what I'm going to talk about is how to remove granite countertops. And you might wonder well why don't you just hit it with a hammer well I want to salvage these and be able to reuse

Can you change the look of a granite countertop?

So, yes, you can paint over granite countertops and make them a thing of beauty.

Can I change color of granite countertops?

Yes, you can but you will need to prepare for your painting project ahead of time. You can paint granite countertops, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, coffee bars, and more with the proper primer, paint, and sealer to spruce up any room in your house, including bathrooms and kitchens.

How do you make brown granite look modern?

Or, go with a dark paint color to balance the brown out. The moody blue-green-gray helps the countertops almost disappear! The lighting and accessories also help make the brown granite countertops feel more intentional - hints of brass and warm wood caught my eye as great details that add to the overall look.

How do you update a kitchen with dated granite?

So, what are the BEST ideas to update a kitchen or bathroom with outdated granite countertops?paint the cabinets and/or walls.replace the backsplash.modernize the hardware and light fixtures.refresh the accents.

How do you cover granite countertops?

8 Ways to Cover Kitchen or Bath Countertops01 of 08. Tile Over the Old Countertop. ... 02 of 08. Use a Countertop Refinishing Kit. ... 03 of 08. Lay Laminate Over the Countertop. ... 04 of 08. Install Modular Granite. ... 05 of 08. Skim Coat the Counter With Concrete. ... 06 of 08. Cover With a Countertop Film. ... 07 of 08. Add a Wood Overlay. ... 08 of 08.

Where Should Your Old Granite Countertops Go?

One thing many people don’t think about right away is how much cleanup is involved when it comes to renovating versus a new construction project. With new construction, you don’t have to worry about removing old items, which saves a lot of time, energy, and cost overall.

Pros of Using Granite

Granite is a natural stone that is incredibly durable, which means it can be reused many times over without deteriorating and with fairly minimal maintenance, too. It also means that it doesn’t have to be mined and processed as often since so much recycled granite stays in circulation.

Cons of Using Granite

Most granite is important, which means the shipping and transport can cause them to have a large carbon footprint. Plus, granite is porous, so it must be sealed with chemicals to minimize staining.

Final Thoughts on What to Do with Your Granite

If you find yourself with a bunch of old granite countertops on your hands, don’t limit yourself! There is no end to the things you can do with them instead of simply tossing them in the trash, and we’ve only just scratched the surface.

Can you cut down a cabinet to fit a smaller base?

You could reasonably cut down large pieces to fit a smaller base cabinet, but you probably don’t want to start combining small pieces to fit a larger base. Consider any cutouts. Maybe you’re wondering if you can repurpose an entire slab.

Can contractors be held liable for a countertop break?

Many contractors won’t be held liable if any break age occurs. Patterns and seams: If you’re planning on extending a section of your countertop, it may be difficult to match the pattern nicely, or you may end up with a seam in an awkward place. Before you toss it, consider trying to sell or donate.

Can you repurpose granite countertops?

If you want to repurpose granite and quartz countertops, the great thing is that they are custom-designed to fit your space. The downside is that they are custom-designed to fit only that particular space. So unless your new layout and dimensions are exactly the same as your old one, you may encounter some issues.

Is stone a durable material?

Stone countertops are beautiful and elegant. They’re also notoriously heavy, expensive, and difficult to move. But stone is a durable material that you’ll want to hang onto as you can repurpose granite and quartz countertops in creative ways! We’ll talk about how to reuse stone countertops, ...

What happens after you install granite countertops?

After installing your countertops, you are left with granite remnants that many homeowners don’t know where to take them. Most homeowners toss the remnants in the dumpsters, which is wrong.

Can you use a slab as a platter?

If you have a moderately sized slab, you can convert it into a serving platter and use it as an accompaniment to cured meats, cheese, fruit, artisan bread and many others. The cool thing is making the platter is easy—you don’t need to hire an expert. With minimal creative skills, you can get the work done.

Can you make a shelve out of granite?

If you have a long slice of leftover granite, you can create a shelve from it and give your kitchen, bathroom, mudroom or any other room a modern look. When installing the shelve, remember granite is heavy so have the work done by an experienced technician

Can You Repurpose Granite Countertops?

Granite is a hard stone, so it can be difficult to repurpose for other countertops. The material can produce unsightly seams when you try to blend with other surfaces. Thus, most granite countertops become something else after you remove them. And the possibilities are virtually endless.

How Much Does a Granite Remnant Cost?

The cost of granite can vary widely depending on the supplier. And the thickness of your slab matters too. However, the average price of a granite remnant is between $10 and $40 per square foot. As always, ask the supplier for specifics.

7 Creative Ideas for Granite Remnants

Many homeowners don’t know what to do with leftover granite countertop material. It’s bulky, heavy, and difficult to cut. So, they end up tossing it in the trash to be processed by local waste management. But throwing away granite remnants is a big mistake

Great Granite Starts With You

Granite can be a challenge to cut and shape, especially without the right tools. Plus, it’s heavy and expensive. So, most homeowners hire countertop installers to do the hard work. Then, they use the remnants creatively to develop a fashionably functional space.

What is granite used for?

Granite is often used to create kitchen counters and bathroom vanity units. It can go into other home-based projects either during the building or renovations stage. Talk to your granite fabricator about your options.

What is granite recycling?

Granite recycling came up to repurpose leftovers for other home-based projects. Granite recycling firms have come up to provide a solution to the granite waste problem. Many recycling companies now transform the remaining stone into thin veneers, pavers, and tiles for home use.

What to do with leftovers from fireplace?

It helps to accentuate a fireplace put the leftovers into good use. The leftover pieces also make great flooring choices for bathrooms and entryways. Alternatively, consider accent walls made out of combination pieces from different granite-based projects.

Can you use granite remnants on a patio?

Using Granite Remnants For Exterior Home Projects. Leftover granite also works well as a tiling option for patios and front porches. With enough remnants, homeowners can opt for stacked waterfalls or fountains. Granite remnants can also re-wall the exterior of a home to create a unique look.

Can you use granite in a bathroom?

Using granite for bathroom basins or sinks is a unique way to incorporate the leftover stone into other home projects. Recycling companies can fashion granite remnants into bathroom sinks with a similar look and feel to countertops.

Is granite reusable?

Depending on how the pieces got cut, some are more reusable than others. Granite recycling companies repurpose the slabs by converting them into usable forms. They serve home projects that need specific sized pieces or individual colors in smaller quantities.

Can you use granite for retaining walls?

Use the granite to form retaining walls around the house. There are a limitless number of ways to repurpose leftover granite for use around the home. Granite recycling companies make it more possible to access and put scraps into modern decor uses. ⇐ Granite Countertops Maintenance Tips.