27 Countertop Upgrades That Are Worth The Extra Cost

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Is your countertop crying out for an upgrade? Perhaps you've stood in your kitchen or bathroom before, longingly gazing at those worn-out countertops, imagining what a fresh transformation could do for them and your space. You dream of luxuriously-smooth surfaces that'll make chopping and dicing a pleasure and have your guests gasp in delight. Talk of a worktop worthy of a shoutout on Instagram or Pinterest — one that harmoniously blends function and style. 

Regarding upgrading countertops, some bold adventurers might opt for a full-fledged overhaul. This would involve swapping dull and outdated surfaces for trendy countertop materials like granite, marble, and onyx. Each option not only infuses your kitchen with charisma but also transforms it from a simple meal prep area or hand-washing station to a visual treat that captivates every onlooker. However, you can also count on subtler approaches, like under-cabinet lighting, to cast a new degree of refinement on your space. But why stop there when you could grace your worktop with a backsplash upgrade or an illuminated substrate?

The price tags of countertop updates vary as widely as the available choices. Besides, realizing your dream renovation might require a seasoned specialist's skilled hands and know-how for safe and effective execution, impacting the final budget. Also remember that with new countertops come new obligations, as the frequency and extent of maintenance could change considerably. Let's explore 27 of these enticing countertop upgrade options.

What could be a more classic and elegant choice for a countertop makeover than granite? It offers a timeless appeal with striking natural patterns, not to mention it's a hardy contender that resists heat and scratches better than quartz. However, it comes with one hiccup: it's porous. Lingering liquids can seep into the surface, staining its brilliance. The solution is sealing. Granite countertops will set you back roughly $40 to $60 per square foot, with installation demanding an extra $35 to $85 per hour. Although one might find that this a tough pill to swallow, the material's longevity and look make it worth every penny.

Butcher block countertops communicate an earthy appeal and are an excellent upgrade for those yearning for a rustic or farmhouse-style kitchen or bathroom. When properly sealed, not only do butcher blocks silence the noise in your kitchen when used as a chopping board, but they also make for a fantastic baking station (think along the lines of kneading and rolling). However, bear in mind that these beauties, which typically cost $50 to $150 per square foot including labor, require diligent pampering. Sealing with a food-safe sealant (monthly within the first year, then biannually afterward) will suffice to prevent staining, water damage, bacteria buildup, and damage.

Thinking about bringing new life to your kitchen countertops without replacing or painting them? Overlay countertops could be the facelift your kitchen deserves. This isn't about just slathering on a new veneer, as you must choose the right material. Whether refined quartz, rugged granite, laminate, recycled glass, or concrete, a well-chosen overlay can breathe new texture, color, and vitality into your kitchen without tipping the expenses scale. Begin with a candid assessment of your current countertop situation. Some counters can handle the upgrade with a simple sanding, while others may require a more loving touch that includes leveling and laying down a secure base for the new arrival. 

How about complementing your kitchen makeover with a statement piece like a waterfall countertop, where the material flows from the top and down the sides for a seamless, continuous look? It's visually striking, adds dimension, and creates a sculptural quality. For the contemporary kitchen, such an upgrade is a great choice, with quartz being an excellent material for its variety of design options. However, brace for the installation cost, as grandeur comes with a price, given the extra materials and labor required. Slab fabrication alone could catapult your expenses by $2,000, but the stunning allure may be worth the money.

Imagine your kitchen countertops as an illustrious stage where all your gourmet performances come to life under a downpour of radiance. Welcome to the world of under-cabinet lighting. Choose from a wide array of sleek and discreet lighting solutions, from LED strips or pucks, fluorescent and motion-activated types, and wireless wonders. For a dramatic flair in your kitchen, smartphone- or voice-controlled lights will suffice. Angled LED puck lights can help create a waterfall effect with enhanced illumination. This project's cost hinges on the style of the lighting — an estimated $20 per 8 feet of LED strips or $25 per LED puck — and whether it's DIYed or professionally-installed. 

Worktop protector rods ensure a once-vulnerable surface like quartz remains unscathed by direct contact with hot cookware. An excellent choice here would be the Unika Worktop Hot Rods, selling for $34 on Amazon. For installation, first pinpoint a prime location that's close to your cooktop. A reliable setup demands a spotless environment, underscoring the need to clean the installation area. After which, mark the positions of the rods using a ruler and pencil. Once you detach the adhesive linings, mount the rods on the marked spots, applying firm pressure to ensure the adhesive clings properly. Wait 24 hours before testing your newly-installed rods. 

Incorporating reclaimed wood into your countertop makeover provides aesthetics, sustainability, and history. The timber, often sourced from old barns, retired factories, or even wine barrels, infuses a sense of rustic charm into your kitchen and an element of warmth that will endure. Think of the plethora of wood types you get to choose from, too — hickory, Douglas fir, walnut, white oak, and more, each with a unique texture, grain, and color combination for the desired statement for your kitchen. However, given the material's porous nature, a regular application of food-safe mineral oil or polyurethane will suffice for waterproofing and bacteria buildup prevention. 

Constantly frustrated that water from newly-washed dishes lingers on your kitchen counter? Enter the integrated drainage system, a cutting-edge solution that embeds minimalistic grooves and channels that direct the water from your wet dishes to the sink. While it's easy on the eyes, the ultimate goal is to ensure every drop of water finds its way home. Whether your countertop material is quartz, granite, or wood, the sloping grooves are best carved with the craftsmanship of a sculptor. Undoubtedly, this update demands more investment than a mere cleaning cloth. However, consider the benefits of the hands-free water management and crisp aesthetic it provides your worktop.

Imagine a durable and non-porous worktop material that also serves as a personal canvas; this is the allure of epoxy countertops. These types can hold anything from a sprinkle of glitter to a swirl of preferred colors and sheen. However, this countertop upgrade isn't your average DIY undertaking. A thorough consultation with an expert suffices first. From there, the professional will tailor-make your epoxy concoction and spread it over your existing countertop. Post-installation, keep away hot pans and use a splash of soapy water for cleaning. Mineral oil like Earthborn Elements Mineral Oil on Amazon could be all it takes to revitalize dull epoxy countertops. 

An herb garden for countertops not only brings instant organic elegance to your kitchen but also guarantees fresh cooking ingredients. Imagine the gratification of snipping or tending to basil or cilantro right where you cook. Bringing this slice of Eden to life demands a spacious countertop section that's bathed in indirect sunshine. However, should sunlight be scarce, an option with a height-adjustable LED grow light can step in. Don't overlook the usefulness of proper drainage, either — it's a trusty shield against waterlogging and root rot. As for the best herbs for an indoor kitchen garden, think of basil, sage, thyme, mint, and chives.

Who said tiles were just for backsplashes or floors? With countertop tiles, start an affair with a canvas to express personal tastes (colors, shapes, and textures) and durability, where scratches and hot pots have met their match. This DIY-friendly countertop update only requires a weekend for full transformation. You could go vibrant with Mediterranean blues or serene with subway off-whites. Opt for larger tiles for a modern feel with less grout to clean or smaller pieces for detailed artistry. As for the cost, consider the supplies, including tiles, adhesive, grout, and sealant. Labor, if you choose it, will adjust the figures based on complexity.

Are you smitten with the luxurious allure of marble but your wallet isn't? A peel-and-stick contact paper countertop, while not as durable, is a superb compromise. Imagine the satisfaction of seeing your kitchen's aesthetics transform overnight, devoid of messy construction or astronomical price tags. It's all about precision, as you'll need to apply a high-grade vinyl that convincingly mimics the elegance of authentic Carrara. With costs for such prints ranging between a mere $0.37 to $15 at major retailers, meticulous application is key to success. Cut, peel, and stick the sheet, then smooth out bubbles, and voila — you've got luxury on a lemonade budget. 

Imagine whisking away your culinary remnants straight into a receptacle concealed beneath your workstation. With a secure-sealing lid, a garbage chute for countertops like the KegWorks Countertop Trash and Waste Chute on Amazon that costs under $40 offers such a fuss-free scenario. You get to choose from two paths for integrating this waste management practicality into your worktop design: invest in a brand-new slab outfitted with a pre-drilled hole or deploy a jigsaw to make an appropriately-sized opening in your existing countertop. Employing compost bin liners that make cleaning easier or compostable trash bags that will naturally decompose could further enhance the upgrade.