Replacing Countertops Without Redoing Entire Kitchen
A Complete Guide to Smart Kitchen Upgrades
A full kitchen remodel can transform your space—but it also requires significant time, expense, and disruption. If your cabinets are still in good shape and your layout works, you might be asking the same question many Chicagoland homeowners do: Can I replace my countertops without redoing my entire kitchen?
The short answer is yes—and it’s one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make. Replacing just your countertops can completely refresh the look and feel of your kitchen without tearing everything down. In this guide, we’ll cover what to expect, how the process works, and how to make smart design choices to achieve maximum impact with minimal stress.
Why Countertop Replacement Alone Is a Smart Move
Kitchen trends evolve, but durable, beautiful countertops never go out of style. Replacing outdated laminate or worn granite with a modern quartz, granite, or quartzite surface can:
- Dramatically change your kitchen’s appearance
- Add resale value without a full remodel
- Improve durability and function with easier-to-maintain materials
- Provide an eco-friendly option by keeping your existing cabinetry intact
At Masters Countertops, many clients opt for a countertop-only replacement to update their space while keeping their layout and cabinets. It’s an ideal solution if you’re happy with the bones of your kitchen but want a fresh, modern finish.
When Countertop Replacement Makes Sense
You don’t always need a full remodel to love your kitchen again. Consider replacing just the countertops if:
- Your cabinets are structurally sound and level.
- The layout still works well for cooking and entertaining.
- You want to update the look with modern materials like quartz or quartzite.
- You’re preparing your home for resale and need an impactful upgrade.
- Your existing countertop is damaged, outdated, or hard to maintain.
Homeowners are often surprised at how much a new countertop—paired with the right backsplash and hardware—can make the space look newly remodeled.
The Countertop Replacement Process
At Masters Countertops, we handle countertop replacements from start to finish using digital technology for precision and efficiency. Here’s what the process looks like:
1. Material Selection
Visit our Wheeling, IL showroom to explore our wide selection of in-stock quartz, granite, marble, and quartzite slabs. You can also visit our suppliers to select a specific stone—we’ll handle ordering, cutting, and installation.
2. Templating & Measurements
Our team uses LT-2D3D laser measuring technology to create a digital template of your kitchen. This ensures perfect fitment—even if your walls or cabinets aren’t perfectly square.
3. Fabrication
Your countertop is fabricated in our advanced, fully automated facility. We use CNC machines for edge shaping, sink and cooktop cutouts, and polishing to achieve flawless precision.
4. Removal of Old Countertops
We carefully detach your existing countertops and prepare the base cabinets. This step typically takes only a few hours and includes:
- Disconnecting plumbing and appliances as needed
- Checking cabinet levelness
- Cleaning and prepping surfaces for installation
If adjustments are required—such as minor shimming or reinforcement—our installers handle it on-site.
5. Installation of New Countertops
The new slabs are set, seamed, caulked, and secured using epoxy and brackets. Sink brackets and dishwasher supports are included in every project at Masters Countertops.
6. Finishing Touches
We complete the installation with caulking, cleanup, and a detailed inspection to ensure your new countertop is flawless.
Most projects take 7–14 days from template to installation, depending on the volume of work.
Choosing the Right Countertop for a Family-Friendly Kitchen
If you’re replacing your countertops, it’s worth choosing a material that fits your lifestyle—not just your design style.
| Material | Durability | Maintenance | Ideal For |
| Quartz | Excellent | Very low | Busy families who want beauty and easy care |
| Granite | Excellent | Requires sealing | Homeowners who love natural stone |
| Quartzite | Outstanding | Moderate | High-end kitchens and frequent cooks |
| Marble | Moderate | Higher care | Light-use kitchens or accent islands |
Quartz remains the top choice for family homes thanks to its non-porous surface—resisting stains, bacteria, and spills. It’s also available in countless designs, including Calacatta-style patterns that mimic marble but are far more durable.
Updating Your Backsplash During Countertop Replacement
If you’re replacing your countertops, this is the perfect time to update your backsplash. Even a simple change—like replacing small tiles with a full-height quartz backsplash—can transform the entire kitchen.
Popular Options:
- Full-height slab backsplash: Extends the same stone up the wall for a seamless, luxurious look.
- Classic tile: Subway tiles remain timeless and affordable.
- Textured or patterned tile: Adds depth and personality.
Tip: When pairing new countertops with a backsplash, consider undertones. Warm-toned granite pairs well with beige or brass accents, while cool quartz looks great with silver or gray grout.
The Cost Difference: Countertop Replacement vs. Full Remodel
One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose countertop replacement is cost. A full kitchen remodel can easily range from $60,000–$100,000, depending on cabinetry, layout, and finishes.
In contrast, countertop replacement typically costs a fraction of that. For example:
- Quartz countertops often range from $35–$85 per sq. ft. installed.
- Granite ranges from $45–$100 per sq. ft.
- Masters Countertops’ promotions often feature in-stock quartz starting at just $35/sq. ft.
When you consider that countertops cover most of your kitchen’s visual space, it’s easy to see why this one change delivers such a strong return on investment.
Countertop Replacement vs. Full Kitchen Remodel: A Comparison
| Category | Countertop Replacement | Full Kitchen Remodel |
| Timeline | 1–2 weeks | 6–12+ weeks |
| Cost | Moderate | High |
| Cabinet Changes | Keep existing | Replace or refinish |
| Appliance Layout | Remains same | Can be changed |
| Disruption | Minimal | Significant |
| ROI | High (quick visual upgrade) | Very high but costly |
If your kitchen layout and cabinets are still functional, countertop replacement offers the best balance of cost, efficiency, and design impact.
How to Know If Your Cabinets Can Handle New Countertops
Before installation, your cabinets must be sturdy, level, and securely anchored. Here’s how to assess their readiness:
- Check for sagging shelves or loose frames.
- Inspect for water damage or rot, especially near the sink.
- Ensure cabinets are level—minor adjustments can be handled during installation.
If your cabinets are in good condition, they can easily support new stone countertops. At Masters Countertops, our team always inspects cabinets before templating to ensure safe installation.
What Happens If You Need Minor Cabinet Work
Sometimes, a small amount of reinforcement or shimming is needed—especially with older cabinetry, like:
- Strengthening weak areas
- Adding support under large overhangs
- Adjusting uneven floors or walls
If you eventually plan a future kitchen remodel, your new countertops can often be retained by designing around them, making this upgrade even more worthwhile.
Coordinating Countertops with Cabinet Colors and Appliances
Replacing your countertops gives you a great opportunity to modernize your kitchen’s overall palette. A few proven combinations include:
- White quartz with black or navy cabinets for a crisp, modern look.
- Warm granite with cream or wood cabinetry for timeless appeal.
- Bold veined quartzite paired with brushed gold hardware for luxury kitchens.
Appliances can also influence your choice. Stainless steel pairs well with nearly any stone, while black matte finishes pop against white quartz.
How to Remove Countertops: Step-by-Step Overview
While it’s best left to professionals, it helps to know what happens during removal. Here’s what our team does:
- Disconnect plumbing and appliances (sink, cooktop, dishwasher).
- Loosen adhesive or screws connecting the old countertop to the base cabinets.
- Lift and remove the slabs carefully to avoid cabinet damage.
- Clean and level the base cabinets before new installation.
- Dispose or recycle old material responsibly.
Should You Upgrade Your Sink When Replacing Countertops?
Yes—this is the perfect time! Once new stone is installed, changing a sink becomes much harder. Many homeowners choose:
- Undermount sinks for a sleek, seamless look.
- Farmhouse sinks for character and practicality.
- Integrated sinks (in quartz) for ultra-modern appeal.
Tip: Match your sink material to your lifestyle. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean; composite granite adds texture and color.
Family-Friendly Countertop Design Tips
If your kitchen is the hub of your household, choose materials and layouts that make everyday life easier:
- Opt for rounded or eased edges to avoid sharp corners.
- Choose durable materials like quartz that resist spills and scratches.
- Extend your island countertop for seating—great for homework or casual meals.
- Consider low-maintenance backsplashes like quartz for quick cleaning.
What to Expect After Installation
Once your new countertops are installed:
- Wait 24 hours before reconnecting plumbing and appliances.
- Avoid placing heavy objects on overhangs for at least 48 hours.
- Use cutting boards and trivets to protect your investment.
- For natural stone, reseal as recommended (usually once a year).
At Masters Countertops, every project includes a final walkthrough so you can review details and ask questions about care and maintenance.
Realistic Expectations: What Countertop Replacement Won’t Fix
While new countertops make a huge visual impact, they won’t resolve:
- Poor kitchen layouts or traffic flow
- Outdated appliances or lighting
- Old or damaged cabinetry
However, if those elements are functional, new countertops will still make your kitchen feel brand-new—at a fraction of the cost.
When to Consider a Full Kitchen Remodel Instead
If your cabinets are sagging, your layout is inefficient, or you want to move appliances, a full remodel may be the better option. That’s where Masters Kitchen & Bath, our sister company, can help—offering full design-build remodeling services under one roof.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to tear down your entire kitchen to love it again. Replacing your countertops is a smart, affordable, and fast way to breathe new life into your space.
At Masters Countertops, we make the process seamless—from helping you select your material to expert installation. With in-stock quartz starting at $35/sq. ft., laser precision templating, and professional installers, we deliver a transformation that looks like a full remodel—without the time or cost.
Visit our showroom in Wheeling, IL to explore stone options, see real project examples, and get a free quote today.
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