As we’ve been researching and scouring the web for great DIY countertops, we’ve found lots of painted countertops, as well as wood and concrete do-it-yourself options — and then there were a few that we loved but that didn’t fit any of those categories… so we’re sharing them in their own post today!
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More DIY Countertop Reviews
Penny Countertop by Ashley at Domestic Imperfection
Ashley put her spare change to work to make a great countertop! She removed the laminate and then added a wood edging to the countertop, added the pennies, and sealed it with a good thick layer of epoxy. Ta-da! Read the full detailed instructions here.
“This countertop is practically indestructible. We use it to eat at, as a dish drying station, craft table for the kids, etc. I have even put hot (like straight from the stove) pots and pans on it and it takes the abuse beautifully.”
YES, Ashley “would absolutely do this countertop again, and recommend to a friend. I love that is is completely versatile as well. I used pennies under the epoxy, but you could use anything…buttons, family photos, old jewelry, bottle caps, pebbles, stamp collection…whatever.”
And Ashley rates the countertop as a 5 (Amazing. I expect it to last for many years).
Ashley’s tips: So so many, too many to list. I included them all in my post though, so make sure you read it before trying this yourself!
DIY Solid Surface Corian Countertops by Cami from Tidbits
After Cami and her husband were disappointed by their concrete countertops (as she shared here), they decided that they wanted corian countertops… but the price tag wasn’t in the friendly range. So instead, they decided to DIY them using surplus pieces to make it fit their budget. Definitely not a job for the faint of heart — but if you’re ready to take it on and save some cash, get the full tutorial here.
“They have held up wonderfully! No stain or scratch we couldn’t fix. Because we choose a matte finish, it does stain somewhat with certain dark foods. However, a quick bleach rub and it disappears completely. I do that about once a month and they are perfectly white again. We haven’t had any scratches yet, but if they happen you can lightly sand them out.”
Cami says “Yes! Yes!!” she would do this again: “They are beautiful professional countertops – for a fraction of the price. Not sure if my husband would do it again, because it was a lot of work. But for this time, we can definitely say they were worth it.” She rates the durability as a 5 (Amazing).
Galvanized Metal Countertop from Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy
We’ve featured a few different kinds of DIY metal countertops (such as copper and stainless steel) — Lindsey had a local metal fabricator custom make her countertop and then she and her crew DIYed the install, similar to what Lisa did here. More details from Lindsey here.
“It has held up really well! It doesn’t get regular use and isn’t used for food prep, but it wipes clean easily with a damp sponge.”
Lindsey says YES, “I would absolutely do this again (thinking on a coffee table or school room table next) and I recommend it all the time to friends and clients.” She rates the durability as a 5 (Amazing).
DIY Laminate Countertops by Mindy from Dusty Butts
Mindy redid her kitchen countertops about 2 years ago, using a combination of premade butcher block and laminate countertops that they made from scratch — including using laminate around their undermount sink! See all the details here (and read more about butcherblock counters here).
YES, Mindy would do this again, and she rates the countertop durability as a 4 (Great. It has lasted well and longer than I had anticipated.)
“Rough things being slid on either counter can leave a scratch. The butcher block is easier to repair than the laminate. It is easy to lightly sand, and then apply a new coat of polyurethane.”
New Formica Countertops from Scott and Allie Buy A House
I know… new laminate countertops installed by a contractor don’t really count as DIYing… but Allie’s countertops were so pretty, I wanted to include them anyway 🙂 There’s no disgrace in hiring a professional (we’ve done it before!) and just look how nice they look with her painted cabinets!
Allie’s new soapstone-look laminate countertops were installed about 2 years ago.
The footprint of our old laminate countertops did not accommodate bar seating. We knew we wanted to expand the top to provide more work space. We also extended the counter along the wall and added cabinets above and below to create more space in the kitchen.
We tore out the existing countertops ourselves, but had a local contractor install the new counter since it was quite large and a custom size. He also installed corbels where the new bar seating would be.
YES, Allie would do this again, and she rates the durability of the countertops as a 5 (Amazing).
Allie’s tips: I know you can install laminate countertops yourself, and for smaller spaces this would be fine; however, if you are rehauling your kitchen, it’s always nice to have a contractor you trust do it. Especially if you are picky! Counters are one thing you’ll look at every day.
I had ordered the Sequoia Soapstone, and found your pin, we love your project. We had ordered, vinyl linoleum and we are waiting to see a contractor about facing our cupboards. Your project really stands out. I was wondering what the wall paint is? Would you like to share it?
Hi Rebecca,
Since that kitchen isn’t ours, you’d have to click over to the original blog and ask there. It’s beautiful for sure! Thanks for the comment.