Replacing old laminate countertops with a solid stone surface, such as granite or quartz, seems straightforward on paper. Many Pittsburgh homeowners assume it’s a simple swap: remove the laminate, install the stone, and enjoy the upgrade.
In reality, granite countertop installation after laminate removal often exposes hidden challenges—especially in older homes. These challenges don’t mean stone countertops aren’t worth it. They simply mean the process requires experience, planning, and a clear understanding of what’s happening beneath the surface.
At Express Cabinet & Granite, we’ve helped countless homeowners navigate these exact situations. Below, we’ll walk you through the most common issues that arise when replacing laminate with solid stone, why they occur, and how professional installers resolve them.
Laminate countertops are lightweight, flexible, and forgiving. Granite and quartz are not.
Laminate can hide imperfections in cabinets, walls, and floors because:
Solid stone countertops, on the other hand:
One of the most common issues homeowners encounter is a visible gap between the cabinets and the wall once the laminate is removed.
Laminate countertops often include:
When the laminate comes out, that thickness disappears. Suddenly, you may notice:
With laminate, this was hidden. With granite or quartz, it’s exposed.
Stone countertops are templated precisely. If the cabinets or walls aren’t addressed before templating:
The gap becomes permanent
Backsplashes may not sit flush
Caulking alone may not be enough to make it look finished
Experienced installers anticipate this and plan solutions before the stone is cut.
This is one of the most overlooked—and most important—issues.
In many kitchens, especially older Pittsburgh homes, cabinets weren’t perfectly level to begin with. Over time:
In some cases, the laminate countertop itself was helping hold cabinets level by tying everything together across the top.
When that laminate is removed:
These changes may be subtle, but granite will expose them immediately.
Granite countertops must sit on a single, flat, level plane. If cabinets are out of level, uneven across long runs, or twisted or sagging, the stone may:
This is why professional granite countertop installation always begins with a thorough evaluation and correction of the cabinets.
Laminate countertops weigh very little. Granite and quartz are heavy.
While laminate could sit safely on these cabinets, stone may not.
At Express Cabinet & Granite, we assess:
In many cases, cabinets can be reinforced without replacement. In others, replacement makes more sense in the long term.
Pittsburgh homes, especially older ones—rarely have perfectly square walls or level floors.
Laminate countertops can mask this. Stone cannot.
Walls that bow or curve
Corners that aren’t 90 degrees
Floors that slope over long cabinet runs
If these conditions aren’t addressed before granite countertop installation:
Seams become more noticeable
Overhangs vary
Backsplashes don’t align cleanly
The finished look suffers
Professional installers don’t just measure—they interpret conditions and plan around them.
Laminate countertops often include an integrated backsplash. When switching to granite or quartz:
Homeowners may also underestimate how stone backsplashes interact with:
These details matter for a polished result.
Replacing laminate with granite or quartz doesn’t have to be stressful, but it does require experience.
At Express Cabinet & Granite, granite countertop installation is never treated as a standalone step. We look at the full picture from cabinet box structural stability to the new natural stone countertop’s tolerances. Before templating stone, we:
This approach prevents surprises after the stone is cut.
When It Makes Sense to Start From Scratch With New Cabinets
Sometimes, laminate removal reveals more than expected.
If cabinets are:
In some cases, it may be more sensible to start over with new cabinets.
Because Express Cabinet & Granite sells and installs both cabinets and countertops, homeowners don’t have to coordinate with multiple contractors or worry about compatibility issues.
Starting from scratch allows us to:
For some homeowners, this approach actually saves time, money, and frustration in the long run.
Granite Countertop Installation Done the Right Way
Granite is an investment. It deserves a foundation that supports it correctly. A successful granite countertop installation depends on cabinet readiness, structural integrity, accurate templating, professional fabrication, and experienced installation. Skipping any of these steps can cause long-term problems.
Replacing laminate countertops with granite or quartz is one of the most effective kitchen upgrades you can make—but it isn’t always a seamless process.
Hidden gaps, cabinet movement, structural issues, and wall irregularities are common, particularly in homes in the Pittsburgh area. The difference between a stressful project and a smooth one often comes down to experience.
At Express Cabinet & Granite, we’ve seen these challenges before and we know how to solve them.
Whether you’re upgrading existing cabinets or considering a full replacement of both cabinets and countertops, working with professionals who understand the entire process can make all the difference.
If you’re planning a granite countertop installation and want to make sure your kitchen is truly ready, a consultation with Express Cabinet & Granite can help you move forward with confidence.
