When we started our restoration project, we decided to hold off on doing a full kitchen renovation. The kitchen does not necessarily have a look or layout that we would choose, but it is functional and, for now, that’s what’s important. So we wanted to spend as little money as possible in this space until we do a full renovation down the road. We have done a few easy upgrades that we think have really made an impact in that space. We painted the walls (Sherwin Williams Morning Fog) and trim (glossy white), painted the cabinets white, installed new engineered hardwoods, installed a new sink faucet and garbage disposal, installed a 5-burner gas range we found on Craigslist, and bought a new fridge. With the exception of the fridge, which was our big splurge (although still a bargain), we’ve spent less than $700 in the kitchen.
But there’s still one glaring problem area: the countertops. They are ugly and cheap laminate countertops with lots of stains–paint stains, burn stains, food stains, etc. And no amount of cleaning is going to make them look better. So I’ve been exploring some options…
1. Paint – Apparently you can paint countertops. See examples here, here, and here. This would be pretty inexpensive and give us a lot of creative freedom, but I worry about durability.
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2. Concrete – This would be an inexpensive and durable option, but it could prove difficult to do ourselves. Also, to my knowledge there isn’t a food-safe concrete sealer available. We could get around this by always using cutting boards, etc. but it may become a nuisance. Examples here and here.
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3. Buy New – We could purchase new, inexpensive countertops from somewhere like Ikea. This would probably be the easiest option for us, but the most expensive of the three.
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We have less than 25 square feet of counter space, which would make any of these options pretty economical.
Does anyone have experience with any of these methods? Is there another option we should look into? What are your thoughts?
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I like the Rustoleum stone in a can idea. My second choice would be the Ikea wood look. You guys have so much work ahead of you I hate to think of using the time sponge painting counters. Still you do need something that you’re going to be happy with until you can get around to the full kitchen rehab and face it that could be a few years actually and the more satisfied you are the longer you can put it off. You guys are so brave. I am in awe.
Thanks for your input, Maralyn! I tend to agree that we might not want to waste our time with such a labor-intensive project when there is so much to be done.
You might check into the price of new “granite look” laminate. It would get you through some years, might be in a price point you could tolerate, and there are numerous color options. My guess is the price might be well under $20 per foot installed. Or you could dig into the piggy bank and look at granite. We had our granite installed for $42/foot and it included a new sink. However splurging on granite might not be the best option if you are looking at a complete kitchen re-do in 5 years or so. Good luck!
We recently finished a “let’s make it good enough for 5 years” reno in our kitchen and we went with Ikea butcher block. It’s gotten a few marks and dings, but it just looks like it has some character. Overall happy with the choice and thrilled with a not scary, functional kitchen! There are pictures of the counter tops 1 year later here…
http://thecasapino.com/blog/update-the-kitchen
Welcome, Lea! Your counters look fantastic! Thanks for the tip! :)
Old Town Home used the spray stuff for the first few years of residence in their place. They’ve got a blog post about it. http://www.oldtownhome.com/2011/11/3/Quick-Kitchen-Counter-Update—With-Textured-Spray-Paint/index.aspx
I’m not connected to them but love their blog!
Go and look up Giani…….It is countertop paint and I actually have a box waiting on me now to use b/c we too have some laminate countertops that we cannot replace just yet in this 1970’s house we are doing….suppose to be super durable and looks great it it turns out like the website says it will. I think its Gianigranite.com Good luck!!!