I'm not sure, although I was wondering the same thing. Our cabinets are only 10 years old but they are a dated oak finish and we simply can't afford to replace them right now. We will be getting granite soon though. I am hoping I am not making a mistake putting some beautiful granite on them! It would be nice to know that one day I had the option to replace my cabinets and put the same granite back on.

Friends of ours did this and it worked out great. They had new cabinets installed and they re-used their old granite. It turned out really well. I'd contact a local stone yard, or ask your cabinet dealer, I'm sure they run into it all the time.

There is no guarantee that the granite wouldn't be damaged during the process, but if you are prepared for that, then I'd give a granite fabricator a call and ask them about their charges to perform the task. It may not be that cheap. Labor is always the most expensive portion of most things. But...one of the biggest incentives to redoing your cabinets for most people is to tweak the layout to be the best it can be. That may change the ability to use the current granite. I wouldn't let that stand in my way though. Adding functionality is the most important reason for any kitchen redo.

DH and i have relatives in new orleans who had to gut their home after katrina. i can tell you that they live in the area that was one of the hardest hit. the water was up to the roof of their home. after they removed the hardened mud, debris, sheetrock, etc.. they decided that the ceramic tile flooring was still good after the disinfecting process they did. they also found that the granite in the kitchen looked as good as new again after cleaning it and disinfecting it. they had just finished their kitchen remodel when this happened. its unbelievable that it did not break or crack. they were able to salvage it and use it again. i'm sure that the flooding might have aided in taking the granite off of the waterlogged cabinets. they were lucky that it all did not collapse with the weight of the granite. the salt water just really did a number on anything made of wood. i'm not sure if they had to have a fabricator come out and buff or polish it out again.

that being said, i would believe that anyone could re-use granite if you can take it off without breaking it.

We had our granite put in about 3 years ago and our cabinets are oak finish and about 10 years old. We were afraid of the granite cracking if we tried to have it removed so we decided to have them refaced instead in a natural cherry. The cost about $4,800.00. We payed about $4,500.00 for the granite so we didn't want to take any chances. The new doors and drawer fronts were delivered today and they will start work on Monday. I'm soooo excited.

skitter, that's a nice idea if the insides (base) are in good shape. Unfortunately mine are 28 year old particle board that is in very sad shape. Refacing is a great idea and I am happy it worked for you. Congrats.