My kitchen counter tops.............and my bathroom counter tops..........need a makeover, but I can't afford new tops right now. What are good low cost ways I can give them a makeover? Our house was built in 1984 and they are an ugly yellow/gold color. They have some nicks, stains, and worn areas on them
2007-03-02 05:37:47 · 14 answers · asked by lostjane 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
I have heard that concrete is a good countertop material, customizable without being expensive.
You can also get budget tiles, and bust them up into a mosaic pattern for custom, it is cheap and relatively easy, it probably is very time consuming. Probably start with the bathroom or kitchen island, see if you like doing it before you commit to a whole run of counters.
I would also keep eyes peeled for anything solid surface or wood, that you can repurpose, cut to fit, etc...into a counter surface. Of course this is a trash to treasure type thing and would have to be YOUR style.
Auctions are good, especially if a restaurant goes under, you can get some stainless steel, estate sales too. You could look for a dining table, split it in half lengthwise and cut mitered corners (the corner cutouts can be used for corner shelves?) poly it, and install as a counter. Or use a small dining table as an island top. You could fit a dresser for the bathroom sink?
2007-03-02 06:07:15 · answer #1 · answered by musicimprovedme 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I am not sure how desperate you are to get this done, but this would be a quick change and inexpensive. What about using contact paper? I did this once when I wanted to cover up an old refridgerator that had lots of stains on it, in an apartment I lived in. It was a quick fix and I was able to remove the paper once I moved out. Now, I am not sure how it would hold up on counter tops. Or how long it would last, but it is an idea for a quick change. Good luck.
2007-03-02 13:49:00 · answer #2 · answered by senoritawhocansway 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We used Wilsonart Laminate in the faux granite design. It was waaaaay cheaper than the real granite, but I wish I had gone with the real thing now. I really regret it. But since you are on a tight budget just now, the laminate is about the cheapest I can think of. Once you have nicks and stains and other kinds of damage on your old counters, there really isn't any solution but to rip 'em out and replace them.I don't know of any kind of spray-finish treatment to go over the old countertops, but you might ask around.
2007-03-02 16:17:12 · answer #3 · answered by sharmel 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ceramic tile is very inexpensive (maybe $2 per square foot) and easily installed over existing counters; just be sre to use a dark grout, as anything else will quickly stain.
Solid granite is wonderful but very expensive, however you can sometimes get granite tile on sale for $4-$5 sq ft and install it over exisiting counters yourself. You'll need to rent a wet stone cutter for a day.
2007-03-02 13:41:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Price out ceramic tile. for about $100 you could probably redo an average size kitchen counter. Talk to pro at Home Depot. Tiling is very easy. And kinda fun.
2007-03-02 13:48:58 · answer #5 · answered by Kevin H 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hi, Jane,
We used laminate...home depot
less than the cost of the babysitter we used that day
we got the brownish blueish one because it was in stock.
Ed cut the holes we needed for the sinks and glued them down
it works for now and its pretty and clean looking and cost effecient
works too. Its hard to afford every thing at once isn't it Jane?
our house was built in1923 the day of
"paint it all enamel and green...enamel will last forever and you will never have to paint again!!!!!"
unfortunately... it was true.
uhhh huh Granite....great if you just got a raise or hit the jackpot. lol or didn't just get a huge frikkin' loan...........need I go on? \
good luck on the house!
Suzie
2007-03-02 14:16:15 · answer #6 · answered by to tell ya the truth........... 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lots of stone places have what is called remnants. What this is is left over granite, marble from other jobs. You can get a realy good deal if you get remnants, and most time a better quality material than what you budget for.
2007-03-02 13:47:31 · answer #7 · answered by catmomiam 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check out the DIY Stores/Builders Merchants are like re seconds/sale items.
2007-03-02 13:49:57 · answer #8 · answered by dover56dover 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have it refinished. My husband does that kind of job here in FL. You can choose whatever countertops you like for your kitchen and bathrooms. Its cheaper than to buy a new one.
2007-03-02 13:44:22 · answer #9 · answered by Chriz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can paint countertops. Be sure to use a food safe sealer in the kitchen.
2007-03-02 13:53:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋