How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Countertops?

Over time, countertops suffer from general wear and tear or begin to look dated and used. At that point, you have the option between refinishing them or replacing them entirely. Refinishing countertops is a simple, convenient, and cost-effective way to extend their lifespan, allowing you to freshen up older countertops or provide a clean, new look, without the need for a costly and time-consuming replacement job.

The average cost for refinishing countertops is between $300 and $500, with most homeowners paying $400 for a professionally applied epoxy coating on 60 square feet of quartz countertops.

Cost to Refinish Countertops

Cost to Refinish Countertops by Refinishing Material

There is a variety of refinishing materials used to add new life to your countertops, and each material varies in results, efficiency, and prices. The table below shows the most common options and average costs for each:

Paint and Sealant Cost

Painting and sealing countertops is the most affordable option. It is simple and may be done on your own if you have some DIY experience. Sand down the countertops, apply a primer, and paint over them. There is a wide range of paint colors to choose from, but this option does not work on all surfaces and is best suited to tile countertops. It costs between $2 and $4 per square foot.

New Laminate Cost

New laminate is one of the cheapest options for countertop refinishing, and it is best suited for laminate countertops. It adds a new sheet of laminate over the top of the existing countertops and covers any marks or scratches that developed over time. An advantage of new laminate is a huge range of looks and colors. This material costs around $3 to $6 per square foot on average.

Epoxy Coating Cost

Epoxy coatings cost more than other materials but are known for their strength, durability, and are available in numerous styles. These can replicate the look of granite or marble countertops and are cheaper than the real thing. Examples of popular epoxy coatings include Permaglaze and Miracle Method. The costs for epoxy coatings range from $4 to $8 per square foot.

Polymer Resin Cost

Polymer resins are similar to epoxy coatings and are applied in nearly the same way. They are made up of various polymer blends and found in a huge range of colors that may be customized to suit your needs and tastes. Like epoxy coatings, they are used to replicate the looks of other materials like granite. They cost between $4 and $8 per square foot on average.

​

Countertop Refinishing Cost by Material

Countertops come in a wide range of materials, from elegant granite and marble to quartz, concrete, and porcelain. Most countertop materials are resurfaced, but some, such as wood, reclaimed wood, stainless steel, zinc, and epoxy, are not well-suited to refinishing. These surfaces may not be compatible with resins and polymers or are simply unsuitable for painting and resealing.

The costs for refinishing any countertop vary as some materials may only be suited for the more expensive kinds of refinishing and not compatible with the cheaper alternatives. The table below shows a list of common countertop materials, complete with the most recommended refinishing method and average costs per square foot, including materials and labor:

Cost to Refinish a Tile Countertop

The best option for tile countertops is usually to paint and seal. This is highly affordable and easy to carry out, even on your own without needing to call in a professional. Costs range from $2 to $4 per square foot.

Cost to Refinish a Porcelain Countertop

Porcelain countertops crack and chip over time with general use, even when you are careful. But a paint and sealant combination may be used to give it a fresh new look and cover up any pre-existing issues. Costs for this refinishing are approximately $2 to $4 per square foot.

Cost to Refinish a Laminate Countertop

When it comes to laminate countertops, you have a few options. You might opt for an epoxy resin to cover up the laminate and change its style, but it is usually cheaper and easier to place a new layer of laminate over the top. With a wide range of colors and styles to choose from, you may completely change the look of your laminate countertops for between $3 and $6 per square foot.

Corian Refinishing Cost

Corian is one of the most popular solid surface materials used for countertops around the world. It is made from an acrylic polymer and stands up well to general use, but it looks tired over time. Use an epoxy coating to refinish and revitalize a Corian countertop, priced between $4 and $8 per square foot on average.

Cost to Refinish a Quartz Countertop

Quartz is another commonly chosen material for countertops. Most quartz countertops are made with a very small percentage of actual quartz, mixed in with other stone and materials, connected with polymer binders. Quartz is strong, but if your quartz countertops need a new look, an epoxy coating may be used to change their color or hide imperfections. They cost approximately $4 to $8 per square foot.

Cost to Refinish a Marble Countertop

Marble is one of the most popular and beautiful natural stone substances used for kitchen countertops. It looks wonderful but comes at a high price. Therefore, owners may be dismayed to see scratches or chips in the surface. An epoxy coating may be used to refinish and refresh marble countertops for between $4 and $8 per square foot.

Granite Refinishing Cost

As granite is a natural stone like marble, the same advice applies. An epoxy coating is the best option, and some coatings replicate the look of your granite, covering over any cracks or scratches and helping it seem as good as new. The costs for this refinishing range from $4 to $8 per square foot.

Cost to Refinish a Concrete Countertop

Concrete is one of the more complicated countertop surfaces to refinish. It is growing in popularity for its strength and striking look. But concrete chips and scratches over time and needs to be resealed and refreshed to prevent it from taking on water or developing bigger issues. A strong polymer resin is the best option, costing between $4 and $8 per square foot.

Cost to Refinish a Resin Countertop

When it comes to resin countertops, the best answer is usually to apply more resin. Polymer resins are fitted onto existing resin countertops, refreshing each surface. This can potentially change its entire appearance because resins are found in various colors and styles. The cost for this ranges from $4 to $8 per square foot.

Countertop Refinishing vs Replacement

If your countertops are damaged or worn in any way, or you want to refresh their appearance, you may choose between refinishing them or replacing them entirely. Often, refinishing is the better option because it is more cost-effective and less wasteful. If you only have minimal damage to your countertops or just want them to have a different look or color, refinishing is a sustainable and cost-saving choice.

Statistics show that homeowners save around 50% on average when opting for refinishing over replacement. The process of refinishing is also faster and easier, meaning that labor costs are lower, and you do not need to spend as long out of your kitchen while the work is carried out. Replacement should only be considered when the damage to the countertops is quite severe or if you intend to change the layout of your kitchen.

Countertop Refinish Colors

When you choose to refinish your countertops, you may opt for a wide range of colors, which applies to any refinishing method. For example, with paint and sealing, there are various paint colors to redecorate your counters. Meanwhile, if you opt for a new laminate cover or an epoxy or polymer coating, there are hundreds of possible options. It is even possible to find epoxy coatings stylized to look like popular countertop surfaces, such as marble, granite, and slate.

Factors Affecting the Cost to Refinish Countertops

Various factors impact the cost of refinishing your countertops, beginning with the location. Some regions have fewer contractors who can take on this work, leading to less competition and higher rates on average. Countertop size must also be taken into account because large surface areas require more work and materials to refinish.

You also need to consider the amount of damage that exists on your countertops because more sealant and additional labor are required for countertops that have deep scratches and chips compared to those with only minor wear and tear.

Factors like the countertop material and refinishing type also impact the price because some materials, such as concrete, require additional care and more labor to refinish than a simple laminate surface. Finally, the chosen finishing design impacts the price as well. Detailed marble and granite-style coatings are more expensive than simpler alternatives.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Kitchen Sink Replacement

Like the countertops, your kitchen sink may suffer wear and tear as time goes by. Many homeowners choose to refresh their sink when refinishing their countertops. The average cost for sink replacement is $400.

Kitchen Faucet Replacement

Another great way to modernize or refresh the look of your kitchen is by installing a new kitchen faucet. Various models are available, and average prices tend to be about $350 for installing a new kitchen faucet.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• In most cases, refinished countertops last at least 5-7 years, often extending to 15-20 years, vastly extending your counters’ lifespan. However, to ensure the refinishing lasts as long as possible, homeowners should treat countertops with care. Use cutting boards and hot pads, wipe away stains and marks, and use gentle cleaning solutions.
• Most refinishing companies offer warranties. For example, Miracle Method refinishing comes with a 5-warranty.
• It used to be more common to replace countertops than refinish them, leading to wasted material and perfectly functional counters being thrown out. Thanks to modern refinishing materials and techniques, it is easier to cut down on this waste and simply add new life into existing counters. Usually in the case of general wear and tear, the core of your countertops is still intact and strong. It makes sense to add a new coating to the outside and use the materials you have.
• Fumes from refinishing materials may be noxious, so it is normal for contractors to wear masks and close kitchen doors when undertaking refinishing jobs. They usually also make use of fans to remove odors and fumes out of the home.