Why Should You Get New Countertops
One of the most used parts of your kitchen is the counter. They can get damaged, scratched, or just plain old over time. But getting new countertops can be pricey and take a lot of time. One good thing is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a full makeover to make a big difference. It’s easy and doesn’t cost a lot of money to give your countertops a new look. Most of the time, you can do it in just a weekend.
Laminate countertops can be given a new look by painting them
Paint can be a surprisingly good way to make laminate tables look new again. Most hardware shops sell special tabletop painting kits that come with everything you need, like prep, paint, and finish. If you know what you’re doing, you can make something look like stone, marble, or concrete. You can add veins or roughness with a sponge or brush, and a clear sealer will keep the finish safe from everyday use. This job can quickly make the room brighter and hide damage or dirt that has been there for years.
With Peel-and-Stick Film or Contact Paper
Peel-and-stick tabletop film or contact paper is one of the easiest and most renter-friendly ways to do it yourself. These sticky sheets come in a range of styles, such as fake granite, marble, and butcher block. You can cut them to fit your counters and stick them right on top of them. They’re cheap, waterproof, and simple to clean. This is the best choice if you only need a short-term fix or aren’t ready to make a long-term change. Just make sure to use a tool knife to get rid of any air bubbles that form while the tiles are being put in place.
Faux concrete on top for a modern look
Today, a lot of kitchens have concrete floors, but they can be expensive and heavy. A fake concrete coating makes a surface look like real concrete without the cost or weight. Most of the time, feather finish cement or a similar mix is used to make these toppings, which are then put on top of existing countertops in thin layers. The surface is scraped and finished after it is dry to make an industrial-style finish that lasts. This is a great do-it-yourself project for people who want a clean, simple look but don’t want to change their whole tabletop.
You can tile over your current countertops
A bold but effective way to make your kitchen look new is to tile over old countertops. If your current tabletop is steady and flat, you can use tile glue and grout to put tiles right on top of it. They can be small mosaic tiles, subway tiles, or even squares made of clay. They can give your kitchen style and color. For results that last, make sure to use grout that doesn’t absorb water and properly seal the tiles. This project requires a little more work, but the end result will look great and be uniquely yours.
Put in a butcher block slab
Butcher block counters make any kitchen feel warmer and more beautiful. It can be expensive to replace a whole tabletop with butcher block, but you can buy slabs already made and install them yourself for much less money. If you know how to use tools, you can do this over the weekend and make a big difference in the space. Sand the wood and seal it with mineral oil or a food-safe varnish. Now you have a beautiful prep surface that works well and gets better over time.
For a High-Gloss Finish, Epoxy
Epoxy floors are becoming more common because they last a long time and look great. Epoxy glue can be put on top of flooring, tile, or wood to make it look like shiny stone. Some do-it-yourselfers get creative with glitter, colorants, or shiny powders to make their own looks that look like marble or quartz. You have to plan this method carefully, but the effects are often great and last a long time. Epoxy is ideal for kitchens because it can handle heat and water once it’s dry.
Chalk paint for a rough, matte look
If you like the look of old or country things, chalk paint could be just what you need for your DIY tabletop job. Chalk paint sticks well to wood and plywood and leaves a soft, matte finish. Add a clear polyurethane finish to make it last longer and be used every day. This choice isn’t as shiny or fancy as others, but it has a lot of charm and personality that makes it perfect for cozy kitchens with a vintage look.
Using stencils to make your own designs
Want to make your tables more unique? If you want to draw, paint the base first. You can make your surfaces look unique by adding tile patterns, geometric shapes, or even flower patterns. Put on a few coats of clear finish to protect your art after the stencil work is done. You can match your countertops to your kitchen’s style without spending a lot of money if you think outside the box.
Sand and oil wood countertops to make them look new again
Wood counters that look old or worn can be brought back to life by sanding them well and then oiling or painting them. Smooth out any scratches or damage to the surface with a hand sander. Next, put a coat of mineral oil, tung oil, or butcher block conditioner on it. This simple fix not only makes your wood surface look better, but it also makes it last longer. It will always look its best if you take care of it every few months.
For a polished look, add edges or trim
A small touch like edge or finish can sometimes make your countertops look like they were made just for you. You can make your tables look better by adding wood or metal trim around the edges. It’s easy to cut trim pieces and put them together with building glue or wood glue. This method works really well when used with other do-it-yourself projects like painting or redoing.
Take care of and shield your new surface
No matter which way you choose to update your countertops, they will look great as long as you seal them and clean them regularly. If your counters will be touched by food, you should always use a food-safe cover. To keep knives from getting damaged by direct heat, use cutting boards and trivets. Clean up spills right away, and don’t use strong cleaners that can damage the finish over time. If you’re careful, your do-it-yourself fix can look great for years to come.
Use your imagination to change the look of your kitchen
You can make your kitchen look beautiful without spending a lot of money. If you have the right tools and know-how, you can completely transform the appearance of your floors in just a weekend or less. Whether you want a sleek, modern look or something more cozy and rustic, you can find an easy, low-cost way to make it happen. Not only are do-it-yourself tabletop changes fun, they’re also a cheap way to give one of the most important rooms in your home a new look.
