(repair grout and replace tiles of tile countertops)
(paint and a new layer of laminate on a laminate countertop)
Cost to repair countertops varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from kitchen designers in your city.
The average cost of repairing countertops is $400 - $650.
Your kitchen countertop gets a lot of use every day and this wear and tear can begin to show after a while. There are several ways your countertop can be damaged, leading to the need for repairs: canned goods may fall on it, you may have forgotten to use a cutting board, a hot pot may burn it, or just everyday life may take its toll. Some counters may also have areas that “fail” over time, such as a fissure showing up in a natural granite counter or a seam 1 popping in a solid surface counter.
Repair of the countertop is critical as you want to prevent bacteria and mold from growing in the crack, chip, or dent. A damaged counter can also lower the value of your kitchen, so taking care of the repair in a timely way is generally warranted.
Factors affecting the cost of repair are varied, including the location of the damage, the type of material your counter is made from, and the type of damage itself. Most homeowners find that the cost to repair minor damage to their counters costs around $400-$650 on average.
In some cases, you can repair the countertop and save some money. There may be times, however, when you will need to replace the countertop at a greater expense, due to more widespread or severe damage. A total replacement of 40 square feet will cost more ($500-$1500) and take longer, about two to three weeks from the time you initiate the replacement to the time it takes to install. This includes choosing the material, having measurements taken, developing a template to fit your appliances, and finding a contractor. Once the material is in hand the installation itself will go quickly, about 1-2 days.
Widespread damage, meaning more than one area of damage or damage that occurs over more than 50% of the counter will require a replacement. Post-formed laminates that cannot be fixed with paint will also require replacement, as will melted solid surface counters, or severely stained marble counters.
Countertops are made of a variety materials and each one will have its own particular repair suggestions. Here are some of the most popular materials and their repair specifics.
Type of Countertop | Repair | Cost |
---|---|---|
Solid surface | Super glue or epoxy 2 filler | $200-$500 |
Laminate | Epoxy 2 paint | $500-$700 |
Laminate | New layer | $560-$1600 |
Tile | Replace tiles | $2-$10/sq.ft. |
Tile | Repair grout 3 | $80-$150 |
Stone | Fill chip or scratch | $200-$500 |
Stone | Failed seam | $550-$700 |
Wood | Sand 4 and refinish | $100-$1500 |
Every material has its own issues, which can lead to the need for repair:
Countertop professionals charge between $35-$85 per hour. This process could take hours to days, depending on the level of repair needed. For example, replacing a few damaged tiles may only take 5-6 hours ($210-$510), while repairing chipped stone could take 1 to 2 days and cost from $200-$1,250 depending on the extent of the damage.
In most cases, to repair laminate, you will remove the baseboard and unclick the boards to the damaged piece. Replace the damaged board, then reinstall the rest of the floor and baseboard.
Laminate can be repaired either by coating the entire surface with epoxy paint, or by giving the top a new laminate layer.
The best way to get scratches out of Formica would be to paint the surface with epoxy paint, sealing them in.
Most laminates are screwed down to the counters. Locate the screws, undo them and lift off the old counter. Screw the new one into place.
The average cost of a new countertop can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on material.
Yes, laminates can be repaired by painting or giving the counter a new laminate layer.
Yes, chips and fissures can be filled with a color-matched epoxy that cures to a smooth finish.
The cost of laminate counters runs $10-$40 per linear foot installed.
Cost to repair countertops varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.