What's the cheapest way to change kitchen counters. I've got old formica tops at the moment.?

Question

What's the cheapest way to change kitchen counters. I've got old formica tops at the moment.?

Answer 1

Well you definetly don't want granite,corian,or anything other than Plastic Laminate, just like you have now.

Plastic Laminate is made by brands such as Formica,Nevamar,Pionite and now comes in a vast variety of colors and finishes.

Call a Kitchen and Bath Contractor to come out and measure for them, and quote price to install. Depending on your countertop length and corners you will probably be under $1,000.

It's best to get at least 2 quotes. You will need to have kitchen sink removed and re-installed - so consider a new one and faucets if they are getting old.

The contractor should be able to measure and order your new tops , and then wait until they are in stock to tear up your old tops. This is a one day-two day at the most job.

Get a proposal - not an estimate. Don't pay any money up front, and never pay 100% until the job is finished,cleaned up, and the old stuff hauled away.

Answer 2

Another Therapist gave you some great info. Here are a few more considerations:

1) Check well-recommended, local granite and quartz fabricators for remnant pricing.  In today's slow economy, they may be able to help you price-wise by using left-over pieces from past jobs.  (It will depend, of course, on how much you need and how large each piece needs to be.)  Granite and quartz do cost more, but have the highest return on investment.

Here's an article on quartz:

http://jgkitchens.blogspot.com/2008/07/o...

And one on granite:

http://jgkitchens.blogspot.com/2008/07/g...

2) If your laminate tops have a set-on, not integral, backsplash, you can tile over them.  Tile gives you quite a bit of design flexibility.  It won't necessarily increase the value of your kitchen, though, and the grout can be difficult to maintain.  (Check into some of the newer grouts with built-in stain resistance.  Your local tile supplier should be able to guide you if you go this direction.)

Good luck with your project.

Answer 3

Depends on how much counter space you have. I have a kitchen countertops measuring 43 sqft. (to find out how much you have...

multiply the lenth of the countertops x the width. Add up all measurements and then divide by 144. This will give you the square footaged needed.

Example, a 10x10 kitchen is considered a small kitchen so you are looking at under $2k to replace the countertops.

Here is what information I have found: Remember this is for 43 sqft (considered a moderate sized kitchen):

(All quotes are for installed prices)

Granite: C grade                $3257- 4524

Simplicity (solid surface):   $1687-2344

Zodiac: B/C grade:            $2158-2998

Corian: B/C Grade:            $2354-3270

Corain E Grade:                $2668-3700

Avant-stone resurfacing:    $1155 (on sale) *

*This uses your existing countertops and an expoy is applied over them (kinda like garage floor sealants.) This is not a long term fix, but is great for something that will eventually be replaced in 5 years or less as it wears like formica. You would also only want to use this method if your countertops are in decent condition.

I did not research formica because I am looking for something that will provide more than 5 years of wear for my remodel.