Replace countertop underneath appliance garage

Have you investigated just unscrewing the uppers from the wall to temporarily remove them while you replace the countertop? If that is still not possible I would see about using an oscillating multi tool. If you don’t plan on using it very much other than this, harbor freight makes an inexpensive one which I’ve used to trim flooring around door frames that will get the job done. Otherwise, all the major tool brands make ones around $100. Without knowing your exact situation I can’t say exactly what shape of blade will work best for you, but if you have the space to get the tool in, one of the half circle shaped ones will be easiest to cut a straight line with. If you need to get in tighter spaces the straight plunge cut style ones would be better.

Is there a reason why you can’t just remove the individual wall cabinet by unscrewing it? Or, if the situation is a run of wall cabinetry with an integrated face frame, remove the entire run. Chances are your original install had the countertop placed first, and then the appliance garage cab was placed directly on it. Seems to me it would be easier to remove than trying to cut anything out.

- Jeff

If you can’t remove the cabinets, the next best thing might be a Japanese pull-saw. Very thin, very flexible, teeth usually have no set so the cut is very narrow. Use Google and check out the category.

Assuming that cutting the appliance garage from the countertop is your only option, then I would recommend that you get an oscillating multi-tool.  this tool will allow you to cut the garage off of the countertop with a minimum of  the sides of the garage being lost.  These oscillating multi-tools are made by multiple tool manufacturers.  a German company, Fein, was the first one I ever heard about but Dremel, Milwaukee, Rockwell and other now offer them in their tool lines.

Hi, We also have a similar situation. Currently replacing the formica countertops but have a custom kitchen that was molding at the top, wrapping all the cabinets. We were told by our carpenter that if he were to remove the garage, there is a very good chance the cabinets would be damaged. What other options are there to remove the countertop around and under the garage without ruining the cabinets ?