Best Options for Countertop Covers
Countertop covers are always temporary to one degree or another; none are permanent solutions. The most temporary countertop covers are spray paint and PVC countertop films. At some point, these covers will scratch, gouge, or otherwise fail. Other covers are longer-lasting temporary solutions: ceramic tile, laminate, or wood overlays. Always, though, the end game of countertop covers is to extend the countertop until you have the budget or desire to replace the counter with a new countertop. That said, the best options for countertop covers are ceramic tile and countertop resurfacing kits. They offer the longest-lasting results for the price. Unlike other options, such as laminate or skim concrete, both options are straightforward and require no special skills. Glazed ceramic and porcelain tile are the most stain- and heat-resistant, plus they come in a vast range of sizes, shapes, and colors. Natural stone tile also works for this application, but the stone must be sealed periodically to protect against stains. Tile can be installed directly on top of the old counters, provided they are flat and are stable enough to prevent the new tile from cracking. If your counters can accommodate a little extra thickness, it’s best to start with a layer of 1/4-inch cement board glued to the countertop, and lay the tile over that. Tile is extremely durable and generally easy to clean, but the grout joints are prone to staining and collecting grime. To minimize stains and deep-set dirt, be sure to seal the grout as soon as possible after installing the tile, and re-apply the sealer every few years, as recommended by the manufacturer. jodiejohnson / Getty Images Refinishing kits come with everything you need (except for a few tools and basic supplies) to completely cover a standard-size countertop, including the front edge and, if desired, a 4-inch backsplash. The overall process is straightforward and non-technical, but it involves some hard work, messy sanding, and careful attention to detail. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter for the best results that will last for years. One downside of countertop resurfacing kits is their price: often, ranging from $200 to $300. edel-fotografie / Getty Images A laminate re-covering process is similar to fabricating new custom laminate countertops. You cut the sheets a little bit oversize and glue them down with contact cement. Then you trim the edges flush to the old counter with a router or laminate trimmer. The result is essentially a brand new countertop. Best of all, the new layer adds less than 1/8 inch of thickness. After roughing up the old counter surface with sandpaper to ensure proper adhesion, you apply multiple thin coats of cement leveler, using a trowel or a drywall knife. The final coat of cement needs a food-grade sealer (and wax, if desired) for a shiny finish that cleans easily and resists stains. A faux-concrete cover isn’t exceptionally durable and may be prone to scratches and stains. But it’s an easy, inexpensive option for those who love the concrete look. Approach this cover-up method with care and thought as it can prove to be more work than expected. The installation of countertop film is, not surprisingly, a bit fussy. But it’s no more complicated than applying contact paper. To install, lay out the film, trim it to rough size, align it to the countertop’s edges. Finally, stick it down incrementally, using a squeegee tool to work out the air bubbles as you go. Countertop film is hardly a long-term solution, but it can be an effective quick cover-up. Solid hardwood is more durable and repairable than plywood (with its very thin top veneer layer), but plywood comes in larger pieces and is less expensive. Bamboo plywood offers the best of both worlds. This material has a thicker top layer than plywood (for durability and repairs), and it comes in 4-by-8-foot sheets, just like regular plywood. This is a very custom makeover that requires some basic woodworking skills and tools. In short, you cut the main surface pieces to fit and glue them to the old counter (perhaps with screws driven up from below the old counter). Then you add a front edge made from the same material or use a solid hardwood edge to cap the layered edges of the plywood. A wood covering must be thoroughly sealed or oiled for stain- and moisture-resistance. Go with a matte finish spray paint since glossy paint shows scratches. Remove the sink and fixtures. If possible, move the entire countertop outside to avoid fumes and overspray in your home. Approach painting your countertop much like you would when you paint plastic. Lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper. Clean off the dust. Then, spray on at least three or four coats, allowing each coat to fully cure before going onto the next coat. Spray paint can last years on low-impact surfaces such as bathroom counters. KatarzynaBialasiewicz / Getty Images Modular granite pieces are about 16 to 18 inches wide, which means fewer joints between pieces, compared to tile. For those problematic inside and outside corners, there are special pieces made just for these sections, as well as optional edge pieces. The cost of materials for a modular granite makeover may not be significantly cheaper than a solid granite slab, but you can save a lot of money by tackling the installation yourself. A major downside of modular granite is availability. Modular granite isn’t a thriving industry, so finding a supplier may be difficult.
