If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, or you just need to replace your worn-out countertops, finding the right type of countertop might seem daunting. With costs for materials seemingly ever-increasing, staying on budget is a challenge. Finding a DIY solution can be a great way to save money on your countertop update and get exactly the surface you want. Here are some of the simplest and best-looking countertops that you can install yourself.
Laminate countertops
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For one of the most approachable DIY countertop surfaces, consider laminate. If properly cared for, laminate countertops can last as long as 20 years, and they’re easy to clean. Gone are the days where matte beige is your only option, and laminate starts at about $80 per four foot by eight foot sheet.
Since this type of laminate is glued on or self-stick, there are some things to consider before choosing it. It won’t work well on uneven surfaces that haven’t been prepped, like wood or natural stone, because the glue will have a hard time bonding to the existing material. This sheeting comes without the countertop attached, and you will need to construct the countertop from MDF or particle board. If you have existing countertops that you want to cover, you will need to remove all appliances, clean, and sand the countertops before you can cut and stick your own laminate with a few dowels for positioning, a circular saw or a table saw, and a jigsaw. A router is also handy, but not necessary. You will also need caulk for sealing along the edges of your laminate and around appliances. Laminate requires a medium skill level to install. Here’s a video to check out to give you an idea of what DIY laminate countertop installation is like.
Concrete countertops
You can pour your own concrete countertops using a form, some blue painter’s tape, some silicone caulk, and some concrete, and some wire mesh. This type of DIY countertop will require tools including a grinder, a table saw, a jigsaw, and materials to make your molds from, usually melamine. Because concrete countertops are porous even if they’re sealed, they will stain easily. There are some tutorials that recommend using concrete on top of existing countertops, but you will get better results if you build your own base for them from concrete board. Building a form around appliances is likely the most challenging part of this DIY install, but once your form is built, the pour isn’t very hard. You will also need to seal your concrete countertops with food grade sealer to keep them in good shape. While the concrete itself is fairly inexpensive at around $30 per bag, the cost with all the necessary materials will be closer to $10 to $15 per square foot. This is a medium-skill level build; building the molds requires the use of several tools, but it’s definitely in the DIY scope. Here’s a video to show you what to expect if you tackle concrete countertops on your own.
Refinish your existing countertops
You can repaint your existing countertops and re-caulk around appliances to give your countertops a refresh without replacing them. This method isn’t as durable as installing a new surface, but it can work great if you need to stretch out the life of your countertops a little longer. You’ll need drop cloths, brushes, rollers, painter’s tape, and a countertop refinishing kit or some appliance paint. You will also need some sandpaper. The key to a successful countertop refinishing project is properly sanding and cleaning the surface so that the paint will bond well and last for a longer time. This is a very simple DIY and can be done in a couple of days.