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Cheapest Options For New Kitchen & Bathroom Countertops

by Brittany W. Content Writer

A countertop’s price depends on two main factors; the material and the labor. The installation charges for countertops in Fort Collins usually range from $35 to $100. This charge depends on the difficulty of installation which in itself depends on the material being installed. So the material is the main component you need to focus on when searching for a cheap countertop. Cheaper materials make for cheaper counters. In some cases, the materials are so easy to handle that you can go for a DIY project and forgo the labor cost. Here are the cheapest options available for kitchen and bathroom counters:


Paint

In the drive to replace the old counter, many forget that they can repaint it instead. If your counter’s structure is intact, i.e. it has no cracks or chipping then there is no good reason to throw it away. If you want to replace it because its color has faded then some paint should be sufficient. And you don’t even need to hire some labor to the job, just grab the required equipment from the nearest hardware shop and get started on your DIY project. Most surfaces, whether stone, metal or wood, can be painted. Just be sure to prime the surface before you start if you don’t want to ruin the color even before it is applied. Overall, this project shouldn’t cost more than a hundred bucks.


Ceramic Tile Countertops

Ceramic tile counters are undoubtedly the cheapest in the market. The materials price ranges from a measly $5 to $30 per foot that shouldn’t dent your budget even if you have a large kitchen. The tiles are light which makes them easy to install. The only extra cost involved is the seal applied upon the grout to prevent moisture damage. Ceramic itself is non-porous and waterproof thus ideal for kitchen and washroom. The only maintenance it needs is some washing with soap and water to keep it clean. If you want a wooden counter in your washroom, you can install wooden textured tiles instead. Ceramic also comes in stony patterns.


Porcelain Tile Countertop

Porcelain is just as cheap as ceramic and has all its advantages. When compared with ceramic, porcelain is stronger and more durable. It takes a bit more effort to install porcelain tiles because they are harder to cut. Like ceramic, porcelain also comes in faux wood and faux stone textures and is a good low maintenance alternative to the real material.


Natural Stone Tile Counters

While natural stone slab counters are costlier, stone tiles are cheaper than even laminate. You can find stone tile countertops in Fort Collins for as low as $10 per foot with the max being $30 per foot. The cheap price comes from the fact that tiles are lighter than slabs and by that extension, easier to install. Like ceramic and porcelain tiles, stone tiles also need grout to be joined together which needs to be sealed. The tile’s properties depend on the natural stone it’s made from.

Colored Epoxy

The idea is similar to that of simply painting the countertop. Unlike regular paint, colored epoxy consists of adhesive polymer that forms a smooth surface over the counter. A professional application will cost anywhere from $3 to $10 per sq foot. You can apply the epoxy yourself if you want to save labor costs. You can get all the kits you need for the project under $500. But you need to take extreme precaution when going the DIY route because any mistake will have you running back to a professional doubling the cost. The resin can be applied over any surface after some sanding and cleaning to mimic any material like wood, steel or stone. You can even take some creative liberty and come up with new patterns.


Laminate Countertop

This is another example of faking till making. With improvements in printing technology, you can now mimic stone and wood counters perfectly with none the wiser. Laminate countertop costliest on the list but $25 to $50 is still pretty affordable when compared to other options.


Now that you know how to save big time of countertop installation, it’s time to choose the option most suitable to your budget and the needs of your kitchen or bathroom.


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About Brittany W. Advanced   Content Writer

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Joined APSense since, September 24th, 2019, From Piscataway, United States.

Created on Oct 17th 2019 01:07. Viewed 530 times.

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