Reimagining Your Kitchen Countertops with Coverings
Upgrading your kitchen countertops can be an expensive endeavor, often requiring full replacements. However, before taking on a major renovation, consider refreshing your existing countertops with easy DIY coverings. Covering materials like tiles, laminates, or wood can transform worn counters without breaking the bank.
Covering existing countertops allows you to customize the look of your kitchen on a budget. Learn about popular covering options, steps for installation, and tips on maintaining your new covered countertop surface.
Reasons to Cover Kitchen Countertops
Why should you consider covering your outdated or damaged countertops instead of replacing them entirely? Coverings offer an affordable makeover for the heart of your home.
- Update worn or dated countertops affordably. Coverings cost a fraction compared to full tear-outs and replacements.
- Customize look and feel of kitchen. From sleek granite-look laminates to warm butcher block, coverings let you pick your new countertop style.
- Protect countertops from damage. Adding a protective top layer shields existing counters from new stains, burns, and scratches.
- Easy DIY home improvement project. With basic tools and patience, homeowners can tackle countertop coverings and save on installation fees.
Whether you want to prep surfaces for selling or simply desire an updated style, coverings check all the boxes as a weekend upgrade project.
Assessing Your Current Countertops
Before deciding on a covering, thoroughly examine your existing countertops. Check for cracks, stains, levelness, and potential moisture damage issues. Countertops with minor flaws can be covered, while major damage may warrant replacement.
Create a countertop assessment checklist:
- Note visible cracks wider than a hairline
- Test corners and edges for chips or weaknesses
- Mark uneven areas along the countertops
- Identify any previous amateur repairs
- Check corners and seams for gaps indicating separation
Be extra diligent around sinks or cooktop cutouts for trouble signs. If your checklist reveals more than superficial flaws, coverings could lead to headaches down the road.
Countertop Covering Materials
Today's countertop coverings span way beyond basic contact paper. Modern materials offer the looks of natural stone, tile, and wood at a fraction of the price. Consider these top contenders for achieving a new kitchen style:
Laminate Sheets
- Affordable option for temporary upgrades
- Durable and easy to clean
- Wide range of colors and patterns
From solid colors to faux marble, laminate sheets easily adhere to existing counters with adhesive. Peel-and-stick options skip messy glue steps for temporary coverings. Measure carefully for a wrinkle-free application. Use a utility knife to trim laminates around corners and edges.
Tile
- Match existing kitchen backsplashes
- Stain-resistant and waterproof
- Durable for years of use
Ceramic, porcelain, or even peel-and-stick tile creates a seamless, built-in look covering counters and backsplashes. Use primer and thinset mortar suitable for countertop use. Allow proper drying time between steps. Finish by sealing grout lines.
Granite
- Stylish natural stone appearance
- Heat and scratch-resistant
- Install over existing counters
Achieve the high-end elegance of granite without removing your existing countertop. Granite-look coverings have adhesive backing for securing directly over old surfaces. Use 100% silicone caulk to seal seams and edges.
Butcher Block
- Warm, natural material
- Durable and sturdy for meal prep
- Regular sealing required
For a live-edge style, nothing beats butcher block countertop covers. Wood surfaces must be thoroughly sealed to resist moisture damage in kitchen settings. Expect to re-seal every few months under heavy use.
Getting Creative with Coverings
If you want to move beyond basic countertop materials, get creative with unique coverings options:
- Painted tile or glass mosaics
- Bold and colorful concrete resurfacing products
- Metallic meshes or textured wallpaper
- Reclaimed wood planks or paneling
Make sure creativity still considers durability needs for water, heat, and daily wear and tear.
How to Cover Countertops
While specific steps vary slightly based on materials, countertop upgrades generally involve:
- Prepare the countertop. Deep clean surface, remove sink/faucet accessories, appliances, and existing backsplashes.
- Measure space and allowances. Account for overhangs and corners in measurements. Leave ample room for trimming coverings to fit.
- Cut covering material to size. Use measurements to cut coverings. Allow overlap for adjustments during adhesive application.
- Secure covering evenly across surface. Apply adhesive or mortar carefully while smoothing out air pockets and wrinkles.
A clean, debris-free surface helps coverings properly adhere. Creating templates from cardboard or paper streamlines the cutting process. Work slowly when laying down coverings to prevent trapped air bubbles.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Watch out for these all-too-common missteps on countertop coating projects:
- Not fully cleaning and prepping existing countertop
- Failing to account for overhang space in measurements
- Rushing adhesive application steps
- Allowing corners or edges to lift up while smoothing
- Using too little or too much adhesive or mortar
Staying organized, precise, and patient goes a long way toward a successful application. Having an extra person helps manage materials and catches potential mishaps.
Helpful Tools
Gather these supplies to make installing coverings easier:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Utility knife
- J-roller
- Primers
- Thinset mortar
- 100% silicone caulk
Having an extra set of hands helps manage large coverings and smooth surfaces during application. Patience and care in aligning edges prevents uneven seams or overlaps.
Maintaining Covered Countertops
The care and cleaning steps for your new covered countertop depends on the material:
- Use cutting boards and hot pads to protect surfaces
- Clean spills quickly with mild detergent and water
- Re-seal tile grout lines and natural stone materials yearly
- Consider re-finishing wood counters as needed
Harsh cleaners can damage coverings over time. Check manufacturer instructions to avoid stripping or fading finishes prematurely. Proper, regular care keeps covered countertops looking like new for years.