Like any other thing, the ease of replacing countertops depends on your skill level and the scope of the project. If you are used to installing countertops, you will find it easy to undertake the replacement. The same thing applies if you have a small project.
So replacing just the old counters while leaving the rest of existing of the kitchen intact often makes sense. Depending on the material, the job is not that complicated or prohibitively expensive.
Technically yes, you can put fresh counters on your existing cabinets. No different than being able to modify your popular kitchen cabinet handles on old cabinetry.
Ideal Kitchen Layout
Look into your overall kitchen design. If you're OK with it and you don't think that there should be anything changed or modified in terms of layouts and cabinet placements, then you can just opt to get a new countertop installed on your existing kitchen cabinets.
Tile Countertops
Ceramic and porcelain tile are among the most affordable varieties and come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including designs that mimic granite and other stone. Natural stone tiles are pricier than ceramic but are much more affordable than slab granite or marble.
Laminate is the most affordable material for use in countertops. It comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, many of which are created to look like granite, marble or other high-end materials. Most laminate countertops are attractive and surprisingly durable.
But if changing the countertop and cabinets is out of your budget, the most inexpensive yet practical idea of remodelling is simple kitchen countertop replacement and give this important room a new life. So, yes, you can put new countertops on old cabinets and enjoy a beautiful new kitchen.
The tiled backsplash usually sits just off the countertop by an 1/8th inch or so and the gap is caulked. The caulk can be cut away and the countertop should be able to be removed without damaging the backsplash. That's in a perfect world.
Removing a laminate kitchen countertop is relatively easy because it's held onto the cabinets with a combination of adhesive and screws. Most laminate countertops use silicone adhesive. Some countertop installations, such as granite, will use an epoxy or construction adhesive like liquid nails.
"Installing a laminate countertop is easier than most because of the relative light weight of laminate counters. Also, your typical homeowner will have the tools needed to install a laminate top, where they won't with granite or quartz."
Q: Can I install plastic laminate over a countertop that's already covered with existing laminate material? A: Yes, but the existing surface must be even and smooth. Repair any gouges or loose edges and make sure the existing laminate is glued firmly.
Re Laminate Countertop Costs
Re-laminating a countertop costs $200 to $650. Expect to pay $100 to $300 for materials and an additional $35 to $85 per hour for labor. You can re laminate post-formed surfaces with square edges.
Unless the sink was formed as a continuous component of the countertop, it can be removed and replaced easily – whether it's undermount or drop-in. Though, you will need to make sure that the replacement sink is suited for the same size hole that you already have in the countertop.
Granite, marble and engineered solid surface stone are the best quartz alternatives as far as durability and cost.
Laminate countertops are the easiest kitchen countertop to maintain. Once installed, all you will need to do is clean them with mild soap and water. No additional maintenance is required.
Quartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.
Cheap: Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops are an inexpensive, low-maintenance alternative to pricey stone and solid-surface countertops, and they are available in many styles that mimic expensive surfaces such as granite or marble.
On average, laminate countertops cost between $20 to $50 per square foot. This makes the surfaces one of the cheapest countertop options that you can find. Granite typically costs between $32 to $75 per square foot. This is the least expensive option among stone countertop choices.
Quartz and granite countertops are priced similarly per square foot, with granite counters having the wider variation in price. Granite can be more expensive than quartz at times, based on the availability of a color and pattern.
The short answer to this is yes. Lowes can cut your countertop to meet your size and design requirements. However, Lowes does not just cut any type of countertop.
Apply a bead of silicone caulk or construction adhesive along the top edge of all the cabinet parts that support the countertop. Tip up a straight countertop to apply the adhesive. Insert shims under a mitered countertop rather than trying to tip it up — doing so is easier and is less likely to break the glue joint.