How To Resurface Countertops

Resurfacing your countertops transform your kitchen and is cheaper than replacement. Learn about this process and whether you should DIY or leave to the pros.

Resurfacing your kitchen countertops is a budget-friendly makeover project that you can tackle yourself, whether you’ve got painted countertops, marble countertops, or another countertop type. This project can give damaged or dated countertops a new look. We offer a step-by-step tutorial for do-it-yourself (DIY) countertop resurfacing, share information about professional resurfacing services, and outline which materials you’ll need to complete a resurfacing project in the guide below. 

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Countertop Materials for Resurfacing

Countertop resurfacing is the process of capping a completely new surface over your old countertop’s surface. There are several materials from which you can choose. Consider their cost, appearance, and durability before making your final decision.

Some popular materials for countertop transformations include the following:

• Granite overlay
• Laminate
• Solid surface

Laminate Countertops

Modern laminate is available in various colors and is an affordable replacement material. But, it’s not as durable as other materials and is vulnerable to damage from scratches and heat. Excessive exposure to water can even delaminate the surface of your laminate countertops. 

Resurfacing with laminate requires you to sand your old laminate, cut a new piece to fit, and bond the new piece to the sanded surface with contact cement.  

Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface countertops resemble engineered or natural stone and are available in many colors. They’re durable but not quite as strong as stone countertops. They’re also susceptible to heat damage, scratches, and stains. You must use trivets and butcher blocks for food prep if you choose these countertops.

To install solid surface countertops, clean and prep your existing surface, apply adhesive, and put the overlay in place. 

Granite Overlay

Resurfacing your existing counter with granite overlay gives you the look of granite at a much lower price. Granite overlays are also resistant to scratches and heat. Homeowners typically defer to professionals for installation, which can add to the project’s cost and take a couple of weeks.

Professionals will measure your countertops and build an overlay to match. Installation usually takes a day.

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DIY Countertop Resurfacing

You can resurface laminate countertops as part of a DIY project if you have some experience and the necessary materials. Follow the steps below: 

Gather Tools and Supplies

Gather the tools and materials below, which you can find at your local hardware store or home improvement store:

• Chip brushes
• Contact cement
• J-roller
• Jigsaw with a fine blade 
• Paint roller
• Pencil
• Router with a laminate cutting bit or a circular saw with a blade for composite materials
• Tape measure
• Wooden dowels

Clean and Prep Countertops

Begin by removing all dust and grime from your countertop and letting it dry completely. Sand the old laminate with medium-grit sandpaper to create a slightly rough surface. Remove all dust from the surface and allow it to dry again. 

Cut the New Laminate

Lay your laminate face-up on a flat surface. Measure your counter, adding 1 inch to your dimensions. Mark the dimensions on the face of your new laminate. 

If you’re using a router, cut the laminate according to the outline you marked on the laminate sheet. If you’re cutting with a circular saw, cut the basic shape of your counter and leave the curves and corners uncut. You’ll touch these up with a jigsaw after installation. Cut side strips 2.5 inches wide and 1 inch longer than your counter sides.

Adhere the Side Pieces

Use a chip brush to apply contact cement to the back of the laminate strips and the countertop sides. Allow the glue to set for 15 minutes so it gets tacky. Coat both surfaces for a second time, and allow the cement to dry on both sides.

When the surfaces are ready, position a laminate strip over the countertop side, but don’t let the surfaces touch as you precisely align the piece. Proceed to stick the laminate strip to the counter edge, smoothing it as you go. Follow this process until you’ve applied each side piece.  

Touch Up Edges

Carefully cut off overhanging edges of laminate with a jigsaw or router turned on its side. Touch up edges with a sander, and wipe away any remaining dust.

Apply the Countertop

Flip the new laminate so that it faces down. Pour contact cement onto the back of the sheet, and use a paint roller to spread the adhesive over the entire surface. Roll any excess glue onto your prepared countertop. Pour contact cement directly onto the countertop and spread it across the surface with your roller. Allow the cement to dry.

Lay wood dowels across the countertop at 12-inch intervals. Carefully flip the laminate adhesive side down and rest it on top of the dowels. Align the sheet’s edges with the counter’s edges, leaving a 1/2-inch overhang. Starting at the center, remove a dowel and press the laminate down. Continue this process, one dowel at a time, until you’ve adhered the entire top. Use firm strokes with the J-roller to smooth the surface. 

Trim Overhang

Cut away excess materials with a trim router or jigsaw, slowly and precisely. Once you’ve cut away all excess material, carefully sand any remaining rough edges.

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Professional Countertop Resurfacing Services

Resurfacing your countertops is a job that requires precision, patience, and several tools. Not every homeowner is equipped to handle the task. Hiring a professional contractor can offer you assurance that you’ll get perfectly resurfaced countertops without mistakes. 

Professional countertop resurfacing services usually include surface cleaning and prep. Specialists will create a template of your countertop and then create a new surface for an exact fit. Your overlay will be ready in a few days, when professionals install the new countertop. The terms of your contract will likely include a warranty.

If you seek professional installation, look for a business that’s maintained a good reputation for several years. Read customer reviews and compare quotes.

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Cost Comparison of DIY vs. Professional Resurfacing

The cost of your countertop resurfacing project depends on your countertop’s size, your chosen materials, and the job’s complexity. It also varies based on whether you complete installation yourself or hire professionals.

DIY Countertop Resurfacing

Resurfacing your own countertop means you only have to cover the cost of materials. Prices can vary, but some general estimates for laminate counters and cement counters are included below: 

• $86–$109 for a 4-by-8 laminate sheet
• $56 for a gallon of contact cement

*Cost data in this article sourced from the Home Depot, Lowes, and HowMuch.net.

Professional Countertop Resurfacing

The counter material you choose will have the biggest impact on installation cost. Especially large countertops, and those with complex shapes, will cost more. 

Here’s how much you might pay a professional to install different countertop materials: 

• Laminate countertop: $300–$900
• Marble, slate, or granite countertop: $300–$1,200
• Solid surface countertop: $300–$900
• Tile countertop: $350–$850
• Wood countertop: $300–$900

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Maintaining Resurfaced Countertops

Resurfaced countertops are strong and durable, but they’re not indestructible. Keep up with basic cleaning and maintenance to extend the life of your investment. Follow these tips to keep your resurfaced countertops in optimal shape: 

• Avoid damaging countertops with hot and sharp objects by using trivets and cutting boards.
• Keep your resurfaced countertop clean, and avoid abrasive scrubbing. 
• Learn which cleaning materials are safe for your new countertop surface, and avoid using products that can cause chemical damage. 
• Wipe counter surfaces dry to avoid moisture damage.

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Our Conclusion

Resurfacing your counters is a great way to update your kitchen without spending tons of money on countertop replacement. Some countertop materials offer DIY-friendly resurfacing options, but others require professional installation. Do your research before you begin your countertop refinishing project, and be sure to maintain your resurfaced countertops so they’re in good shape for years to come. 

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FAQ About Resurface Countertops

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