You want your kitchen to appear its best because it is the heart of your house. A kitchen makeover, on the other hand, can be an expensive endeavor.
If you want to remodel your kitchen decor on a budget, don’t neglect laminate countertops. Laminate is a long-lasting and low-cost material that can look excellent with the correct modifications.
In this blog post, we’ll go over some low-cost ways to update your laminate countertops and give your kitchen a new look.
Paint Your Countertops
Painting your laminate countertops is a low-cost option to give them a new look. There are countertop paints available that are specifically intended to attach to laminate surfaces.
Choose a color that complements your kitchen decor and follow the manufacturer’s preparation and application directions.
Before you go ahead with this method, keep in mind that painting has a couple of drawbacks:
- Paint may not adhere properly to the laminate’s flat surface. Laminate countertops are comprised of high-quality plastic that does not absorb paint as readily as other materials such as wood or concrete. This means that the paint may easily peel or chip off, especially in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen.
- Normal wear and tear. Laminate countertops are made to be scratch, stain, and chemical resistant. However, paint is not as durable as the original laminate surface, thus its resistance to spills, stains, and various cleaning solutions is lost.
If you don’t intend to keep the countertops long term, painting them may be a good way to update their appearance.
Replace Damaged Laminate Countertops.
If your laminate countertops have started to peel or chip away, it may be best to replace them altogether.
Laminate has come a long way in recent years and you may find a number of benefits to updating the surface to a newer color, material, and/or edge type. The following are some advantages of installing all-new laminate countertops:
- Affordability: Laminate countertops are one of the most cost-effective solutions on the market, making them a favorite choice among frugal homeowners. According to the sales manager at Budget Countertops, most kitchen countertops can be replaced for around a thousand dollars or less in materials. Laminate countertops can be purchased for a low cost per square foot, making them an affordable option for a kitchen or bathroom renovation compared to other materials.
- Newer, more durable surfaces: Modern laminate countertops have a melamine finish that is relatively scratch, stain, and chemical resistant. Antibacterial surfaces have also been introduced which have been shown to reduce the lifespan of germs.
- Better colors: Modern laminates now offer higher definition patterns that come in a wider range of colors, patterns, and textures, making them aesthetically versatile enough for most kitchens. You may pick a laminate countertop that fits your aesthetic, whether you prefer a sleek, modern look or a more classic design.
- Simple installation: Because laminate countertops are generally simple to install, you can save time and money on your restoration project by DIYing the labor element. Laminate countertops can be put directly on top of existing cabinets without too much fuss. The same cannot be said for stone countertops which are so heavy it would take specialized labor to remove or replace.
Install a DIY Backsplash
Another low-cost solution to upgrade your laminate worktops is to install a backsplash in your kitchen.
A backsplash can add color and texture to your kitchen while also connecting your worktops to the rest of your decor. A backsplash can be made of a variety of materials, including ceramic tiles, peel-and-stick backsplash tiles, or painted tiles.
Before you begin installing your backsplash, you’ll obviously want to measure the space to decide how much material you will use. To verify that your backsplash is straight and even, use a measuring tape and a level.
After measuring the area, select the material for your backsplash and install it according to the manufacturer’s directions.
If you’re using ceramic tiles, add a small amount of glue to the back of each tile before pressing it firmly on the wall. After the adhesive has dried, put grout between the tiles to keep them in place and complete the aesthetic of the backsplash.
Peel and stick tiles are even simpler to install and may be removed if you ever wish to change your backsplash.
Replace Old Hardware
You’d be surprised how much new hardware can update the overall look of your kitchen’s countertops. Start by selecting hardware that complements the color and style of your laminate countertops.
We recommend something contracting, such as nickel for darker colors and black for white or light gray.
Old hardware is easy to remove with a screwdriver or hand drill. Remove the screws that hold the hardware in place with a screwdriver, then remove the hardware itself.
Next, place your new hardware against the cabinet or drawer and note the screw locations. In as little as thirty minutes you can have a fresh look.
Add a Butcher Block Overlay.
Consider putting a butcher block overlay to your laminate counters if you want to bring warmth and character to your kitchen. Butcher block is a timeless material that may add a rustic or country atmosphere to your kitchen.
Butcher block overlays are inexpensive and can be found online or at home improvement stores.
Before applying a butcher block overlay to your countertops, clean as you would for refinishing. Next, determine how much butcher block overlay you’ll need by measuring the area of your counters. Using a circular saw or jigsaw, trim the overlay to size.
You’ll need to mount the butcher block overlay to your counters after you’ve cut it to size. Apply a thin amount of adhesive to the back of the overlay before firmly pressing it onto the countertop. Screws can also be used to hold the overlay in place, but make sure to predrill pilot holes to keep the overlay from separating.
Replacing your laminate countertops does not have to be costly. You can give your kitchen a new look without breaking the bank by using these inexpensive DIY options.
If you’re handy and pick the option that best fit your needs, you’re sure to enjoy the results of your DIY kitchen makeover whether you choose to paint your countertops, add a backsplash, install new hardware, refinish your countertops, or add a butcher block overlay.
