How to Install Laminate Kitchen Countertops
The cheapest way to update the look of a room is by applying a fresh coat of paint to the walls. The second cheapest would be upgrading the electrical – outlets, outlet covers, and lighting. The third cheapest way to make a huge impact in the room is through new countertops. Stop! I know what you’re thinking. Countertops are so expensive! Indeed, they are, but through research, we found many options that we hadn’t considered. Here’s what we found from expensive options to cheaper options:
- Granite countertops
- Granite overlay – a thin sheet of granite that is laid over the existing counter
- Granite tiles
- “Solid surface” countertops such as Corian or Silestone
- Pre-made laminate countertops
- Laminate sheets
- Ceramic tiles
- Paint existing countertops. I’ve even read about faux painting granite on countertops, but I’ve only seen a couple photos of this technique. If you’ve done this, I’d love to see how it turned out!
After weighing our many options, budget, and design concerns, we decided on special ordering WilsonArt’s High Definition countertops in Sedona Trail. Our massive U-shaped countertops cost only about $400 to completely revamp to a faux granite look. We were both impressed at how well it turned out, so I would recommend this to anyone. If your budget is tighter, you can install in-stock laminate sheets for less than $100! The only catch to installing the sheet is that you have to have straight-edged countertops, not curved or drip-edge.
Closeup of WilsonArt's HD Sedona Trail
To view the process, see page 2 and page 3. To jump straight to the end and see the final result, as well as all of the wonderful carnivals I’m participating in, visit page 4!
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Laminate was always less expensive variant than granite or quertz.
Laminate is really the best way out, unfortunately it is very easily scratched.
These look really great! I can’t believe what a difference you made for not that much money. This is a great upgrade. It’s really good of you to give such specific instructions and advice–a real service! Thank you!
Wow those look great. We have ceramic tile and I would love to either replace them or paint them.
You make this project look so easy! I’d love to change out my boring gray counters for a nice laminate (since we can’t afford granite!!) I’m bookmarking this page. Thanks!
They look great! Huge difference too…thanks for the tutorial and for linking to Mi4M
what a great tackle and one that we will do this summer as well thanks for the great post
Now that’s a HUGE tackle! Awesome job:-)
Hi! Thanks for linking up to Trash to Treasure Tuesday with some great advice. Please add a link to REINVENTED in your post, thanks.
The joys of remodeling.
WOW! very impressive!
Great advice. I actually did paint my countertops to look like granite (or stone) http://craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/2010/01/i-painted-my-countertops.html
Those look great. I would love to have you be on my list for Tutorials. I am going to be starting a weekly tutorial. Let me know what you think.
cheri.peoples@live.com
I also have a fun give-a-way starting tonight.
THIS IS ON MY FAVS LIST and will be posted in a bit.
Cheri
You left out one inexpensive countertop choice in your list. Butcher block!! We plan on using maple butcher block countertops from Lumber Liquidators, and can do our whole kitchen for less than a thousand dollars! Butcher block looks beautiful, and you can stain it any color you like. And when it gets scratched or cut, it just adds character. And you can always sand it and start over with a new finish!
This looks so good! We did this in out first house a few years ago, and watching all your work makes me kinda tired!
Great job. Come back again and show us the cabinets!