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How much does it cost to refinish countertops?
Extend the life of your countertops 10-15 years or longer by having them refinished instead of replacing them. Most tile, cultured marble, and laminate countertops can be refinished. Refinishing countertops extends the functional life of already installed countertops without replacement, and can save a homeowner up to 50% their replacement cost. Refinishing also takes less time than replacement, so homeowners are back to cooking in their own kitchen faster. Refinishing is best for updating dated countertops, or for counters with minor scrapes, cuts or burns, but cannot be used if a homeowner would prefer to change the layout of their countertops.
This cost guide looks at refinishing a total area of 60 sq.ft. of countertops.
Cost breakdown
- Labor: countertop professionals and contractors typically charge between $35 and $85 per hour. The labor included in refinishing countertops would be set-up and preparation including protecting the surrounding area; behind the scenes prep work including planning, equipment and material purchasing, setup and basic cleanup; removing and/or masking the attached trim and hardware; and sanding 1 the countertop. Next, the professional will prime and apply finishing sealant or laminate, and replace the hardware. Time estimated will be 5-6 hours. Total labor cost: $175-$600.
- Material:
| Type | Price | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| New Laminate | $100-$250 | Best for laminate countertops It adds laminate sheets over existing laminate countertops Available in hundreds of colors and patterns |
| Epoxy 2 Coating | $175-$430 | Best for laminate, tile and cultured stone Epoxy 2 can produce a variety of looks including faux stone 3 (including granite) Available in a wide variety of colors |
| Paint and Seal | $70-$140 | Best for tile Paint can be used to suit a variety of tastes for a minimal cost |
Enhancement and improvement costs
- Enhance your countertop upgrade by upgrading hardware, including sinks for between $100-$400.
- Upgrade to slab granite or quartz for a luxe end result. Costs range between $40-$150 per sq.ft.
Additional considerations and costs
- Refinished countertops are durable, but still sensitive to heat and knicks. Use caution, trivets and cutting boards when preparing food or setting down hot objects.
- It is possible to DIY countertop refinishing. Kits start at $50 per gallon.
- Epoxy 2 countertops can be made to look painted or to look more like natural stone.
- Professionally refinished countertops typically carry a 3-5 year warranty.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Sanding: Process of removing the top surface of a material, such as wood, using sandpaper and/or a specialized sanding machine (for large surface areas)
2 Epoxy: An adhesive, plastic, paint, or other material made from polymers containing epoxide groups. Epoxy is best used for bonding or for creating a protective coating
3 Faux stone: A building material made from concrete set in molds and then painted to look like stone.
How much does it cost to refinish countertops in my city?
Cost to refinish countertops varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
Labor cost by city and zip code
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Methodology and sources
