Countertop Restoration
It is very common to find scratched laminate kitchen countertops in homes because of normal everyday wear and tear. Damage can be caused by scooting dishes across the counter or cutting off your cutting board by accident.
The same materials and techniques that some people use on their cars can be used to restore countertops to their former sheen and brilliance. Countertop restoration is easy and you can breathe fresh life into your home in a single day.
What is Countertop Restoration?
Countertop restoration is a technique that involves applying a specific coating to the surface of your counters to restore their appearance. Doing this eliminates the need to remove your old countertops and replace them with new ones.
This application of a coating to your countertops has a lot of benefits, but in most circumstances, the disadvantages outweigh the benefits.
The process involves applying an extremely tough and long-lasting acrylic coating to the old countertop.
Kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, and even cultured marble sink vanities can all gain from countertop restoration.
Countertops Restoration Options
There is a variety of countertop refinishing materials available in the market today. These materials can give your kitchen or bathroom countertops the look of new ones while prolonging their life by five to seven years or even longer.
Many countertop restoration products offer a very enticing alternative to replacing them for well under $1000. You will need a few excellent days of labor to have your countertops fully restored. The types of materials you can use to finish countertops are limited, but there are a few that perform well.
- Re-laminate: Adding laminate sheets over existing laminate counters is one solution. Laminate is available in a huge variety of colors and designs, providing you with a lot of options. (Marble.com, 2019)
- Epoxy Coatings: Epoxy is another popular alternative for creating a range of appearances, including faux granite. Epoxy resin is known for its longevity and this makes it a popular choice for countertop restoration. It can withstand scratches and provide years of service before becoming dull.
- Polymer Resin: There are polymer resin blends that can be combined into practically any color for restoring countertops. They can also give them the appearance of stone replacement countertops to give them a classic look and feel. (Countertop Guides, 2021)
ProTip Takeaway: All these materials are exceptionally sturdy and long-lasting. The types of materials available for refinishing countertops are limited but the style you can achieve with refinished countertops is limitless.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Countertop Restoration
Countertop restoration has been a popular option for years, but recent technological advancements have made it more durable, inexpensive, and appealing to homeowners. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of countertop restoration.
The Advantages
- Restoration helps you save more money
You will be able to save more money by restoring your countertops rather than replacing them. You won't have to spend a lot of money, and you'll be able to improve their appeal at the same time.
ProTip Takeaway: The main benefit of countertop refinishing is that it can save you up to 50% on replacement costs.
- Restoration hides unattractive flaws
Countertops with dents and scratches are very unattractive. You may believe that there is no other option except to replace them, but you no longer have to go through that laborious process. Instead, restoring them will help to effectively hide defects and restore their beauty.
- Restoration gives your kitchen a new look
One of the most common reasons for restoring countertops is to improve their appearance. If you have an outdated kitchen design and want to give it a new lease on life, restoring the countertops can help you achieve your objective.
ProTip Takeaway: Within 24 to 36 hours, a refinished countertop can normally be put back in its place for use.
- Restoration helps increase the home value
Keep in mind that your kitchen is the center of your home, so it's only natural to make it appealing to the eye. If you're selling your home and want to boost its value without spending a lot of money, restoring your countertops is a great way to go. You'll be able to restore your countertops to give your kitchen a fresh new look while also increasing the value of your home. (Everglaze, 2020)
- Restoration extends the countertop life
You'll need to replace your countertops at some point because they've been worn out. You can save time and money by restoring them. Every time you do so, you give it new life, and your countertops will survive even longer. You won't have to worry about a costly replacement in the near future if you do it this way.
The Disadvantages
- The restored countertops will chip easily
Companies who refinish countertops claim that their products are long-lasting and sturdy, but this is not always the case. The countertop refinishing coating is easily chipped, especially around the edges of the counters.
It may appear to be in good shape for a while, but the damage will inevitably show. If you drop something on the counters by accident, you may wind up with a large crack in the center.
- Countertops may appear to be cheap
Companies will advertise their countertop repair services as if they can replicate the look of natural stone, but this is not always the case. People might notice that you have a faux stone in your kitchen, bathroom, man cave, and other areas, and it will immediately devalue the space's appearance.
- Refinished countertops do not last long
You'll have to repeat the countertop refinishing process every few years just to maintain your countertop appearing clean and smooth. Most restored countertops will usually last between five and seven years. (East Coast Granite, 2022)
Countertops Materials Suitable for Restoration
Not all countertop materials and conditions are suitable for restoration. As long as the laminate, tile, solid surfaces, and stone are structurally sound, it tends to be a nice fit.
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Materials that are suitable for restoration |
Materials that are unsuitable for restoration |
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Laminate surfaces such as Formica
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Butcher block wood
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Ceramic and porcelain tile
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Reclaimed wood |
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Solid surfaces such as Corian
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Epoxy
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Manufactured stone
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Stainless steel
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Natural stone
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Zinc |
Countertop Restoration Is Environmentally Friendly
For years, homeowners have ripped down perfectly functional but unsightly countertops just to replace them with newer, more fashionable materials. It is no longer considered that all countertops must be disposed of in landfills.
Granite slabs would replace laminates, while solid surface and quartz counters would replace granite. These counters would be tossed in the garbage and replaced, sometimes for practical reasons, but more often for decorative purposes.
The new way of thinking is that all materials should be preserved. Oftentimes, the countertop's body is still usable. It's just the top surface that's discolored, scraped, or simply outdated over time. It is not necessary to do away with the majority of the materials to get a fresh top surface.
DIY or Contractor
When it comes to any countertop restoration or refinishing project, the decision to do it yourself or engage a professional contractor comes down to a few factors.
- Experience: First and foremost, do you have the necessary experience, competency, or skill set for the job? If you do, the next question is if you have enough time to complete the job without rushing.
If you decide to go with a contractor, choose one with years of experience and whose reviews are great. (The Spruce, 2021)
- Take into account the budget: If you can't afford a contractor, do-it-yourself may be your only alternative. A simple cost-risk analysis, on the other hand, will assist you in making an informed selection. It's sometimes wiser to put off a home renovation project like resurfacing countertops in order to save money and get it done professionally.
If you don't want to do the restoration by yourself, hiring a contractor will cost between $250 and $700, depending on how much counter space needs to be refinished.
When you consider the long-term value of a restored countertop and how much it costs to install new counters, spending a few hundred dollars for a few years of use is a good investment.
However, being handy enough to merely buy the materials and provide the labor yourself is also a plus. Whether you hire someone or do it yourself, the ultimate result, which is beautifully restored countertops, is well worth it.
Let Smart Remodeling LLC Give Your Countertops a New Life!
Smart Remodeling LLC is the best company in Houston, Texas when it comes to cabinet restoration. We are known for our fast turnaround because we understand how crucial it is for our customers to have their countertops and other features built correctly.
When it's time to get the job done, our fabrication and installation teams have the tools and know-how to get your project cut and delivered correctly the first time. We respect your time, and our goal is to do the greatest work possible while also ensuring that you enjoy it as much as possible.
Smart Remodeling LLC has a committed team of cabinet restoration experts eager to help you restore the brilliance and beauty of your countertops. Please contact us right away at 832 800 8889 or visit us at 12711 Fuqua St, Suite 106, Houston, TX 77034.