If your countertops have begun to look old, worn out, or dated, and you are considering an upgrade, you may find yourself wondering whether you should replace them, or if having your countertops refinished may be a more cost-effective alternative. While refinishing countertops has been popular for years, recent advancements in technology have made refinishing a more attractive option for homeowners than ever before. The fact is that countertop refinishing can be a great way to transform the look of your kitchen, bathroom, or bar without breaking the bank. Refinishing can allow you to restore and preserve your current countertops without the mess, hassle, and expense of tearing them out and replacing them.
What is Countertop Refinishing?
If you are unfamiliar with countertop refinishing, you may find yourself wondering what exactly this process involves and how you will know if this would be a good option for you. The process of refinishing countertops involves applying a hard, durable acrylic coating to your existing countertops that, once it has had time to harden and cure, will give your countertops a new look while extending their life by at least 5-10 years when properly maintained.
Of course, it is important to note that not all countertops can be refinished. The best candidates for refinishing include tile, cultured marble, and laminate countertops (such as Formica). Additionally, while refinishing can be a great way to restore aging countertops, you will want to ensure that your countertops are structurally sound and in good enough condition to justify refinishing them. Countertops that are in particularly bad shape may need to be replaced.
The Benefits of Refinishing Countertops
Assuming that your countertops are a good candidate for refinishing, you will have to decide whether refinishing or replacing your countertops would be the best option for you. Refinishing is often seen as the preferred option amongst homeowners as it provides a variety of benefits over countertop replacement. To help you make an informed decision, let’s take a look at some of the advantages countertop refinishing provides over countertop replacement.
Cost Savings
Of course, one of the biggest reasons homeowners cite for choosing countertop refinishing over replacement is cost savings. This is unsurprising, considering that having your countertops refinished will cost a fraction of the price of replacement. In fact, depending on the type of countertops you would have chosen for replacement, having your countertops refinished instead could end up saving you 40-75%.
Not only are the materials for refinishing countertops significantly cheaper than buying new counters, but you also will not have to deal with the cost of removing and disposing of your old countertops. Additionally, installation time is significantly shorter for refinishing, which can further reduce costs.
This makes countertop refinishing the ideal option for budget-conscious homeowners looking to modernize their homes without spending a great deal of money. Refinishing instead of replacing your countertops can be particularly helpful during a full kitchen remodel, as saving money on counters will allow you to spend additional money elsewhere in your kitchen.
It’s Better for The Environment
Not only is countertop refinishing a more economical alternative to replacement, but it is more environmentally friendly as well. As homeowners become more aware of their impact on the environment, countertop refinishing has grown in popularity as an alternative to dumping perfectly good countertops into landfills. Just because the top layer of your countertop is yellow, scratched, or of an outdated design, this does not mean that they are not still functional.
Refinishing gives outdated countertops a facelift, helping to preserve materials and keep perfectly good countertops out of landfills. Even if your countertops have scratches and blemishes, these can likely be filled in and sanded down during the refinishing process. As long as your countertops are structurally sound, refinishing may be a greener alternative to replacement. Refinishing your countertops can help to significantly reduce your carbon footprint by allowing you to give new life to your existing counters.
Aesthetic Appeal
Many homeowners are hesitant to have their countertops refinished as they are worried about what the finished product will look like. This is understandable, as it is often hard to imagine yellowed, aging countertops looking anything but dated. However, it is important not to underestimate the extent to which refinishing your countertops can transform their overall look. While color-matching is available if you want to keep the look of your current countertops, you will also have the option to choose a new color or design.
Countertop finishes are available in dozens of colors and textures, allowing you to pick a design that will fit well with your decorating plan. Refinished countertops even have the ability to mimic high-end materials such as granite and marble, allowing you to get a high-end feel for a fraction of the price. When refinishing your countertops, you will have countless options to choose from to match your style and ensure that your counters look new.
When Is It Better to Replace Countertops?
Of course, while there are many benefits of choosing to have your countertops refinished, replacement may still be a better option for some homeowners. As we previously mentioned, some countertops may not be a candidate for refinishing depending on their condition and base material. You may also not have an option if you are completely reconfiguring your kitchen or bathroom, as this will likely require you to buy new countertops. Additionally, homeowners who are looking for the true feel of a natural stone countertop will likely be better off saving to have their countertops replaced. However, many budget-conscious homeowners will likely find refinishing to be a great alternative to having their countertops replaced.
Ultimately, many homeowners will be surprised to discover how choosing to refinish their countertops can transform the look of their kitchen or bathroom at the fraction of the cost of having their countertops replaced. If you are considering updating your countertops, feel free to contact us to learn more about countertop refinishing, or take a moment to explore our gallery.