How We Secure Countertops in Baltimore's Older Homes
We secure your new countertop using adhesive, brackets, and screws to prevent shifting and cracking during the settling that’s common in older Baltimore rowhomes. Homeowners in Fells Point, Canton, and Federal Hill trust us to replace worn laminate or tile with stone or quartz that stays firmly in place. Since Baltimore’s brick rowhomes often have uneven floors, we level your cabinets first to ensure proper countertop support.
This preparation prevents gaps between the countertop and cabinet base that could lead to cracks or movement over time. Our installers reinforce weak cabinet structures before setting heavy stone surfaces. We apply premium silicone sealant around sinks and backsplashes to protect against water damage. Each installation includes shims and support blocks positioned strategically beneath seams and overhangs for maximum stability and longevity.
Preparing for Countertop Installation in Baltimore – Homeowner Checklist
You’ll need to clear counters, disconnect appliances, and protect floors so we can work efficiently without delays. This preparation time also allows you to coordinate other kitchen remodeling tasks, especially in Roland Park, Hampden, and Mount Vernon condos where space is limited. Narrow rowhome kitchens in Baltimore require furniture and décor moved to adjacent rooms before large stone slabs arrive.
We recommend removing small appliances, dishes, and decorative items from counters and upper cabinets. Disconnect your refrigerator and stove if they sit close to the work area. Cover floors with protective material to prevent scratches during slab delivery and installation.
Countertop Removal and Haul-Away Services in Baltimore – Safe and Clean Process
We cut adhesive bonds and unscrew fasteners to avoid splintering or cracking your cabinet boxes during removal. Homeowners in Locust Point and Pigtown can replace worn countertops without full cabinet replacement when removal is handled carefully. Older Baltimore homes often have laminate glued directly to plywood, requiring heat guns and careful prying to preserve cabinets.
We disconnect your sink and plumbing before carefully lifting the old countertop away from the base. Our team hauls away all old material and debris, leaving your kitchen clean and ready for installation. We protect surrounding walls and floors with drop cloths during demolition. All removed materials are disposed of responsibly at local recycling facilities whenever possible.
Plywood Underlayment – Strong, Level Support for Heavy Stone Countertops
We install 3/4-inch plywood to distribute weight across cabinet frames and prevent sagging in particleboard or frameless cabinets. If you’re upgrading to granite or quartz, this reinforcement is essential for long-term stability, especially in Bolton Hill and Riverside neighborhoods where older cabinetry is common.
Many Baltimore rowhomes have original 1920s-1940s cabinets with thinner tops that need reinforcement before heavy stone installation. The plywood creates a solid, level surface for adhesive bonding. We check your cabinet construction during templating and recommend underlayment based on your specific material choice and existing cabinet strength.
Choosing a Countertop Installer in Baltimore – Licensed, Experienced, and Trusted Pros
Licensed contractors carry insurance, provide references, and guarantee precise cuts around sinks and cooktops. Homeowners in Guilford, Homeland, and Inner Harbor know that countertop projects require skilled craftsmanship and careful vetting.
Baltimore City requires permits for plumbing disconnects during countertop replacement, so hire installers familiar with local code. Ask for photos of completed projects similar to yours. Verify the installer coordinates fabrication with trusted stone shops. Check that they provide written warranties covering installation labor and material defects.
Request detailed estimates that itemize templating, fabrication, installation, and haul-away costs. Confirm the installer’s experience with your specific countertop material, whether quartz, granite, or marble. Read online reviews from Baltimore customers to assess reliability, punctuality, and quality of workmanship before signing any contract.
Safe Countertop Removal – Protecting Your Cabinets and Walls
Reciprocating saws, pry bars, and putty knives cut caulk and adhesive without cracking cabinet sides or faces. If you’re considering DIY removal in preparation for professional installation, work slowly and methodically to avoid damage. Homeowners in Hampden and Remington with older rowhomes should take extra care.
Baltimore rowhome kitchens often have countertops caulked to brick walls, requiring extra care separating stone from masonry.
Note: We recommend professional removal for heavy stone countertops (granite, marble, quartz). DIY removal works best for lightweight laminate countertops.
If you do attempt removal yourself:
Baltimore rowhome kitchens often have countertops caulked to brick walls, requiring extra care when separating stone from masonry.
