How to Upgrade Old Countertops Without Replacing Them
Old countertops can make a kitchen look dated, but replacing them with new, expensive materials isn’t always an option. Here are some less expensive ways to polish dirty countertops and give your kitchen a whole new look.
Apply fresh paint
Painting old laminate countertops is cheap and easy, even for beginners. You can use regular old home paint or a special countertop product like Rust-Oleum countertop paint , which also makes a product called Transformations, which is a three-step process that mimics the look of natural stone. (Other brands like Daich and Giani make similar products.) It takes more time and money – over $ 200 per kit – but also produces pretty impressive results.
Use a concrete primer.
If you like the look of concrete, but you do not want to delete the existing rack, you can put on them a concrete product Ardex, designed to pit to repair or remove the flooring. As you can see in this video from the Modern Builds YouTube channel, it’s a pretty straightforward process:
The grease-free finish does not provide the long-term durability of full concrete racks, but does provide the same look without having to haul large concrete slabs.
Install the tiles
Tile countertops are a very specific look, but if you like them, they will completely change the look of any room. However, this is not the easiest DIY project. I’ve tiled a few kitchens and bathrooms, and while you can tile on top of laminate flooring, I suggest creating your own plywood or Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) uprights covered with a tile membrane like this one from Durock .
For step-by-step guidance on everything from plywood countertops to laying mortar and trimming tiles, check out the Family Craftsman’s detailed instructions for tile countertops placement .
Create your own replacements
While it is about “replacing your countertop”, you can also design and build your own custom surfaces to hide old ones. Concrete and block wood are inexpensive, durable, and relatively easy to work with, making them suitable for most kitchens.
Concrete countertops are a little more difficult to build than other renovation projects, but are also more durable in the long run. It includes building multiple molds, mixing and pouring concrete, and putting new racks in place. Bob Villa and Instructables have good, picture-heavy guides throughout the process. It can take some practice to get the concrete consistency right, so I would recommend making a few samples first before making full counters.
The Butcher block is much more affordable than other types of counters. Since it is a tree, it is fairly easy to cut and install it yourself if you have the right tools. You can even install it directly on your old countertops, asthis video from Robin Lewis Makes explains :
The main thing to remember is that you don’t need to replace old counters to make them look better. Depending on the look you want to achieve, the amount you want to invest, and your comfort with the tools and techniques involved, there is at least one refinish option that will suit you.
This story was originally published in September 2014 and has been updated on April 19, 2021 with additional information and to align with Lifehacker’s style guidelines.