how do you replace a countertop without replacing it

How To Change Countertops Without Replacing Cabinets

• Remove The Old Countertop. Start off by removing your old countertop. ...
• Check Cabinet Surface Level. There might be instances wherein you might need to pad it in with some pieces of wood to help level the surface so that your countertop ...
• Let The New Countertop Set. ...
• Secure Further With Screws. ...
• Saw And Drill In Your Sinks and Fixtures. ...

Full Answer

How do I redo my countertops without replacing them?

Materials Needed for Resurfacing Laminate Countertops

• countertop coating (about $30 on Amazon )*
• high quality paint roller
• paint brush (one that won’t leave brush marks – like foam)
• sandpaper or sanding sponge
• old cloth and mild kitchen cleaner
• respirator mask
• painter’s tape (and painter’s plastic, if needed)
• old sheet or drop cloth
• polyurethane coating (optional)

What is the cheapest way to replace kitchen countertops?

What Are Some Cheap Countertop Materials?

• Ceramic Tile. Ceramic tile countertops are one of the cheapest options you can find. ...
• Laminate. Outside of tile, another very cheap option you will find is laminate. ...
• Cultured Marble. Cultured marble is a faux marble surface that has risen in popularity as an alternative to natural marble.
• Granite. ...
• Cultured Granite. ...
• Butcher Block. ...

How to redo countertops without replacing them?

How to Update Countertops Without Removing Them

• Granite Overlays. Granite overlays offer an economical choice when compared to traditional granite slab counters. ...
• Tile. Ceramic tile is a practical method used to cover existing countertops. ...
• Painting. Several products allow you to paint laminate countertops. ...
• Polyurethane. A creative method to cover existing countertops involves using polyurethane. ...

How do I change a countertop?

• Remove the countertop and clamp it in place on sawhorses.
• Use a belt sander to sand the backsplash to the line drawn with the compass.
• Place the countertop on the cabinet and ensure the backsplash is flush against the wall.

Can I replace my countertop without replacing the cabinets?

So it is possible to replace countertops without replacing all the cabinets? Here's the short answer: Yes, absolutely. You can replace your countertops without having to renovate all your cabinets.

What is the cheapest way to replace countertops?

Ceramic and porcelain tile are among the most affordable varieties and come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including designs that mimic granite and other stone. Natural stone tiles are pricier than ceramic but are much more affordable than slab granite or marble.

Can you put a new countertop over an old one?

As long as you have a strong, stable counter, you can lay the overlay slabs directly on top. You can also remove your existing counter and lay down a new base of plywood.

How do you update existing countertops?

5 Under-$100 Ways to Totally Transform Old CountertopsBreak Out the Paint.Refinish a Butcher Block.Create a Faux-Concrete Finish.Go to Town with a Refinishing Kit.Bring on the Stick-On Marble Prints—Yes, Really!

How can I redo my kitchen countertops cheap?

2:0315:29COUNTER TOP RE-DO FOR $37!! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd this edge is rounded of yours ours is flat. This is flat so it makes it easy to you know cut itMoreAnd this edge is rounded of yours ours is flat. This is flat so it makes it easy to you know cut it and later a rounded one I'm not so sure it would work the see ours is a flat edge.

What can you put over laminate countertops?

Use paint to cover old laminate and give it a fresh new color. Oil-based paint will adhere as long as the countertops are properly prepared and finished. This includes a through cleaning, sanding and cleaning again, followed by a coat of primer designed to bond with plastic.

Do stick on countertops work?

The bottom line is that peel and stick countertops can serve as a low-cost, temporary "lipstick makeover" in spaces that you either don't own, don't use often, or can't afford to rehab just yet. In all other cases, you're likely better off spending more on something that will stand up to time and traffic.

Can you cover an existing countertop?

Countertop resurfacing is a fairly easy process of covering the existing surface with tile or sheet goods. In just a few hours or days, you can give your kitchen a whole new look at a fraction of the price of installing new counters. Resurfacing works best over smooth laminate.

How do you update a laminate countertop on a budget?

Use a Countertop Paint Kit You can purchase paint kits that allow you to update the look of your countertops. The product is simple to use and can give you the look of stone for less than hundred dollars. If you want a new look, but don't want to spend a lot of money, painting your countertops is a great option.

Can you put new laminate over old countertops?

Q: Can I install plastic laminate over a countertop that's already covered with existing laminate material? A: Yes, but the existing surface must be even and smooth. Repair any gouges or loose edges and make sure the existing laminate is glued firmly.

What is the most affordable countertop?

What's the most inexpensive, durable countertop? Solid surface, like Corian, remains the cheapest and most durable available.

What is an inexpensive alternative to granite countertops?

Cheap: Laminate Countertops Laminate countertops are an inexpensive, low-maintenance alternative to pricey stone and solid-surface countertops, and they are available in many styles that mimic expensive surfaces such as granite or marble.

Is it easy to replace countertops?

Like any other thing, the ease of replacing countertops depends on your skill level and the scope of the project. If you are used to installing countertops, you will find it easy to undertake the replacement. The same thing applies if you have a small project.

Can you install countertops yourself?

You can build a laminate countertop from scratch or purchase a pre-manufactured countertop, which is called a post-form countertop. Post-form countertops are made in standard-sized lengths and come with an integrated backsplash. The easiest way to install a countertop yourself is to install a post-form countertop.

What to cover countertops with?

Cover the countertops with contact paper. Contact papers make a lot of sense if you are renting a property, but you want to transform the look of the surfaces. Since you can’t transform the surfaces permanently, contact papers make an excellent option.

Can you use polyurethane on countertops?

When properly installed, polyurethane adds a deep, glossy shine to the countertop surfaces, and the beauty is you can use several variations of the product to refurbish your countertops. If you have never done it before, hire a professional to help you place the polyurethane on the countertops.

Can you paint countertops by yourself?

The beauty of painting countertops is you can easily do it by yourself even if you have never done it before. You can use any paint to transform your surfaces but for the best experience, use high-quality enamel paint.

Ideal Kitchen Layout

Look into your overall kitchen design. If you’re OK with it and you don’t think that there should be anything changed or modified in terms of layouts and cabinet placements, then you can just opt to get a new countertop installed on your existing kitchen cabinets.

Possible Damage To Your Old Cabinetry

Proceed with caution if you’re opting for heavy countertops such as granite or quartz. Their weight could cause damage on your old cabinets or at times even cause them to collapse especially if the structural integrity has been compromised.

Countertop Warranties

Expensive countertops usually come with warranties from the manufacturer that will guarantee that they’ll cover for any damages in case problems arise that aren’t necessarily your fault. This is, however, under the premise that you’re installing their countertops on sturdy and new cabinets.

Contact Paper

With all of those things noted and taken into account, a cheap but still attractive way to update your countertop would be by using contact paper, the peel and stick type. It can be adhered to the surface of your old kitchen counter, giving it a cleaner and fresher look as well as an ultimately new design while keeping all of the same materials.

How To Change Countertops Without Replacing Cabinets

Kitchen renovations are irresistible and most homeowners would love to have them without ever having to reel back from the costs that come along with them. That isn’t always the case though. Even if that’s the case, there’s still a way to work around it.

10 Ideas for Transforming Your Existing Countertops

Here’s how to change countertops without replacing them in 10 different ways.

Parting Words

Countertops are a major part of any kitchen. They’re one of the first things you see in your home when you walk in, and they often serve as an important focal point for many homeowners. This is why it’s so important to keep them looking great.

How to transform countertops?

Make contact. Using contact paper is a great way to cheaply transform your countertops – especially if you’re a renter and can’t make any permanent changes. Clean your countertop thoroughly and allow to dry. You want to position your paper so there are as few seams as possible.

How to make a copper penny countertop?

Start by shining your pennies with vinegar and salt, letting them sit for a couple of hours, and then it’s time to glue them down. Use wood (or an alternative material) to wrap around the edge of your counter. Once all your pennies are down, use an epoxy to fill in your counter, going back over with a hairdryer and toothpick to pop any bubbles.

How to make a stone look like a stone?

7. Stone spray paint. Textured spray paints are designed to make any surface look like stone. Start by sanding your surface, then cover any areas you don’t want painted. Go over your counter with three or four coats of paints, trying to keep each coat even.

Step 2: Disconnect the supply lines

Once everything is out of the way, shut off the supply lines to the countertop fixtures. These include the water and gas lines to the stovetop. For the drain line, use an adjustable wrench to loosen the large nuts holding the U or J-shaped trap to the sink’s main drain line.

Step 3: Remove the sink

Depending on the type of sink you have, you should proceed to remove it from your countertops. If you have a drop-in fixture sink, use a putty knife or chisel to pry the sink away from your countertop. You will need to chop away at the layer of dried adhesive under the sink rim to free it.

Step 4: Remove the countertops

With everything out of the way, now it’s time to get down to removing the countertops. Begin with loosening the adhesive holding the countertops in place.

How do I fix a gap between a countertop and a wall?

Slide the countertops back against the wall. Make sure the countertops are securely bolted together first. Push them all the way back and gauge how much of a gap remains between the countertop and wall. Most likely, you’ll notice a gap that needs to be fixed.

How to get stubborn countertops off?

Stubborn countertops, particularly older ones installed incorrectly, need to be pried off the countertops with a pry bar. Pry up 1 inch (2.5 cm) and then move 12 inches (30 cm) down the length of your countertop until you reach the end. Then you can use a larger pry bar to lift the entire countertop.

How do I undo a miter bolt on a countertop?

You’ll need to undo the miter bolts one last time. Slide the countertops apart. Apply a bead of silicone caulk along the miter joints on the countertop edges. Then push the countertops together and secure the bolt in place one last time.

How do I caulk a countertop?

If your countertop has a backsplash secured to the wall, it’ll also have caulking. Hold your utility knife vertically. Run the tip through the caulking all the way to the other end of the backsplash.

How do I remove a sink and range?

Loosen the mounting screws and caulk to remove the sink and range. Look underneath the sink or range to find screwed clamps securing these features to the countertops. Use a screwdriver to loosen these, then slice the caulk around the top of the sink or range with a utility knife.

How to prevent damage to countertop?

To prevent any damage to the countertops, measure the countertop depth first. You can then measure that far down from the tip of your drill bit and place a piece of tape there to show you when to stop.

What material should I use for countertops?

If you have a bit more skill, material such as granite, concrete, wood, and tile may also be used. To save time, measure out your countertops and order them pre-cut. Then, secure them to the wooden supports and fit the sink and range to make your countertops the best part of the room. Steps.

What is the best way to cover a countertop?

Polyurethane. A creative method to cover existing countertops involves using polyurethane. When applied directly to a lightly sanded, laminated countertop, polyurethane adds a deep, glossy shine to the counter surface. Several variations using polyurethane exist to refurbish a countertop.

How to add texture to counter tops?

To add texture to the counters, try using a sponge dipped in contrasting paint colors. Your creative options are only limited by your imagination. After applying the final coats, apply a couple of coats of polyurethane to protect the painted surface and add a glossy shine.

Can you put tile over laminate?

After preparing the countertops by roughing up the surface with a power sander and thoroughly cleaning it, you can install tile directly over the laminate using mastic adhesive. You can use thinset mortar if you wrap the countertop with 1/4-inch cement or tile backer board before installing the tile.

Can you tile under a countertop?

Ceramic tile is a practical method used to cover existing countertops. One requirement to tiling an existing countertop is that it must have square edges. Countertops fabricated with wrapped edges -- curved areas that wrap back under the countertop -- are not suitable for tile installation.

Can you paint laminate countertops?

Painting. Several products allow you to paint laminate countertops. But you can also paint them with high-quality enamel paint. After roughing up the counter with a power sander to provide a suitable surface for the paint to grab, you apply the paint with a brush or sponge roller.

Can you overlay granite countertops?

Because the material installs directly over existing countertops, usually in one day , you avoid the messy demolition and potential cabinet repair involved with slab countertops. After removing the sink, counter and backsplash surfaces are covered by attaching 1/4-inch granite overlays using adhesive. Although the installation is not difficult, a professional must fabricate the overlays.

Can you refurbish countertops without ripping them out?

Several alternatives, including granite overlays, tile and painting, allow you to update the counters without ripping them out. Durable countertops that use plywood instead of medium-density fiberboard are suitable for refurbishing.