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How To Make Kitchen Countertops Shine Premium Copper Patina FX Poxy Countertop Kit

Cost Of Refinishing Countertops Versus Replacing Them With New

What kind of looks can you give to refinished countertops? All of these materials – laminate sheeting, epoxy and polymer resin – are extremely durable and long-lasting. In addition, you can refinish solid wood countertops rather than replace them as well, in the same way you would refinish a wood floor. If you plan to replace countertops, you’ll need to start the process several weeks before you want the job done.
My Marble Look Countertops For A Fraction Of The Price | Duration 4 Minutes 58 Seconds When refinishing countertops versus replacing countertops, the process can take a week or less, with the actual refinishing being done in just 1-3 days depending on how much countertop surface you have. On average, homeowners save between 30% and 70% by refinishing versus replacing countertops. And when you see the range of styles, colors and looks you can give your old countertops, you might want to try refinishing countertops versus replacing them. The debate about the cost of refinishing countertops versus tearing them out and replacing them with new granite or quartz countertops is never-ending, and one of the most important first questions we’ll explore. How much money does it save to refinish countertops versus replacing them? There are limits to the type of materials you can use to finish countertops with, but several work very well. The types of countertops that can be refinished versus replacing them include tile, cultured marble, and laminate. Once they’re done, you remove the old countertops and then begin the installation process which can be time-consuming in itself. If you want to get your kitchen transformed for the holidays, a graduation open house or other event, the time comparison is clearly in favor of refinishing countertops.

Cost To Replace Bathroom Countertops Granite Lowes Laminate Color by city-data.com

Many have the look and feel of real granite for half the cost. Keep in mind your long laminate top is too long for you to transport so the store will have to deliver it. It will be the easiest, least expensive and least messy to do. Since the sinks are under-mounted you don’t have to mess with them at all. Current countertops are in good condition, would just prefer a cultured marble or something else. They are made to all the exact sizes of your industry standard sized cabinets, then plus 1 inch for overhang.

How To Install Laminate Countertops This Old Farm House Kitchen Remodel Cheap | Duration 13 Minutes 12 Seconds Take a 2nd look at the awesome look and feel of today’s generation of laminates. Granite slabs come about 9′ and solid surface about the same. You can now get undermount sinks on laminate tops, all one piece seamless, just like you see with solid surface. If your vanity is between walls you will have to get a very very specific measurement then minus a tad so it fits in. The natural grain of real stone cannot be even approached by the “artists” who create that crap. You would remove the faucets, rough up the existing laminate, glue down a new layer of laminate and reinstall the faucets.

Buyer’S Guide To Laminate Countertops For Kitchens and Bathrooms by thespruce.com

Formica, a brand name of the oldest type of laminate counter material, has long carried the laminate legion—and sometimes burden—for the rest of the industry. Alas, times change and for laminate countertops, change has been for the good. Not only that, but granite laminate counters now have better finishes which more closely imitate granite. Even solid surface and quartz countertop materials can have that desired three-dimensional quality. Homeowners are re-discovering laminate’s ease of installation and surprisingly low cost. Many of the myths and assumptions about laminate countertops have been shattered (or never existed in the first place), opening up more kitchens and bathrooms for lam inate countertops. If you spend enough time starting at a sheet of laminate countertop, you’ll notice the pattern repeating roughly every 18 inches. There is a myth that laminate will easily scratch—the truth is that, these days, laminate will scratch , but not easily. Natural stones, such as granite, have the appearance of depth because they are deep. But laminate countertop materials are a thin veneer—no more than a few millimeters—so depth must be achieved some other way.

Install Laminate Countertops by lowes.com

Finally, check to see if your walls are fairly straight with a square and level. Hold them on the cabinets, drill pilot holes and attach the strips with nails or short wood screws about every 2 feet, staying 2 inches from the ends. Try to get the mitered corner as tight as possible and tighten the miter bolts. Set a compass to the width of the widest gap and scribe a line along the back edge.

New Laminate Kitchen Countertops | Duration 10 Minutes 58 Seconds If you want a bit of overhang – the standard is 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches – add that to the measurement. You can also make your own with 1-by-2 pieces of lumber. Take off the new countertop and sand to the line with a belt sander. To see how laminate countertops can transform a space, check out our budget-friendly kitchen makeover.

High Pressure Laminate by wilsonart.com

Manufacturing defects also include the adhesion of the tape to the backside of the decorative laminate. Stubborn stains that resist any of the above cleaning methods may require the use of undiluted household bleach or nail polish remover. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry using a soft cloth. Drain cleaners containing lye will permanently damage the laminate surface. Wipe spills away promptly and rinse several times with water. If a spill occurs, wipe off all residue immediately, wash thoroughly with soapy water and rinse several times. Do not use them for cleaning and don’t store steel wool pads on your countertop; the metal can rust and leave stains. If spills occur, wipe up immediately, wash surface with soapy water and rinse several times. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty is expressly conditioned upon submission of proof of date of purchase. Adhesion of the product to any specific substrate or application. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. Difficult stains such as coffee or tea can be removed using a mild household cleaner and baking soda; mixing to achieve a paste consistency. Do not scrub so as to mar (damage, scratch) the surface fin ish. Use a cotton ball saturated with bleach or nail polish remover (acetone), gently rub the stain for up to two minutes. This step may be repeated if the stain appears to be going away and the color of the laminate has not been affected. If you spill a drain cleaner, wipe it up immediately and rinse several times with water.

How To Update Your Laminate Countertops Without Replacing Them | Duration 3 Minutes 1 Seconds Rust removers contain harsh chemicals, which will quickly cause permanent damage.

Cost To Refinish Countertops by fixr.com

Most tile, cultured marble, and laminate countertops can be refinished. Refinishing also takes less time than replacement, so homeowners are back to cooking in their own kitchen faster. The labor included in refinishing countertops would be set-up and preparation including protecting the surrounding area; behind the scenes prep work including planning, equipment and material purchasing, setup and basic cleanup; removing and/or masking the attached trim and hardware; and sanding 1 the countertop. Use caution, trivets and cutting boards when preparing food or setting down hot objects. Professionally refinished countertops typically carry a 3-5 year warranty. How much does it cost to refinish countertops in my city ? Extend the life of your countertops 10-15 years or longer by having them refinished instead of replacing them. Refinishing countertops extends the functional life of already installed countertops without replacement, and can save a homeowner up to 50% their replacement cost. Refinishing is best for updating dated countertops, or for counters with minor scrapes, cuts or burns, but cannot be used if a homeowner would prefer to change the layout of their countertops. Epoxy 2 countertops can be made to look painted or to look more like natural stone. Cost to refinish countertops varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).

How Much Do Kitchen Countertops Cost by whatitcosts.com

Over time, that style of architecture lost favor as homeowners embraced the concept of the “open” floor plan. What formerly was considered strictly as the setting for meal preparation is now also considered one of the social gathering places within the home. So important are these functional and aesthetic considerations that when homeowners consider remodeling their homes, they most often look to the kitchen as the place to begin.

Epoxy Painting How To Paint Laminate Countertops Marble (Part 1) | Duration 6 Minutes 45 Seconds That also makes good economic sense since kitchen remodeling has the highest average return on investment when selling your home. That’s understandable since countertops are such a highly visible part of the kitchen. However, not only are countertops highly visible, they are also utilitarian and must be able to withstand years of daily use. Interestingly, more and more homeowners are now choosing laminate not for its affordability but for its aesthetic effect. However, laminate is not heat resistant so you would never want to place very hot pots, for example, directly on its surface. Tile is most commonly made either of ceramic or porcelain, but can also be made of natural stone, such as granite and marble. To avoid thermal shock and breakage, do not place very hot objects directly on a tile countertop. Tile prices vary dramatically from depending on color, texture and material. This underlayment provides the installer with a smooth and level surface that will ensure professional results. When nicks and scratches do occur, a gentle rubbing using a scotchbrite pad can usually buff them out. Corian™, arguably the leader in this category, offers 130 color and pattern choices. Since it is non-porous, solid engineered stone surfaces do not require sealing. Solid engineered stone is preferred by people who want the look and feel of natural stone combined with the convenience of a synthetic product. Like the solid engineered stone described above, this process uses materials that are non-porous, scratch resistant, and maintenance-free. Be sure to inspect your granite slab before fabrication since each slab is unique even within the same color grade. To prevent the edge of the unfinished plywood layer from being visible, it must be hidden from view by having a “built up” edge fabricated onto the granite slab. However, since marble is relatively softer and more absorbent than some other natural stone materials, it requires much more maintenance to keep it looking new. However, many homeowners who do not necessarily want to retain a like-new appearance, and who do not want to bother resealing their countertops frequently, select marble for its ability to age gracefully by developing a glowing patina. However, soapstone’s color may be altered wherever it is subjected to extreme heat. Soapstone is non-absorbent and therefore does not require sealing.

Faux Granite Countertops. Diy Project | Duration 1 Minutes 4 Seconds However, most surface stains that do occur can be rubbed out or sanded to reveal a like-new surface. In the hands of a skilled artisan specializing in concrete countertops, concrete can be molded into an endless variety of forms, colors and textures, and can include decorative additives such as seashells and colored stones. One way requires the homeowner to take a more active role in coordinating the various steps of the project. If you use the first method, you will need to shop for your stone at any of a number of retailers that sell stone slabs to the public. These retailers display their slabs in large warehouse-like facilities where you can stroll through dozens or hundreds of slabs that are stacked on edge like gigantic books. This method is preferred by homeowners who want to maintain control of the project each step of the way, or by homeowners who want to work with a specific fabricator with whom they’ve worked on a past project. These retailers provide a one-stop-shop experience that many homeowners prefer. However, the real value of this method is that the store’s volume price advantage can be passed directly to you. Back then, the typical home was a highly compartmentalized structure with each functional area separated from the next by a wall. Surveys confirm that homeowners overwhelmingly choose the kitchen as the room they would most like to remodel. Once the decision is made to begin a home remodel in the kitchen, many homeowners choose kitchen countertop replacement as their first project. New countertops provide maximum visual effect for your remodel dollars. Today’s homeowner has more choices than ever in countertop materials. According to a recent survey, many younger homeowners choose laminate countertops for its “retro” look. Laminate is non-porous, fairly durable, and requires virtually no maintenance. Laminate countertops come ready-made in common lengths as small as six feet long and as large as 10 feet long, and in standard widths. Since laminate comes readymade in large sections and is made of easily cut materials, it can be installed relatively quickly by a competent and experienced handyman. Tiles vary in their ability to withstand temperature extremes. Grout is used to fill the spaces between individual tiles, and since it is porous, grout must be sealed after installation and yearly thereafter to protect against discoloration and bacterial buildup. Most tile installers include the application of an underlayment in their price quotes. Solid synthetics are considered non-porous and so never require sealing. It is also preferred by homeowners who desire a more consistent pattern, and less of the random patterns and “visual movement” that are created by the highly varied grain and veining characteristics of granite. This product eliminates the cost and mess associated with demolition of an existing countertop. Granite is popular because of its rich look, color variety, and natural grain and vein patterns. Although granite is relatively heat resistant and safe from thermal shock, it is always wise to use trivets whenever placing ver y hot items on your countertop regardless of the material. Without proper sealing, granite can be stained by acidic liquids such as red wine. This translates to having to reseal a marble countertop as often as every few months. And for you bakers, marble’s ultra smooth finish and cool feel make it ideal for rolling out bread and pastry doughs. Soapstone is considered exceptionally heatproof and is not susceptible to thermal shock. In fact, it is not affected by contact with most household liquids with the exception of mineral oil, which will darken the stone. Once you’ve selected your slabs, you will then select a fabricator to perform the tasks described below. Using this method, the homeowner can see samples of stone right in the convenience of the store. This method enables the retailer to quote you a price per square foot that is truly all-inclusive. In fact, it is very difficult to beat their prices especially when they offer seasonal specials, which they often do throughout the year.

How To Replace Kitchen Laminate Countertops With New Laminate by homeguides.sfgate.com

It remains sticky most of its lifetime, but it breaks down easily with acetone, which is also known as fingernail polish remover. Inject some acetone into the crack, and wait a few minutes for the acetone to soften the glue. When it gets hard to pull, squirt some more acetone under it. Use more acetone if needed to get the glue off stubborn spots. Purchase pieces as big as possible so you don’t need to splice them together. It has to be placed almost perfectly the first time because you can’t move it if you get it on crooked. When the glue is dry, carefully place them on the fascia with the top edge of the strip flush with the top edge of the countertop. When the cement is dry, place 1/2-inch by 36-inch dowels on the countertop, parallel to each other six inches apart. Tap the surface of the laminate with a rubber mallet to bond it permanently. This type of bit has a bearing at the bottom that protects the laminate. Place the router on the edge of the laminate anywhere it overhangs. When the bearing makes contact with the edge, begin pulling the router toward your body. Use a 3/8-inch bit and drill/driver to drill holes through any spaces that you’ve laminated over, such as the sink. Sand all of the edges by hand with a folded piece of 180-grit sandpaper. If your laminate has bubbles, cracks or loose seams, there’s a good chance the glue has lost its grip. This type of problem typically requires complete removal and replacement. This everyday chemical can be purchased at any paint or home improvement store in larger quantities. Use the putty knife to cut loose strands of glue as you pull up on it. When you’ve removed all the laminate, scrape the gelled glue off the countertop with a putty knife. Each piece of laminate should be at least one inch bigger around the perimeter of the countertop to allow for routing. If needed, you can cut the laminate on a table saw to fit custom areas. Use a paintbrush to paint the back of the piece that you’re working on with contact cement. Paint the back of the strip and the front of the fascia with contact cement. Paint the spot on the countertop where you plan on placing it. This allows you to adjust the laminate perfectly by moving it around on the dowels. The laminate will settle into place exactly where you want it. It has a cutting bit that trims the edges off flush and smooth. Insert the laminate bit into the hole, and route out the opening.

Replacing Countertops: 5 Things Every Homeowner Should Know by owners.com

For example, the cost of granite is determined by its grade and quality. However, if you are planning to sell the home in the future, lower grade granite might prove to be the most cost-effective. On average, most countertop companies can measure, fabricate and install new countertops over a two-week period. If your counters are generally in good shape, you may want to replace only one section, such as the island countertop, with a high-end material. Whether you’re completely renovating a space, or it just needs a face-lift, new countertops can completely transform a room. This project can slide either way on the expense scale and depends greatly on the countertop material you choose. If you’re thinking about replacing countertops, here’s what you should know before you start the renovation process. Each material sits at a different price point and requires a unique installation process. Today’s laminate options come in a wide variety of colors, patterns and textures. Solid surface countertops are one of the few materials that can include an integrated sink, offering a seamless installation and final look. Its wide variety of color and pattern offerings has broadened its appeal for home decor applications. Distinct flecks and rich color options make marble one of the most popular flooring and countertop materials. However, some home-improvement centers offer premade laminate kitchen countertops that you can easily cut to size and install yourself. Granite wholesalers use a scale between two and five to grade the quality of individual slabs, with five being the finest. If you are updating your forever home, grade-five granite might be worth the investment. If you have a limited budget, or are looking to update your kitchen without breaking the bank, you may want to consider opting for updated laminate countertops. Aside from paying for your new countertops and their installation, you can expect to have to pay additional labor costs to cover plumbing, cabinet reinforcement and paint touch-ups. The fabrication times will vary depending on the material you choose, its availability and the schedule of the company you hire to complete the project. This can help to enhance the appeal of your kitchen’s existing counters and cabinets at a much lower cost.

Laminate Kitchen Countertops by houselogic.com

Shop around and you’ll find a nearly unlimited selection of richly colored solids, midcentury patterns, and enticing-to-touch textures. Laminates are made with layers of paper, including a decorative layer, and melamine resin. However, laminate countertops still aren’t as long-lasting as other materials, such as stone and solid surfaces. Household cleaners with mild abrasives can dull the surface. Laminates don’t stand up to heat, such as a pot with a hot bottom. Clean counters with water and a non-abrasive household cleaner. Generally, the thicker the product, the more durable and costly it’ll be. Fancy edge treatments — beveling, ogees, and bullnose — kick up the costs, too. Today, advanced photographic technology creates laminates that look more like the real thing, and unique patterns can be up to 5 feet wide — wide enough to create an entire “granite” kitchen island with no repeating pattern. Thankfully, today’s laminates aren’t as prone to chipping and cracks as products from days gone by.

How To Replace Countertops With Pictures by wikihow.com

Then, secure them to the wooden supports and fit the sink and range to make your countertops the best part of the room. First, turn off the lines by finding the shutoff valves under the sink and range or by turning off the main valve in the basement. Place a bucket under the pipes to catch any water left in them. Use a screwdriver to loosen these, then slice the caulk around the top of the sink or range with a utility knife. Make sure the unit is off to the unit if you’re removing an electric range. Stubborn countertops, particularly older ones installed incorrectly, need to be pried off the countertops with a pry bar. Then you can use a larger pry bar to lift the entire countertop. To avoid damaging the countertops, be careful and work as slowly as possible. Many marble or granite countertops are only put on with adhesives rather than screwed in. Run a tape measure along the space where the countertop will rest. Put on safety goggles and a dust mask first to protect yourself from flying shards and material particles. Placing masking tape over the cutting lines can reduce splintering. Flip the sink or range over, then use a pencil to trace around their perimeter. Your sink or range may have come with a template to be used when sketching the outline. The trace lines can be hard to see against dark countertops. Cut all the way around the outline and clear away the excess material. Be sure to get the inside of the countertop where you cut the space for the sink or range. If they’re not high enough, the front will overhang and block the cabinet doors. Some countertops come packaged with these strips, so you won’t have to make them yourself. Start at one end of the cabinet structure where the countertop will rest. Its ends should rest on the front and back edges of the cabinet. Drill a hole in both ends of the strips, directly over the cabinet frame. Turn the screws with a cordless screwdriver to secure the strips in place. Lay them on top of the build-ups and ensure they connect smoothly. Make any adjustments you need by reducing the size of the build-up strips or the countertops themselves. Pre-cut countertops should come with miter bolts to fasten the countertop pieces together. If you cut the countertops yourself, make miter joints first to fit the countertops together. Another way to connect countertop pieces is to get an aluminum joining strip from the store. Slide the other countertop piece into the joining strip’s groove. Make sure the countertops are securely bolted together first. Lay the tool flat against the wall and adjust the pencil end so the tip is on the edge of the tape. The countertop should be as level and close to the wall as possible. Apply a bead of silicone caulk along the miter joints on the countertop edges. When using aluminum strips instead of miter joints, you won’t need to do this, so enjoy skipping the extra work. The easiest way to do this is to drill up through the build-up strips. For extra support, place small angle brac kets along the build-up strips. Double-check the thickness of your countertop and build-up strips and get longer or shorter screws as needed. 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. Finish sealing the countertop by securing the backsplash to the wall. Spread a bead of the caulk all around the edge of the sink or range. Brush a layer of contact cement over the backs of the side strips. Press the strips to the countertop’s edges to hold them in place. Next, cut your new countertops to the correct size, set the countertops down, and cut out the shapes of the appliances. Then, sand the countertop down to the scribe line, caulk the miter joints, and screw the countertops to the cabinets. For more guidance, like how to add build-up strips, read on! Fortunately, replacing laminate countertops is a project that you can tackle on your own. Use pliers to twist the ring-shaped nuts to remove the drain pipe and p-trap. If you have a garbage disposal unit attached to your sink, don’t forget to unplug the cord from the outlet. Look underneath the sink or range to find screwed clamps securing these features to the countertops. Once finished, push the sink or range from the bottom to lift it off the countertop. Disconnect the power wires in the metal box behind the range to pull the range out. If your countertop has a backsplash secured to the wall, it’ll also have caulking. Run the tip through the caulking all the way to the other end of the backsplash. Remove the drawers and cabinet doors and look at the underside of your countertop. Undo these screws to free the countertop and move it from the wooden supports. You may also slip a reciprocal saw between the countertop and cabinets to cut screws and nails. Avoid cutting into the countertop from above when using a saw. If you have your old countertops on hand, they may serve as a useful guide. When building around a corner in your room, plan on connecting 2 countertops cut diagonally. For synthetic countertops like laminate, use a fine-tooth handsaw or jigsaw to fashion the countertops. You may still need to make some cuts to fit the countertops once you have them. You may want to set the countertop in place first to get a better idea of where these features need to go. If it doesn’t, use posterboard or cardboard to trace your own sink or range template. Place masking tape first and trace over it to make the lines more visible. Drill holes large enough to fit your saw blade in each corner of your countertop. When the edges feel smooth and safe to the touch, you’re ready to move on. Place the countertops on the wooden supports or measure their front edges. In particular, pay attention to where 2 pieces of countertop meet. Place the miter bolts in the miter joins on the undersides of the countertops, then twist the end of the bolt to secure everything in place. These can be tricky to make, so consider hiring a professional. Cut it to size, then screw it to the side of the countertop. Push them all the way back and gauge how much of a gap remains between the countertop and wall. Get a scribing tool, and find the largest gap between the countertop and wall. Keep the scribing tool at this length and draw the line all the way across the tape. You may need to add shims under the counter or scribe and sand the cabinet’s sides to do this. Wear down the back part of the counter to the line you traced. Push them against the wall and measure them again with the scribing tool. Then push the countertops together and secure the bolt in place one last time. Apply the screws so they enter but don’t exit the countertop. Screw the brackets into the countertop and the cabinets to hold them in place. To prevent any damage to the countertops, measure the countertop depth first. Squeeze a bead of caulk into the gap and move the caulk gun all the way across the backsplash in one motion. Silicone latex caulk is the best choice since it’s both water-resistant and paintable. Flip these objects over and find your tube of silicone caulk. When finished, carefully pick up the object and lay it into the hole you cut earlier. If they haven’t been pre-cut, measure the length of the free edges of the countertops. Wait about 20 minutes for the glue to feel dry to the touch. It helps to place a towel over the countertop to avoid getting the glue on it. Before you begin, place a towel over the countertop to avoid damaging it. Take your time getting the strips to blend in so you avoid scratching your new countertop. After that, bolt the countertop pieces together, slide them against the wall, and scribe the backsplash.

What You Need To Know Before Replacing Laminate Counters With Granite by archcitygranite.com

Over time, laminate countertops can wind up with an array of well-earned scratches, and their color can even fade or become dated. Once you’ve made the decision to upgrade, the granite countertops of your dreams will be within reach, and you’ll have about two weeks’ worth of sleep until they’re fully installed. When the crew is done, you’ll hardly recognize your kitchen. Every angle will be measured (and measured again) to ensure your new granite countertops will fit according to the exact specifications. Additionally, a strong base will be installed to support the new countertop. Remodeling your kitchen is a transformation to behold, and one that reveals the truth — not all countertops are created equal. Granite countertops, on the other hand, offer so many short- and long-term advantages that are preferred by most people. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know before replacing your laminate counters with granite. First, you have to work with your sales consultant to select your stone. Are you okay with the fissures and other features inherent in your stone? Every surface space will be leveled with precision and all of your appliances will be reconnected.

2019 Laminate Countertops Costs and Benefits by home advisor.com

Plastic, however, gained a reputation as being bad for the environment. All of these layers are sandwiched together to make a countertop surface that is light, cheap, and easy to work with while being aesthetically attractive. To compare the cost with other commonly used materials, let’s look at an average kitchen with 30 feet of countertop. Plywood is strong and very stable, but hidden flaws can hamper its ability to adhere to the laminate. Plywood, when cut, needs to be cut in matching grain when sections are being joined. Kraft paper – a resin-saturated layer providing the smoothness or texture of the decorative layer. Melamine wear layer – the topmost clear layer that protects the countertop. They are also the leader in environmentally sustainable production. Manufacturers have kept up with the times and, as these countertops are made of waste material and recycled paper, they have even been ahead of the times. Laminate is the least expensive option for your kitchen. To keep it looking its best, don’t use it as a cutting board, don’t set hot pots or pans on it, and clean it with a non-abrasive cleanser. As long as you build it up to about 1 ½ inches, you will have a good surface to apply the laminate. The laminate itself should be bought in sheets longer and wider than your substrate. Print film – the decorative layer that has the pattern on it. The price depends on factors such as manufacturer, color, and style. Any countertop can break if transported incorrectly, so this should be left up to the professionals. Take another look at this lightweight, inexpensive material and see what a valuable heavyweight it can be for your countertops!