Updating Countertops on a Budget

Updating countertops on a budget might seem like a daunting task, but there are options!  Paint, epoxy or butcher block, you don’t have to have that giant slab of granite or quartz to spruce up your counters. Replacing kitchen countertops can be the priciest redo in a kitchen makeover, but there are affordable options out there.  No matter what type of kitchen you have, you can get rid of that dated look by changing your counters for the better.  In this article, we will explore budget friendly options to get your counter looking great.  It is easier than you think!

{kitchen from the.sycamore.farmhouse}

Painted Countertops

Are your laminate countertops in pretty good shape, but in need of a refresh in color and style?  Or, are you saving up or not quite ready to update to natural stone? You can paint your countertop and update the color and style.  There are even kits to create the look of natural stone. You can pick your method. Spray, brush, roll or sponge paint. They are easy to keep clean and maintain.  It will make an incredible difference in the room and you may not want the natural stone afterwards!

Concrete Countertops

Are you looking for something different and interesting to update your kictchen countertops on a budget?  Concrete countertops may just fit the bill for you and your family.   Concrete Countertops:  Design, Forms and Finishes for the New Kitchen and Bath is a great book to guide you.  Creating concrete countertops require a little DIYing and some elbow grease, but little to no power tools are involved in the process. 

With concrete, you can apply a skim coat over your original countertop structure and oola!  Brand new countertop…brand new look. Concrete countertops are durable, stain resistant when sealed and cost effective.  Update to concrete countertops.  It will make a drastic difference in your kitchen.

Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block is another durable and affordable option for updating your kitchen countertops on a budget.  Wooden strips sealed together, butcher block is a softer option. Great for cutting and for those that are prone to dropping things because it is more forgiving than harder options. 

It is prone to staining, but a good sealant can solve that and after 5 to 10 years, you can always sand it and seal again. This will remove the stains and renew the counters. If you like the look of butcher block, it is a fairly easy diy project that can be done for half the cost of a stone like quartz.

Ceramic Tile Countertops

Updating a kitchen countertop with tile is another option that is easy to do on a budget.  A tile update will immediately provide a fresh clean look for your kitchen. Tile is durable and easy to clean.  The styles of tiles are virtually unlimited. So, any kind of look that you are going for, can probably be acheived with tile.  Even plain white tile is a timeless look that would look great. Tiling is an easy DIY project to tackle with some practice. You do not have to be a professional to install a tile countertop.

 

Laminate Countertops

If you would like to resurface your counters quickly and cheaply, new laminate is always an option.  Laminate is budget friendly and easily can be installed yourself. Modern laminates come in a variety of colors, shades and patterns. 

There are so many different colors and textures that it is easy to match the style of your kitchen. Many laminates closely resemble natural stone.  It is a great option for those not needing or wanting to spend the money on natural stone. You will save money not only on material, but installation costs.

Epoxy Countertops

Epoxy forms a crystal clear surface and can be a great option for a unique kitchen countertop.  Epoxy forms when you mix a resin and a hardener. You can use it as a top clear coat, add color and create deigns or you can embed items in the epoxy. 

You can get really creative with epoxy. Anything from wood, glass, coins, shells or tiles can be embedded and artfully displayed in epoxy.  You could even go with metallic flakes like copper or aluminum for a more modern look. An epoxy countertop is a very cost efficient option that will definitely add character to any kitchen. 

Engineered Quartz Countertops

Do you have your mind set on natural quartz?  Engineered quartz might be for you. What is engineered quartz?  Engineered quartz is a manmade product. Engineered quartz is ground quartz combined with pigments and resin. 

{kitchen from e.lynndesign}

It is made to look like natural quartz, but is a bit more forgiving both in installation and when you drop things on it.  Since it is not a natural formation, it is available in many colors and patterns. Although it is not the cheapest on our budget list, engineered quartz is cheaper than natural quartz and it is very difficult to determine that it is not the real thing.

Stainless Steel Countertops

For a modern look, stainless steel might be just want you need to update your countertops.  It is one of the trickier diy installations, but can be done with instructions from the fabricator.  Stainless steel wallpaper is also available.  Stainless steel offers budget cost and durability.

 

It is heat and stain resistant. You can put your hot pans right on it with no damage. It does show scratches, but brushed stainless steel camouflages them for the most part and it is seen as more of a patina over time.  Take a look at stainless steel.  If you are looking for a sleek, modern look, it may be the kitchen counter update for your kitchen.

Granite Tile Countertops

If you really would like granite in your kitchen, but the cost is keeping you back, granite tile can achieve a look close to a granite slab for one third the cost.  Granite tiles come in the same rich colors and hues as a granite slab.

If you have laid tile before, you could try laying granite tiles as well. You just need to be careful about the installation because it is so close to the eye that flaws in installation will be evident.  It is worth taking a look at granite tiles if you are on a budge and love the look of a granite slab.

Try one of our budget friendly options above for beautiful makeover for your kitchen countertops.