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.
Again, expert Maureen chimes in: "If you simply can't do both at once and just want to freshen up the aesthetics of your cabinetry later on, refacing your existing cabinets is the best option and will give you the look of brand new cabinetry without having to remove (and risk breaking) your new countertop."
Can you replace kitchen countertops without damaging cabinets? Yes, you can. You only need to be cautious about how you remove and install the countertops.
Upgrading the countertops is never a bad idea. It is a low cost that ups the value of your house and attracts buyers. Replacing old, dated countertops and updating kitchen countertops with new granite, quartz or stone pieces adds instant appeal and pizazz. You really cannot lose.
Quartz. Recently quartz or manufactured stone beat out granite as the most popular kitchen countertop material. While on the surface, natural stone may seem to offer more resale value, that might be changing! As of right now, granite, marble, travertine, soapstone, and so on will typically give you bigger resale value.
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.
Countertop Materials Comparison
Most granite and other natural stones can last anywhere from 100 years or more; whereas marble countertops last an average of 20 years.
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.
In short, yes, it is possible to replace a kitchen sink without replacing the countertop. However, in order to prevent any damage from occurring to the countertop, it's recommended that a professional handle the replacement.
Can I reuse my countertops if I change my design layout? You can keep your countertops if your kitchen layout stays the same. You can also update your design, and still use your countertops. This means that the “footprint” of your kitchen layout needs to stay the same.
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.
Cabinet refacing is the process of replacing cabinet skin panels to give your kitchen a dramatic new look. Your cabinets may be scratched or cracked, or you may simply desire a change — much like replacing a perfectly good smartphone with the latest model.
Before you can upgrade your current countertops, you must detach and remove them. While this is an ideal time to replace your backsplash, you may decide to keep your backsplash if it matches your new countertops. You can often save money on a new countertop installation by removing the old countertop yourself.
Lifespan. With standard use, well taken care of laminate countertops will last about 15 years. After that, they'll show significant wear and fading. Heavy use will dramatically shorten their lifespan.
Some quartz makers sell exclusively through big-box stores; other slabs are available only through independent kitchen and bath showrooms.
Homeowners don't need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite heat resistant. Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.
Granite, marble and engineered solid surface stone are the best quartz alternatives as far as durability and cost.
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.
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.
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.
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.