When you first bought your house, the kitchen might have been the selling point. You loved the open layout, the large island for entertaining guests, the wood floors, and the sleek countertops. Then 10 years later, you find yourself wondering what happened to that gorgeous kitchen you fell in love with.
Though there might be a few reasons why your kitchen isn’t quite what it used to be, chances are the countertops have something to do with it. If you don’t feel like spending the majority of your kitchen remodel budget on countertops, there are a variety of DIY countertop projects available online.
Whether you’re doing a total home remodel or want to freshen up your space, DIY countertop projects are affordable and can completely change the feel of your kitchen and bathroom. And if you don’t consider yourself the handiest person, that’s fine! There are plenty of projects out there that are designed for the everyday person who wants to save money on their kitchen remodel.
Most DIY countertop projects feature materials like wood and concrete, though there are some more complex projects that utilize epoxy and recycled glass. As with any DIY project, the cost is really going to depend on the type of materials you’re using. In general, DIY countertops can cost anywhere from $50 to $300. Most of the projects on this list cost under $100 which is far less than what you’d spend on just the labor of having someone else install countertops for you.
If you’re looking to save some cash and create a one-of-a-kind countertop, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite countertop projects that a newbie DIYer or advanced carpenter alike can appreciate (and complete).
DIY Butcher Block Countertop
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoJ8VmnlrhU/
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cost: Unavailable
Tools Required: Circular saw, router, pocket hole jig, drill
Butcher block countertops are incredibly durable and add a rustic feel to your kitchen. This project requires a pre-cut butcher block, making this a more simple project for the beginner woodworker.
DIY Epoxy Countertop
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cost: Unavailable
Tools Required: Razor knife, speed square, clamps
Epoxy countertops can take a variety of shapes and forms, but this one in particular features a deep blue color that is simply mesmerizing.
Recycled Glass Countertop
Skill Level: Advanced
Cost: $200 to 300
Tools Required: Corner and seam shaping tool, concrete countertop forms, straight edge, table vibrator and mounting plate
Recycled glass has never looked better! This countertop can be customized based on the glass you want to use, and you’ll truly have a one of a kind statement piece in your kitchen.
Find the plans at Instructables
DIY Herringbone Countertop
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cost: Unavailable
Tools Required: Miter saw, drill press, clamps, table saw
Similar to the butcher block countertops, this herringbone design utilizes a number of wood slats and looks quite sleek with a dark stain. The builders of this countertop mention the design is mainly for decorative aesthetics, and they wouldn’t recommend using it in the kitchen.
Find the plans at Gray House Studio
Gold Glitter DIY Countertop
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost: Unavailable
Tools Required: N/A
Because who couldn’t use a little more sparkle in their life?! This gold glitter countertop makes for a distinct accent piece. Your guests will definitely ooh and ahh.
Find the plans at Making Nice in the Midwest
DIY Penny Countertop
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost: $50
Tools Required: N/A
Before you take that big jar of pennies to the Coinstar machine, consider what else they can do for you. Like being the decorative material you use in a countertop! This penny countertop is definitely a unique choice and will cost you literally, pennies.
Find the plans at Domestic Imperfection
DIY Contact Paper Countertop
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost: $40
Tools Required: N/A
For a quick fix for an ugly countertop, consider using contact paper. Though this isn’t a totally permanent solution, it will take your countertops from bland to brilliant. In this video, marble contact paper was used to create a more modern finish.
Faux Marble DIY Countertop
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost: $30
Tools Required: N/A
If you’re looking for that classy marble finish but aren’t too keen on the idea of using contact paper, consider a faux marble finish.
This project costs around $30 but looks much more valuable than that.
Find the plans at Earnest Home Co.
DIY Countertop With Chalkboard Finish
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost: $20 to 25
Tools Required: Sandpaper
Maybe you just want to update those old laminate countertops but don’t want to build something entirely new. Check out this guide for painting your countertops with a chalkboard finish.
Find the plans at Domestic Imperfection
Epoxy Countertop With Sponge Texture Finish
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cost: Unavailable
Tools Required: Razor knife, speed square, clamps
For another epoxy countertop, consider a sponge texture finish. You’ll definitely need a creative eye for this project, but the outcome is quite eye-catching.
DIY Concrete Countertops
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cost: $50 to $100
Tools Required: Circular saw, cordless drill
One of the most popular countertop alternatives to expensive granite is concrete. Concrete is much more affordable and the finished product is durable. Plus, there’s something about concrete that brings a modern industrial feel to your space.
DIY Solid Wood Countertop for Under $50
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost: $50
Tools Required: Pocket hole jig, miter saw, sander, table saw
For under $50, these solid wood countertops will add some functional space to your home.
White Concrete Countertop
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost: $50
Tools Required: N/A
For a sleeker concrete countertop, consider this white concrete surface. Pair it with some sleek white subway tiles and you have yourself a light and bright kitchen.
Find the plans at Chris Loves Julia
DIY Countertop Cover
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost: $50
Tools Required: Circular saw, clamps, miter saw
Perhaps you want to cover up your countertop rather than doing a complete tear out. This countertop cover allows you to transform your space without having to do a whole weekend of demo.
DIY Farmhouse Style Countertop
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost: Unavailable
Tools Required: Circular saw, Kreg jig, cordless drill, sander
For a more farmhouse-inspired wood countertop, check out this video.
DIY Textured Bathroom Countertop Under $25
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost: $25
Tools Required: Foam roller
Another way to bring a bit of visual interest to your countertops is to give them a textured finish. For just under $25 you can make your countertops a little less ugly and little more modern.
Find the plans at The Bewitchin Kitchen
DIY Laundry Room Countertop
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost: Unavailable
Tools Required: Miter saw, sander
These custom laundry room countertops will provide you with some more functional space in your laundry while making the space look a bit more put together.
Find the plans at Scavenger Chic
DIY Countertop With Reclaimed Wood
https://www.instagram.com/p/8QhagQuggp/
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost: $20 (more if you pay for reclaimed wood)
Tools Required: Miter saw, sander
Reclaimed wood has never looked better in these DIY countertops. Mix wood species for more variety, or stick with one type of wood for a consistent look.
Farmhouse Wood With Epoxy Countertops
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cost: $225
Tools Required: Pocket hole jig, jigsaw
For a farmhouse counterop with a bit of a glossy finish, consider this wood countertop that’s sealed with epoxy. Though this project utilizes 2×8’s from the hardware store, you could give it a reclaimed twist with the use of scrap wood.
DIY Tile Countertop
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost: Around $250 for 30 tiles
Tools Required: Tub saw, clamps
If you’re on the search for a tiled option, consider these plans on YouTube. You can customize it with whatever style tile you like.
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