Countertops are a visual focal point of the kitchen. In addition to being a food prep area, they are also a design element. If your countertops keep you from loving your kitchen, you are in the right place. We have put together a great guide to walk you through all the options to change your countertops.
In general, countertops can easily be changed by choosing between professional replacement or countertop refinishing. If you are a DIY pro or are willing to learn, you can replace them yourself. For a faster, easier, and cost-effective update, you can choose one of the many options for countertop resurfacing.
Keep reading to find the best way to change your countertops.
What You Should Consider Before Changing Your Countertops?
Changing out your countertops is a big project. Due to cost and difficulty, there are many options to consider.
First, decide why you want to change out your countertops.
If you want to change your countertops because you don’t have enough prep space, the best solution is to completely replace the countertops.
The easiest way to make this happen requires the biggest budget and, likewise, the most time, and that is to hire professionals. Just decide what material and style you want for your new countertops, and then leave the rest to the experts.
In addition, if you enjoy home improvement projects, you can change the countertops yourself. Despite it being a big project, it is a standard DIY.
Furthermore, there are many resources with step-by-step instructions on doing this project.
If you don’t have the budget to replace your countertops, you still have many options.
There are many ways to change your countertops. You do not need a big budget or lots of experience. You don’t even need to do any demolition.
Keep reading if you want to learn about refinishing countertops and how to choose the best option.
Can Kitchen Countertops Be Refinished?
Refinishing countertops might seem like a risky idea if you haven’t tried it before. Countertops are one of the main focal points of the kitchen, and getting it right is important.
Besides cost, another advantage to refinishing your countertops is not dealing with the stress of demolition and cleanup. Refinishing projects can usually be completed with little mess and finished in 24-36 hours.
If you decide to refinish your countertops, there are many easy options!
Change Your Countertops in One Day
To quickly change your countertops, just purchase a box kit from one of the manufacturers specializing in countertop refinishing. They have everything you need to complete the project. The most popular box kits are listed below:
Gianni sells the most popular and well-known countertop resurfacing kit.
The kits provide everything you need. In addition to a base coat, they include an epoxy resin topcoat. This gives the countertops a professional finish and likewise professional durability. Their detailed instructions will walk you through everything you need to know.
They offer three types of refinishing: marble, butcher block, and Granite.
- Marble: Choose White Carrera Marble finish or choose Belgotta Black Marble.
- Butcher Block: Butcher block offers a warm wood grain look perfect for a warm and cozy kitchen.
- Granite: Gianni Granite is their most versatile option. It is ideal for updating a kitchen with an earthy look full of texture. Choose one of their most popular colors: White Diamond, Bombay Black, or Sicilian Sand.
Another excellent performer in countertop resurfacing is Daich Coatings. They have recently added a new countertop coating that is easy for the home consumer to use.
The difference between Daich Coatings and other products in this category is its inclusion of natural stone. The kit uses real stone flakes, which give organic texture to your countertop.
Spreadstone Mineral Select Countertop Refinishing in Mineral White is one of the most popular kits. If you have any flaws or dents in your existing countertop, the Spreadstone kit will cover them. The textured coating makes it look like you have brand new countertops.
The most accessible and budget-friendly option is Rustoleum Countertop Coatings. It is a one-coat tintable coating rolled on without a primer. This basic kit can be tinted to your choice of 16 different colors.
If you want to change your countertops but are overwhelmed by doing it yourself, you are in luck! There are professional companies that will come to your home and refinish your countertops for you.
The most common professional type of refinishing is an epoxy or acrylic coating. It is an affordable option and is the most durable and long-lasting choice.
Can I Paint My Countertops?
Yes, you can paint your countertops! But is it the best option?
Painted countertops are fast and easy. Likewise, they are also the least expensive way to change your countertops. However, they do not hold up as well as the DIY kits.
Several coats of primer need to be used to prep painted countertops. The hardest part above all is getting the paint to stick. After painting, you need a durable topcoat to prevent the color from chipping or becoming stained.
Painting your countertops is fine if you want a quick fix. Paint is the fastest and easiest choice. Conversely, if you care about long-term durability, choose an alternative method. In addition, if you want your refinished countertops to last longer, then stick with a refinishing kit.
What is the Best Material for a Kitchen Countertop?
If you decide to replace your countertops, you need to choose the best countertop material for your space. There are many choices when selecting the best material for your kitchen countertop. Every countertop material has pros and cons. To narrow down the best material for you, first, choose which characteristic is most important:
- Durability,
- Maintenance
- Cost
- Appearance
Once you decide what you care about most, you can shorten your list of choices.
The National Association of Homebuilders says Granite is the most popular kitchen countertop material.
Granite is heat and scratch-resistant and is very low maintenance. It is also available in many patterns and colors to fit any decor style. Because it is so popular and so many people want granite countertops, it’s great for your home’s resale value.
Current home decor trends help dictate what the best material for countertops is.
Keep reading to see why Quartz is one the most durable choices for countertops.
What Kitchen Countertops Are the Most Durable?
The most durable kitchen countertops are low maintenance and don’t scratch, chip, or stain easily. A durable countertop can easily withstand damage and is hard-wearing.
Granite, Quartz and Quartzite, Sintered Stone, and Porcelain are the most durable countertops. Laminate and Solid Surface countertops are also durable choices.
The most durable countertops are:
- Granite
- Quartz and Quartzite
- Sintered Stone
- Porcelain
- Laminate
- Solid Surfaces
When Are Kitchen Countertops on Sale?
According to Accent Countertops, the winter months are the best time to purchase countertops on sale. In general, the winter months provide the best opportunity to score low prices.
As a result of not having as many stone and natural material options available in colder months, the countertop choices are more limited.
If you don’t mind having limited choices, by all means, this is the best time to get a great deal!
Can Kitchen Countertops Be Used in the Bathroom?
There is not one specific type of countertop that needs to be used in the bathroom. Countertops that are used in kitchens can also be used in bathrooms.
However, durability and maintenance are notably important when choosing a bathroom countertop.
For example, marble and soapstone are not as durable as other materials. They will not resist water damage or be as heat and stain-resistant and will not be the best choice for a high-use room like the bathroom.
A durable kitchen counter, like Granite or Quartz, or solid man-made surfaces, will also be excellent for a bathroom.
In Conclusion
Countertops can easily be changed. Options range from replacing them to refinishing them, and there are easy options for every budget and skill level.
Professional cabinet installers can take care of the hard replacement work and demolition or take on the project yourself.
To change the look of your countertops without the expense and trouble of replacing them, you have many options. DIY kits quickly walk you through the process and ensure excellent results.
You can also choose to paint your countertops with paint for a quick but not as long-lasting update.
Meta Description: It is easy to change your countertops. From refinishing to replacing, there is an option for every budget and skill level.