How to Update Old Laminate Countertops 5 Easy Ways

Caught with dingy, seen-better-days laminate counter tops? We really feel you. If a kitchen rework has to dwell in your desires for now, both because of budgetary causes or since you lease, there are nonetheless methods you may affordably replace your counter tops.

For assist, we turned to dwelling way of life skilled Julian Thomas. Maybe you already know him as Marfa Stewart on TikTokor have seen his DIY tasks pop up in your Instagram feed.

He spilled 5 methods to replace outdated laminate with out spending a paycheck or two. Learn on for his sensible concepts.

Wrap Them in Contact Paper

As a former proprietor of laminate counter tops, Thomas can communicate from expertise in the case of making use of self-adhering contact paper. He calls it among the finest DIY choices he has ever made.

“Whereas sure, making use of an enormous sticker to a big floor space can appear daunting, the exhausting work and persistence is price it,” he says.

Contact paper is a breeze to take away and might be present in nearly any shade and sample, so you may coordinate with cupboards or swap it out when the inspiration strikes (or when your lease it up).

Earlier than scouring the large field retailers for choices, although, Thomas recommends shopping Etsy for designs, as they have an inclination to supply extra on-trend choices. His present favourite is this terrazzo sample.

“Whilst you’re at it, now would even be a good time to modify out cupboard or drawer knobs and pulls for a real kitchen improve,” Thomas says.

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Paint Them

“The final word technique to disguise unpleasant laminate counter tops”—that’s how Thomas describes the inexpensive possibility of portray.

He recommends looking Pinterest or TikTok for tutorials, then visiting your native dwelling enchancment retailer for a paint equipment devoted to DIY-ing a painted countertop. You’ll be able to even create a faux-marble end with paint.

Portray laminate counter tops comes with a giant warning although: not solely is paint everlasting (in contrast to peel-and-stick contact paper), however the course of is very technical. You’ll additionally want to use a food-safe sealant to defend each you and the counter tops from undesirable supplies.

“It’s important to observe directions to make sure the meals security of your counter tops, and to maintain them protected against the inevitable mess accustomed to kitchens,” Thomas says.

High Them With Butcher Blocks

Whereas contact paper and paint each require instruments and a few prior DIY know-how, there are alternatives for updating your laminate counter tops even for those who’re much less assured with a venture.

Strive topping them with butcher blocks, for instance. Merely supply butcher blocks which are large sufficient to cowl an unlimited portion of your counter tops.

“Butcher blocks can be found in all kinds of sizes and styles, and will not be solely fashionable however purposeful,” Thomas says. “Along with butcher blocks, I’d additionally think about including a spread cowl which might present continuity of the butcher block.”

Clear Them

Relying in your circumstances—maybe you’re renting—the choices listed above is probably not obtainable to you. In that case, you might as properly embrace the counter tops you have already got.

“When opting to stay with laminate counter tops, I like to recommend protecting them clear and well-organized,” Thomas says. “Typically the most suitable choice for a DIY improve is the one which requires the least quantity of effort.”

First, make sure that all storage options coordinate with one another to offer continuity. This, Thomas says, is a design trick that may simply improve even essentially the most mundane areas.

Countertop house is efficacious actual property within the kitchen, and protecting them stuffed with cooking necessities makes essentially the most sensible sense, particularly when cupboard space is proscribed.

“I’m a giant advocate for maximizing the storage potential of different kitchen surfaces in addition to counter tops,” Thomas says.

Add a Feather End for Fake Concrete Counter tops

Thomas saves this suggestion—including a feather end for a concrete-like look—for final for a cause. It’s essentially the most dedication, and never for the DIY shy, he admits.

“Precise concrete counter tops are very fashionable, but additionally tough to DIY, although it’s doable,” Thomas says.

As an alternative, using a feather end creates the modern look of concrete, no renovation vital.