Countertop Replacement in Toronto
Quartz countertops are the most common upgrade we install when Toronto homeowners replace an old top. In Scarborough bungalows and East York post-war kitchens, the cabinet boxes are often solid and only the laminate is tired. Countertop replacement lets you keep those cabinets and go from worn laminate to stone in a single install day.
We combine removal, replacement and repair in one service. We tear out laminate, tile or dated granite, haul it away, set the new top on your existing cabinets when they are level and sound and reconnect the plumbing the same day. When a repair would do the job, we tell you that instead.
What We Replace
- Laminate. The most common job. Removal and disposal included.
- Tile tops. Ceramic tile counters with stained or cracked grout.
- Dated granite. 1990s and 2000s granite with dated colours or open seams. Removal $150-$350.
- Old quartz. Damaged or discoloured quartz, often from heat or harsh cleaners.
- Vanity tops. Cultured marble and laminate vanities. See bathroom countertop installation.
Replacement Pricing
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| New standard quartz, installed | $65 - $120 / sqft |
| New Caesarstone / Cambria, installed | $110 - $180 / sqft |
| New granite, installed | $70 - $140 / sqft |
| Laminate removal and disposal | Included |
| Stone removal | $150 - $350 |
| Scarborough bungalow, 38 sqft quartz | $3,420 |
You pay 25% at templating, 50% at fabrication start and 25% after install. Michael G. in Scarborough paid $2,400 less with us than a big-box quote for a one-day laminate-to-quartz swap.
Can Your Existing Cabinets Take Stone?
Stone is heavy. A 3cm quartz top weighs roughly 20 pounds per square foot. Before we commit, we check:
- Level. Within about 1/8 inch over 10 feet, we shim. Beyond that, the cabinets need adjusting.
- Structure. No water damage, sagging bottoms or loose face frames.
- Support. Corner and sink cabinets need full support along the top edge.
- Overhangs. Any overhang over 10 inches gets steel brackets.
If one cabinet fails the check, it is often a simple fix. We will tell you before fabrication.
How a Replacement Install Works
Templating over the old top. Our Proliner crew templates over your existing counter, so you keep using the kitchen until install day. We plan seams and check whether the new layout changes any cutouts.
Install morning. We protect floors, disconnect the sink and dishwasher, cut the caulk line and lift the old top out. Laminate goes in our truck at no charge.
Level and set. Cabinets are shimmed where needed, a silicone bed is laid and the new top is set. Seams get colour-matched epoxy.
Reconnect. Undermount sinks are clipped and epoxied. The faucet, P-trap and dishwasher drain are reconnected and tested.
Backsplash gap. Removing an old top can leave a gap at the wall. We fill it with colour-matched silicone or add a quartz backsplash if you prefer.
Full install-day detail is on our countertop installation page.
Repair or Replace?
| Situation | Our advice | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Small chip on an edge | Repair with colour-matched resin | Repair |
| Seam opened but top is sound | Re-glue the seam | Repair |
| Undermount sink has dropped | Re-anchor the sink | Repair |
| Crack running through a section | Replace that section or the top | Replacement |
| Heat scorch on quartz | Usually replace the piece | Replacement |
| Dated colour, top is fine | Replace if you want a new look | Replacement |
For chips and seams, see quartz chip repair.
Choosing Your New Material
Most replacement clients choose quartz countertops for low maintenance. Granite suits those who want natural stone, and porcelain suits range walls and heavy heat. We bring samples to your kitchen so you see them against your existing cabinets.
Get a Countertop Replacement Quote
Send a photo of your current counter and rough dimensions. We reply with a CAD estimate within 1-2 business days. We replace countertops across Scarborough, East York, Toronto and the rest of the GTA.
