After cabinets, countertops are the main focal point of your kitchen. Besides serving as an essential work surface, your counters set a mood and express your character. Do you prefer the rustic country look of wood or go for sleek Los Angeles style tile? Whatever your countertop personality, you'll enjoy taking a peek at these amazingly creative do-it-yourself countertop renos from Hometalk readers.
1. WOOD
Chapter 37 started off her DIY countertop project by shopping for "just plain wood from the lumber section." Staining and six coats of poly created counters that are not only eye-catchingly elegant, but also durable and practical. The proof? They've held up perfectly after 10 months of heavy use.
2. CONCRETE
Hymns & Verses applied concrete right on top of her tired Formica countertops. The process involves 3 to 4 applications, with time to dry and gently sand after each coat. Sealant and wax top it all off. The time and effort she put in were worthwhile, though; the low-cost results beautifully complement her country kitchen.
3. PAPER
Organize by Design covered her counters with humble craft paper, torn and mixed with water and white glue. Stain, sanding and poly – plus a generous helping of patience – were the finishing touches in the creation of these gorgeous, warm-looking countertops on a dime.
4. CHALKBOARD PAINT
March Orchard painted over her 30-year-old counters with trendy chalkboard paint. It took just two coats (the first was a base coat of black countertop paint) to get beautiful stone-like countertops that are highly functional. Besides jotting shopping lists and messages, she can place hot pots directly on the strong, food-safe surface.
5. CRAFT PAINT
Carissa Harris began by sanding, then brushing on 2 coats of primer to prepare her countertops for painting. After that, she applied 5 colors of craft paint, using sea sponges as her tools, to produce this awesome faux stone look. Total time including drying: just over 24 hours.
6. LAMINATE
House Bella took on the major project of installing laminate countertops. There were 5 steps involved – cutting the base material to size, attaching edging, gluing laminate to the base, finishing the edges and applying the whole structure to the top of her cabinets. She ended up with a striking, professional-looking result.
7. FLOOR TILE
A Button Tufted Life revamped her parents' counter using attractive off-white porcelain floor tiles banded with maple wood. The tiles' large size made for minimal grout lines, while their light color and reflective surface helped to brighten up a previously dark kitchen.
8. CONTACT PAPER
Rental Revival faced up to the challenge of revamping countertops in a rental home by adhering pretty patterned contact paper to a clean surface, caulking the edges and then sealing it with Mod Podge (a food-safe sealant could be subbed). When moving day draws near, she'll just need to peel off the paper and use a razor blade to scrape of the caulk.
