Laminate countertops are a budget-friendly option for undermount sinks.
Undermount sinks are recommended for granite, solid surface and quartz countertops, but may not be as effective with laminate. They can be more expensive than drop-in sinks.
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.
Quartz countertops are one of the best alternatives to granite counters in terms of durability, aesthetic appeal, functionality, and versatility.
Cheap Kitchen Countertops Alternatives: Tile
And installing tile countertops yourself is a budget-friendly way to add the charm of stone for a fraction of the price. So consider a tile-topped island with solid surface perimeter countertops for a modern feel.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.
Painting Countertops
This is possibly the least expensive way to cover up old countertops, especially old wood or linoleum countertops. It's very easy to paint your countertops yourself. Just sand, prime and then paint. You can use a pad sander, but sanding by hand will work just fine.
Quartz countertops are the easiest natural stone to take care of. They are engineered using ground stone and resin, so they don't require regular sealing they way most granite and marble countertops do. This stone is non-porous, so it does not easily stain or etch.
For context, let's compare that to another trendy countertop material like quartz. Not only do the materials cost almost twice as much ($70 to $100 per square foot) as that of butcher block, but a quartz countertop installation is not generally a DIY project.
Selecting the most durable option is the best and the most cost-effective choice you can make. With a long-lasting and robust material, you can be sure that you won't need to make another large investment anytime soon. Quartz wins as the most durable material for any kitchen construction or renovation.
Cost. Corian costs $70 to $130 per square foot. Granite's pricing varies a lot according to appearance and coloring, but most granite goes for $40 to $150 per square foot.
Gray granite countertops are usually the most budget-friendly and cost around $40 to $60 per square foot. The price can go up to $200 per square foot for high-end gray granite with rare inclusion stones. Only a few gray granite countertops are labeled as truly gray.
Weight: Stainless steel or copper sinks tend to be the lightest, while vitreous china, porcelain, ceramic and composites are moderately heavy. Choose a heavy stone, cast iron or enameled-steel undermount sink only if you're sure the countertop can support the weight.
Undermount sinks are often a no-brainer decision when remodeling a kitchen. There's lots to love: they look nice, let you to wipe water and crumbs directly from the counter into the sink with a single swipe, and they eliminate that gunk-magnet seam around the lip of overmount sinks.
If the MDF gets wet, it will ruin your countertops due to warping (foiling your ability to install an undermount sink in the future, too). So if you're going to install an undermount sink on a laminate countertop in your kitchen or bathroom, you need to make doubly sure that no moisture can seep through into the MDF.
Generally, quartz is less expensive than granite, but many factors influence the total price of a project. In this article, we'll look at the differences between natural granite stone and engineered quartz stone and the factors that affect pricing so you can determine which material is best for your design project.
Key takeaways. The national average cost to install new countertops at $3,102, with prices ranging typically between $1,859–$4,346. The expected cost of installing new countertops will vary considerably, usually $15 to $70 per square foot, depending on material, labor, dimensions/layout and the kitchen's location.
Marble tops the most-expensive list due in large part to its elegant looks. The good: It will instantly lift your kitchen or bathroom to another level.
White marble will always be an elegant choice for kitchen countertops, but if the maintenance and potential for staining has you worrying about its longevity, consider butcher block. The go-to choice for farmhouse kitchens, butcher block will wear beautifully over the years, and you can prepare food directly on it.
Quartz. Currently the most popular choice in kitchen countertops, homeowners choose quartz surfacing because of its many advantages. Quartz doesn't need to be sealed, and its seams blend very well.
One of the top choices for kitchen countertops is granite. This material is a popular option that is durable and tough, allowing the granite to stand up to impact and abrasive damage. Additionally, this material is resistant to heat, making it an ideal choice for the kitchen.
The most temporary countertop covers are spray paint and PVC countertop films. At some point, these covers will scratch, gouge, or otherwise fail. Other covers are longer-lasting temporary solutions: ceramic tile, laminate, or wood overlays.
To give you an idea of quality and longevity, most warranties max out at about five years. However, if the countertops are in a high-traffic space you'll likely see signs of wear much sooner than that, even with a higher quality product.
You can replace your kitchen countertops without replacing the cabinetry if they are still in good condition. By doing this, your kitchen gets a new look, and you save some money too!