What is the cheapest way to redo kitchen countertops?

Kitchen countertops are subjected to a significant amount of wear and tear no matter where in the world you live. They will eventually need to be refurbished or replaced; it's only a matter of time until that happens. Even seasoned remodelers have been known to avoid countertop installation. However, we can think of at least two reasons to try turning this into a do-it-yourself project: the first is the opportunity to save money, and the second is the chance to create something that is truly unique.

Using this guide as a starting point will get you one step closer to a luxurious and expensive-looking kitchen that doesn't break the bank to design and instal. We will investigate all the well-liked choices that can be made for affordable countertops in the kitchen and bathroom.

Looking for kitchen renovation Melbourne? Look no further? Hitch Property Constructions has you covered.

Update Your Kitchen With Inexpensive Countertops

Painting Countertops

This is a low-cost alternative to replacing worn-out wooden or linoleum counters. It's simple to paint your own counters. The steps are to sand, prime, and paint.

You can either use a hand sander or a pad sander to smooth out the surface. Use sandpaper with a grit size between medium and fine. For optimal primer and paint adhesion, lightly scuff the surface.

Use a spray paint and sealer (countertops removed first or non-sprayed surfaces covered with plastic and painter's tape) or a dense sponge roller to avoid brush marks. Applying three or four coats of polyurethane will help protect the paint.

Unless you want a very specific look, you can paint your countertops with any high-quality semi-gloss or gloss paint.

Covering Countertops

Countertops are a blank slate that can be easily clad in wood veneer, fabric, or metal. Countertops for the laundry room can be fashioned from an old door, some fabric, and Mod Podge.

Check out our video for instructions on decoupaging paper or fabric playing pieces! If you're using polyurethane sealer, a dense foam roller 6 inches in diameter is preferable to a paintbrush.

Countertops with a faux marble finish were created with PaperIllusions. The fabric should be prewashed to remove the sizing and to prevent unwanted shrinkage.

Tile can be installed on top of a variety of surfaces, including laminate countertops, concrete, wood veneers, and even thin metal sheets.

Decals or Painting for Tile Countertops

Painting tiles is a time-consuming chore that necessitates careful preparation if a professional finish is to be achieved. Tile painting is another option to think about if you're short on cash and don't mind putting in a lot of sweat equity.

Another way to modernise your tile is with Tile Tattoos by Milo, whose name pretty much sums up what it is. You can get these tile tattoos (or decals) in a wide variety of styles, and it's said that they're completely watertight. While these products can be used to dress up or otherwise improve upon existing tile, they will not hide the ugliness of old or outdated tile entirely.

Check out our range of kitchen renovation at Hitch Property Constructions.

Other Options

Outdated countertops can be updated with a mosaic of "found" objects or a coating of copper pennies, for example. Almost any idea can be implemented as a countertop. There are a few key considerations you should always keep in mind when updating or refurbishing an existing countertop. Just ask yourself these questions: Is the finish I'm considering durable enough for everyday use? How well does it fare in high temperatures, as it may be used in a kitchen? In other words, does it resist water? Then you should be able to handle this situation.

Inexpensive Countertop Options

Finding a beautiful, inexpensive option comes down to your choice of countertop material which can range from $20 to $200 per square foot. Labour costs of $35 to $100 per hour for installation remain constant across all types of materials.

• Best budget options: tile and any type of laminate.
• Best DIY options: Any type of tile or wood. Some experienced DIYer’s can also attempt laminates.
• Environmentally responsible choices: Wood or recycled counters made with materials like paper, glass or aluminium combined with resin.

Cheap Kitchen Countertop Ideas

Are you interested in modernising or remodelling your kitchen but have a limited budget? There are dozens of ways to achieve the look of granite or marble while still having enough money left over to update the cabinets and floors in your kitchen or purchase brand-new home appliances.

Ceramic and Stone Tile

Tiles made of ceramic or porcelain range in price from $5 to $30 per square foot, while tiles made of natural stone typically cost twice as much. Tile countertops even outperform laminate in terms of price and appearance.

Pros:

It allows the most creativity for artistic expression in the kitchen.

Makes the best cheap solution for a DIYer.

Cons:

• Requires regular maintenance and sealing.
• Hard to clean unless you add a layer of epoxy.
• Very cheap materials but requires the most time to install. If you’re going with a professional installation, consider laminates instead.

Inexpensive Laminate Counters

Investing in laminate countertops has traditionally been the most cost-effective method for modernising your kitchen. Countertops made of laminate typically cost about $25 per square foot to purchase.

Even though they won't be eligible for any design awards, they'll still modernise the look of your kitchen. Upgraded options, such as the 180fx line offered by Formica, come in stone, marble, and wood grain patterns, providing an appearance that is comparable to that of stone or wood at a portion of the cost.

Cheap Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops can cost anywhere between $50 and $150 per square foot to purchase. The cost of installing quartz countertops made of Silestone can range from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the brand. For example, the cost of installing Cambria and Corian may be different than the cost of installing Silestone quartz countertops.

Although it is priced similarly to granite, it is a significantly more affordable alternative for those who want the look of marble or slate at a fraction of the cost. In contrast to granite, it does not need to be sealed because it is extremely durable.

Cheap Solid Stone Counters & Alternatives

The price of granite countertops and other types of solid stone, such as soapstone, slate, granite, and marble, ranges from $40 to $200 per square foot. Stone has historically been the option that is both the most expensive and the most luxurious. You just need a little bit of patience and some research to find some affordable slabs.

Hitch Property Constructions has an extensive range of kitchen renovation Melbourne to take the hassle out of deciding the right furniture that matches.

Tips for finding cheap options:

• Look for chipped slabs that are overstocked or oversized.
• To keep costs down, choose a slightly off-color or plainer option.
• Discounts and closeouts are available at big box stores, countertop speciality shops, and even some online retailers.
• These unsightly parts can be easily reshaped to fit your kitchen or bathroom by a professional installer.

Cheap alternatives to natural stone slabs include:

• Engineered stone is a type of artificial stone. They're usually more durable and require less upkeep.
• Stone tile is available in a wide range of colours and patterns, making it ideal for do-it-yourself projects. They're the most cost-effective option, but they need to be maintained on a regular basis.

Cheap Corian

Prices range from $35 to $65 per square foot for corian countertops. When installation is included, the price of solid surface countertops ranges from $2,000 to $4,500. As a result of the expiration of the patent for Corian solid surface counters, a multitude of new competitors have entered the market, which has resulted in decreased prices.

Epoxy and Affordable Custom Counter Ideas

Covering your existing countertops with a coloured epoxy can give you a vast array of artistic options at a cost ranging from $3 to $10 per square foot. This method is on par with using tile or laminate. It can take on the appearance of stone or any other solid surface. You also have the choice to adopt an extremely contemporary aesthetic or to give it a metallic sheen.

• Epoxy Kits: $500 for DIY application.

Warning to do-it-yourselfers: despite the fact that it is simple to instal, it is also simple to get something wrong. Sanding epoxy down and having it redone by a professional costs close to twice as much as simply hiring someone to do it the first time.

Recycled Paper, Glass and Aluminum

Aluminum, glass, and even paper mixed with resin are some of the recyclable materials that can be purchased for $30 to $95 per square foot. Installed costs range from $2,600 to $4,200 for recycled glass counters.

Not only does using recycled counters prevent waste from being dumped in landfills, but it also results in cost savings. They are only marginally more expensive than laminate, but significantly less expensive than the majority of stone options.

Wood/Butcher Block

Due to the diverse types of trees, finishes, and thicknesses available, the price of wood countertops can range anywhere from $35 to $200 per square foot. The cost of installing butcher block countertops ranges from $1,700 to $5,000. Wood needs an extensive amount of maintenance, or alternatively, you can have epoxy applied by a professional to protect it.

• DIY-able: Simple unfinished, premade varieties available at a big box store, for under $300 total.
• Custom Work: living edge, clear epoxy and wood combos can reach $10,000 or more.

Stainless Steel

The cost of installing stainless steel countertops ranges from $4,000 to $11,250 on average, which works out to $95 per square foot. It is one of the most pricey materials that you can choose to work with. Choose stainless steel countertops to reduce the amount of time and money spent on maintenance. Because of how long they will last in your home, they could end up being the most cost-effective option overall.

Pros:

• Long-lasting, resistant to corrosion, and able to withstand the test of time.
• Requires no maintenance.
• The surface that is the easiest to clean.

Concrete

Installed prices range from $5,000 to $10,000 for concrete countertops, which cost $75 to $150 per square foot. The option that is one of the most expensive also provides you with the most choices for the finishes you can get.

Pros:

• There is a selection of different colours and finishes available.
• Sinks made of concrete that are built in, for an additional fee.
• Very long-lasting while requiring little upkeep.

Replacing Kitchen Countertop Ideas On a Budget

Following the conclusion of the design process and the acquisition of the necessary components, the next step is to have them put in place. Costs range from $35 to $100 per hour for a professional installation. If you can reduce the amount of time it takes to instal it, you can cut the cost in half or more.

Tips For Cutting Your Install Budget:

• Make it happen on your own. Wood, laminate, tile, and epoxy are all excellent options.
• Mistakes add up quickly and may end up costing more than hiring a professional. Make some of the preparations yourself.
• Remove the fixtures on your own. Negotiate a discount for preparing and cleaning the food yourself.
• Engage the services of a handyman. For half the price, hire a professional handyman with experience.
• Employ the services of a professional. Are you willing to pay a higher price for your mistakes?

FAQs

• What’s the cheapest countertop?

The most affordable options are tile, with prices ranging from $5 to $30 per square foot, and laminate, which costs $25 or more per square foot.

• What are the most expensive countertops?

Natural stone slabs, such as soapstone, slate, marble, and granite, are the most expensive countertops, with prices ranging from $40 to $200 per square foot.

• What’s a cheap kitchen countertop alternative to granite?

Quartz, granite tile, and recycled solid surfaces are the least expensive alternatives to granite that can be used as a kitchen countertop. Granite is, and will likely continue to be, the most popular material for use in kitchen countertops today.

• What’s the most inexpensive, durable countertop?

A solid surface, such as Corian, is still the most cost-effective and long-lasting option available. However, if you want something that will last longer and is better for the environment, you should think about purchasing something that is made from recycled materials.

• Where can I buy a cheap counter?

Large-format retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe's, and Ikea stock prefabricated laminates, which are the most cost-effective variety.

• What’s the most low-cost countertop that looks expensive?

Choose an epoxy counter with a stone design or a coloured pattern that has been professionally installed. They have the appearance of luxury but cost only a portion of what the stone would.

• What’s the best budget kitchen island countertop?

Unfinished wood countertops can be purchased for between $300 and $500, making them the most cost-effective option for the countertop of a kitchen island while also being adaptable to almost any design.

Recycled Glass Countertops

It is especially important for the countertops in the kitchen to be hardy and long-lasting. Glass, on the other hand, is not typically thought of as being particularly hardy or long-lasting, and this is a common misconception. Glass may have a phenomenal appearance, but it is difficult to picture it being able to withstand the rigors life of an everyday kitchen despite the fact that it may look amazing.

Strength and Sustainability

Modern countertops are often made of stone or petroleum-based synthetics. Petroleum isn't eco-friendly, as we're learning. Granite's quarrying methods and energy requirements make it a less sustainable building material.

Recycled glass countertops are strong and eco-friendly. Recycled glass countertops are hard like stone thanks to ingenuity and modern technology. Plus, they're green!

Some bottles, mirrors, and plate glass are being turned into marble-like countertops. Some recycled glass countertops are 100% recycled, depending on the brand.

Recycled Glass Countertop Styles

There aren't as many recycled glass options as new glass options. As environmental concerns rise, so will demand for recycled products.

Most recycled glass countertops resemble terrazzo marble. It's made of recycled glass and concrete. Glass chips are different sizes and colours. Multicolored cement surrounds the glass. It has granite or marble-like strength and feel. This material costs more than laminate or tile but less than granite and marble.

Recycled glass ceramic tiles are another green option. They can be 70% recycled. They're scratch-proof, durable, and easy to instal like ceramic tiles. This tile is often priced similarly to a medium-grade traditional tile, making it a budget-friendly option.

Other Green Options

Even though recycled glass countertops aren't for everyone, that doesn't mean there aren't other ways to remodel your kitchen in an environmentally conscious way. There are many recycled plastic counter coverings available on the market today, and each one will have an entirely unique appearance and, most likely, a lower price.

Bamboo, which can be harvested relatively quickly and is highly resistant to the effects of moisture, is even being used by some individuals in the construction of countertops. It's time to start using your imagination in this day and age. It is a good idea to make use of salvaged materials of any kind, which are materials that would otherwise be thrown away. Craftsmen can be found all over the country who can transform discarded materials like wood or metal into something so exquisite that it can be used to eat on.

One Last Tip

Depending on the size of the project and the materials, countertop and cabinet contractors may be in your home for more than a day. Both planning your renovation and getting along with the crew will affect the project as a whole.

Despite the noise and disruption, counter and cabinet contractors are guests in your home. Even though the fuss can be annoying, remember that your crew is working to make your home more appealing. Before reacting to a problem, talk it over. This will help contractors feel appreciated and will benefit both parties.

Conclusion

The installation of new countertops is a task that many remodelers, even veterans, prefer to put off. You can save money by painting your old wooden or linoleum countertops instead of buying new ones. Make do with an old door, some fabric, and some Mod Podge to create functional and decorative countertops for your laundry room. Renewing the tile in your kitchen can be a cost-effective way to give the room a facelift without breaking the bank. A copper penny coating or a mosaic of "found" objects are two creative ways to refresh a countertop.

Countertops can also be crafted from wood or recycled materials like paper, glass, or aluminium, and then coated in a resin. Laminate countertops can be purchased for around $25 a square foot. Quartz countertops can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 to have professionally installed. When it comes to building materials, stone has always been at the top of the price and luxury lists. Using epoxy and low-cost custom countertops, you can create an infinite number of unique surfaces.

You can spend $30 to $95 per square foot on recyclables like recycled paper, glass, and aluminium. Countertops made of wood or butcher block can cost anywhere from $35 to $200 per square foot. Typically, the price to have stainless steel counter tops installed is between $4,050 and $11,250. Professional installation can cost anywhere from $35 per hour up to $100 per hour. A cost reduction of 50% or more is possible if the installation time can be reduced by half.

As of right now, granite is still the most sought after material for kitchen counters. To make something that lasts longer and is better for the environment, you may want to think about using recycled materials. The most budget-friendly material for a kitchen island top is unfinished wood. Ceramic tiles made from recycled glass are another eco-friendly material. There are currently a plethora of options for covering your countertops with recycled plastic. Discarded materials like wood or metal can be repurposed by skilled artisans into something so beautiful it can be used for dining.

Content Summary

• However, we can think of at least two reasons to try turning this into a do-it-yourself project: the first is the opportunity to save money, and the second is the chance to create something that is truly unique.
• We will investigate all the well-liked choices that can be made for affordable countertops in the kitchen and bathroom.
• It's simple to paint your own counters.
• Unless you want a very specific look, you can paint your countertops with any high-quality semi-gloss or gloss paint.
• Countertops with a faux marble finish were created with PaperIllusions.
• Almost any idea can be implemented as a countertop.
• Are you interested in modernising or remodelling your kitchen but have a limited budget?
• Very cheap materials but requires the most time to install.
• Investing in laminate countertops has traditionally been the most cost-effective method for modernising your kitchen.
• The price of granite countertops and other types of solid stone, such as soapstone, slate, granite, and marble, ranges from $40 to $200 per square foot.
• Prices range from $35 to $65 per square foot for corian countertops.
• When installation is included, the price of solid surface countertops ranges from $2,000 to $4,500.
• The cost of installing butcher block countertops ranges from $1,700 to $5,000.
• Choose stainless steel countertops to reduce the amount of time and money spent on maintenance.
• Costs range from $35 to $100 per hour for a professional installation.
• Remove the fixtures on your own.
• Employ the services of a professional.
• Quartz, granite tile, and recycled solid surfaces are the least expensive alternatives to granite that can be used as a kitchen countertop.
• It is especially important for the countertops in the kitchen to be hardy and long-lasting.
• Recycled glass countertops are strong and eco-friendly.
• Recycled glass ceramic tiles are another green option.
• Even though recycled glass countertops aren't for everyone, that doesn't mean there aren't other ways to remodel your kitchen in an environmentally conscious way.
• It is a good idea to make use of salvaged materials of any kind, which are materials that would otherwise be thrown away.
• Depending on the size of the project and the materials, countertop and cabinet contractors may be in your home for more than a day.
• Both planning your renovation and getting along with the crew will affect the project as a whole.
• Despite the noise and disruption, counter and cabinet contractors are guests in your home.