My original plan was to only write a two part series on “How to Update Your Kitchen on a Budget”. (In case you missed them, here are the links for part 1 and part 2.) However, last week I received a few emails asking advice on how to update tired kitchen counters. Well never fear, today we are going to explore several ways to update your kitchen counters on a budget!
1. Paint your countertops. Can you really paint old laminate countertops? Absolutely! You can buy prefabricated kits at any home improvement store that will take you step by step through the process, or you can buy the individual paints and products separately. Creative Kristi provides a fantastic video tutorial on how to paint your counters to resemble granite using simple acrylic craft paints and a high gloss sealer. Don’t they look amazingly similar to the real deal? This is an incredibly affordable option that any beginning DIY’er can accomplish!
And here are some more examples of what a little paint can do to breathe new life into your counters! (Click on the links to be taken to the original source and tutorials where provided.)
2. Make Your Counters out of Concrete Okay, granted this option is not for the DIY beginner, but concrete countertops are affordable, durable, customizable, and can be”DIY’ed”! Imperfectly Polished offers a step-by-step tutorial on how she and her husband created these gorgeous concrete countertops pictured below.
Kelly Moore also shows you how she and her husband created these beautiful concrete counters.
And if you need one more tutorial, Instructables offers a very detailed concrete countertop tutorial which includes all of the pros and cons involved in the process.
Again, this option isn’t for everyone but if you are adventurous and on a tight budget this might be the perfect solution for you!
3. Install Your Own Butcher Block Countertops Butcher block countertops are a hot trend right now and can give your kitchen a warm cottage feel. They are relatively inexpensive and can be installed by the savvy homeowner. Tip: Many DIY’ers have found that Ikea presently offers the most affordable butcher block countertops available.
Triangle Honeymoon shares a comprehensive post on installing Ikea butcher block counters from start to finish. Their finished product is lovely!
This & That also offers tips on how to cut out a hole for your under mount sink in this tutorial.
And Stillwater Story shares how to achieve a rich, stained finish to your butcher block counters.
Whether you have $17 or $1700, there is an affordable option for you to update your kitchen countertops! Paint, concrete, and wood are all readily available choices for those willing to try their hand at something new. I hope this series has given you the resources, courage, and inspiration needed to implement some improvements to your kitchen in the near future! If you’ve tried your hand at any of these improvements, or hope to soon, please let us know! We’d love to hear about it.
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I love the idea of concrete and/or butcher block. Have never tried to install either but am thinking about concrete for an outdoor patio counter. I love the last picture with the dark butcher block. Looks fabulous!
I really like the butcher block look in the 3rd to last and 2nd to last pictures. The warm stain is lovely. But what happens if you leave water on it?
Hi Lea,
Yes, if water is left standing on butcher block counters they will stain. It is best to frequently oil your butcher block counters and to wipe up standing water immediately.