8 Best DIY Countertop Ideas To Spruce Up Your Kitchen
When your kitchen countertops are looking tired, dated or just plain ugly you may think about replacing them, but that can be expensive.
Refreshing them as a DIY project is a good option but there are so many choices it can be difficult to choose the right one.
We have found 8 best DIY countertop ideas to spruce up your kitchen to make it easier for you to choose.
Product Reviews
When you want to spruce up your kitchen, and you’re looking to do it as a DIY job it can be tricky to know where to start.
Doing your own countertops can seem daunting at first but there are plenty of options for giving your kitchen a brand new look that are quick and easy.
We take a look at resurfacing countertops, painting, covering with specialist contact paper and laying your own concrete countertops. We’ll also look at using wood and epoxy to give your countertops a facelift.
Resurfaced Countertop
If you don’t want to go to the trouble and expense of replacing your kitchen countertops you can instead resurface them. There are many resurfacing kits available for doing this at a fraction of the cost of new countertops.
It can be hard work with several coats and long curing times, depending on the finish. However, the finished result will leave you with countertops that look brand new.
Pros
- Cheaper than replacing countertops
- Can be used on a variety of countertop materials
- Variety of colors and finishes available
Cons
- Long curing times
Faux Reclaimed Wood Countertop
To create the look of a reclaimed wood countertop you don’t actually need reclaimed wood. Brand new wood can be distressed and stained to take on the look you want to achieve.
This kind of countertop works great for a farmhouse style kitchen, although it looks good in most settings.
Pros
- Can transform the look and feel of the kitchen
- A straightforward DIY job
- Choose any kind of wood
Cons
- Staining and sealing can take a while to complete
DIY Concrete Countertop
One of the easiest ways to transform your kitchen is to install a DIY concrete countertop. If you do pour in place concrete countertops the process is even easier, although there is a lot of preparation involved.
An edge profile is needed as well as some reinforcing mesh to prevent the concrete from cracking during the curing process. Concrete is very durable and once it is sealed it will resist staining.
Pros
- DIY friendly countertop replacement
- Relatively inexpensive
- Durable surface
Cons
- The work can be messy
Marble Effect Painted Countertop
If you want a marble effect countertop to spruce up your kitchen you don’t need to spend a fortune, just paint them with a marble effect. It may sound easy and it actually is!
The marbling effect is achieved by dipping, dragging a feather into a contrasting colored paint and dragging it across the surface.
Pros
- Much cheaper than real marble countertops
- Easy to do with proper preparation
- Pick a color and pattern you like
Cons
- Painted and sealed countertops are not heat resistant
Contact Paper Countertop
If you need a quick fix or budget friendly option for your kitchen countertops the heavy-duty contact paper is the perfect solution. This also works if you are not ready for a permanent change but want to spruce up your kitchen in the short term.
Contact paper specifically for countertops comes in extra wide rolls and is very heavy duty. Of course, you need to use chopping boards for food prep, but you would do that with any countertop.
Pros
- Quick and easy to apply
- Lots of choice
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not a permanent solution
Faux Soapstone Countertop
If you want the look of soapstone but don’t want to pay the price for the real thing there is a way. To create a faux soapstone countertop you can paint a countertop quality plywood with chalkboard paint and seal it for protection.
It won’t last as long as soapstone but will give your kitchen an attractive look until you are ready to commit to a permanent solution.
Pros
- Cheap alternative to real soapstone
- Can be done relatively easily
- A good short term solution
Cons
- Not a durable option
Painted Laminate Countertop
Rather than ripping out your old laminate countertops why not just paint them to spruce up your kitchen? You can create a granite look countertop without the hassle and expense of buying granite.
Countertop transformation kits can help you achieve a whole new look for your kitchen for a fraction of the cost of new countertops. A sticky base coat and decorative stone chips mimic real granite countertops.
Pros
- Looks like real granite
- Kits include everything you need
- No need to remove countertops
Cons
- Messy job
- Time sensitive process
Epoxy Over Laminate Countertop
For an affordable kitchen countertop makeover try this epoxy over laminate option. This can be quite a labor intensive job, but the result will look incredible. You can create different patterns and even a faux marble effect with this process.
With several layers of epoxy the cure time can run to weeks before the countertop can withstand normal use.
Pros
- Goes over the top of existing countertops
- Choose the colors and patterns you want
- Cheaper than replacing countertops
Cons
- Very messy work
- Full cure can take 30 days
Buyer’s Guide
Before you go ahead with any DIY installation or renovation of your kitchen countertops there are some things you should consider. First think about how suitable the solution you are considering is for your kitchen needs.
Think about the level of difficulty of the task and whether your DIY skills are up to the job. Of course, budget will always be a consideration so look at the costs.
Then decide how long you want these new countertops to last, whether they are a short or long term solution.
Suitability
The idea that you choose to spruce up your countertops should be suitable for how you use these areas of your kitchen.
Countertops that are used for appliances like a toaster or coffee machine won’t require the same level of protection as the countertop next to a stove or sink.
With the exception of the concrete countertop most of these DIY surfaces will not be heat resistant so bear that in mind when deciding. It is also advisable to use chopping boards for all food preparation and not cut directly on the countertop surface.
Once you have looked at how you will be using the countertops it will be easier to see which solution will be suitable for your kitchen.
Level Of Difficulty
Your DIY skills will be put to the test with most of these solutions so being honest with yourself about your capabilities is important.
Don’t take on a project that is too large or difficult for you, it will end up costing you more than hiring a professional.
You also don’t want to spend money on materials for a project that doesn’t work out. Having said that most of our featured DIY solutions have the capacity to be put right if you make a mistake. Surfaces can be sanded down and paint or contact paper reapplied.
Proper planning, research and preparation will give you more confidence about the job you are about to tackle
Cost
The cost of your project will be an important factor in which solution you choose to spruce up your kitchen countertops. Most people choose this route as a way to save money, so it will be a priority for you.
When working out the potential cost of the job don’t forget to take into account the maintenance costs of each solution.
For example, concrete countertops will need to be sealed on a regular basis and this will add to the expense over time.
Durability
A lot of people use a DIY solution as a short term measure to give their kitchen a facelift while they save for a full scale remodel. Or if your DIY skills are high then you may choose a long term solution.
Whichever applies to you, choose the material to match the desired life span of the project. Concrete and reclaimed wood countertops are more long term than something like contact paper or chalkboard paint.
Epoxy over laminate countertops will last, but it can take weeks to completely cure, so you will need to be patient.
Match the desired durability of the countertop to the material you choose and the use to which your countertops are going to be put.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Cheapest Way To Redo Kitchen Countertops?
Applying contact paper or paint to your existing countertops are the most inexpensive ways to spruce up your countertops. Natural stone is the most costly.
How Can I Cover My Countertop Without Replacing It?
Most of our solutions involve covering your countertops without removing them. Resurfacing, painting, epoxy and contact paper all allow you to use your existing countertops.