13 Countertop Cover Ideas For An Inexpensive Update

Your countertops see a lot of action, ingredients from all your favorite recipes, makeup and toiletries scattered while getting ready, and even serving snacks to gathered family and friends. So, your counter deserves a little extra attention. But countertop renovations can get pricey. So, good thing we have other ideas.

We've put together this list of 14 ideas to cover your countertop, rather than completely replacing it. This is less expensive and often less complicated of a process. Did you know you can cover your counter with contact paper? Or even paint your countertops to look like marble? This article is full of great countertop cover ideas. So, keep reading to find which one works for you.

Okay, let us guess, you have laminate countertops and you're dying for a refresh, but you don't want to break the bank. Great news, you can install new laminate over your old laminate. If your current laminate counters have square edges, they can be covered by another layer. Laminate is a great countertop choice because it can resemble a variety of different materials, from wood to soapstone.

The cost of re-laminating your countertops can vary, but it usually ranges from $3 to $6 per square foot. To install new laminate yourself, you'll need to prepare the surface by sanding and removing the finish, and then apply contact cement. (Be sure to apply the cement on both the prepared surface and the new laminate sheet.) Then place your new laminate, press down, and trim if needed. Laminate sheets like Formica's Portico Marble can emulate the look of stone. However, you can also go with a solid color like matte black or grey for a more modern, toned-down look.

Tile is an awesome choice for your countertop. It's extremely durable, stain- and heat-resistant, which makes it a great option for high-traffic areas like your kitchen. Plus, there are a variety of types of tile, including glazed tiles, porcelain, and ceramic. You can truly transform your space with gorgeous tile countertop ideas like checkered tiles, mosaic tiles, penny tiles, and much more. Tile itself is very easy to clean, but be sure to clean up spills on grout lines quickly to avoid staining. 

You can expect to spend anywhere from $10 to $30 per square foot on tile and installation. However, you can DIY tile installation for much less than that, as long as the old counters are completely flat and prepped correctly. Depending on the material, you'll need to sand and clean the surface, add a substrate (or tile backer), and then lay the tile. After setting the tiles on your counter, you'll apply grout and a sealant if needed. These Electric Blue Tiles from Tenedos are a unique, fun option for your countertop. Or use these Glass Subway Tiles from Lovdeco for a classic look. 

Going for an industrial, unique look? Try adding a skim coat of concrete. If you like the concrete slab countertop vibe but want to lessen the cost and skip the complicated installation process, this is the perfect countertop cover for you. Be mindful that a DIY concrete overlay may have some imperfections that a poured slab would not. Concrete overlays can also be stained or dyed if you have a specific shade or color in mind. 

A thin coat of concrete is a relatively affordable DIY, with the cost of materials ranging from $3 to $8 per square foot. Again, the existing countertops can affect the process of a concrete overlay. Typically, you'll want to first rough up your counters with sandpaper and clean the countertop. Some materials (like wood or tile) may require a layer of epoxy before adding the concrete overlay. Finally, add a sealer and wax to ensure your countertop is protected. A few things to note: it's a good idea to mix the concrete in small batches so it won't dry out. You can also practice smoothing out the concrete on a spare piece of wood before moving onto your counters.

A wood overlay offers the same beauty of wooden countertops at a more affordable price. An overlay is often thinner than a typical wood countertop and is placed over an existing counter. Consider butcher block, bamboo, or even reclaimed wood as overlay options. Although a classic and beautiful countertop choice, these require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure they stay in good shape.

The cost of your wood overlay depends on the type of wood you choose to cover your countertops with. Inexpensive materials include plywood or pine boards, whereas maple or exotic woods can greatly increase the cost. DIY an overlay by sanding the surface, applying construction adhesive (don't be shy with the amount), and placing the wood on top. Additionally, you'll want to seal or finish the wood overlay. For this DIY, you may need some woodworking skills, or you can call in the professionals to help.

Your countertop is your canvas, literally! You can paint your countertop to give it a little facelift. Painted countertops can hold up well if done properly, but they aren't as durable as other options and may not hold up in high-traffic areas. So, limit this idea to less-demanding areas, like a powder bathroom rather than your kitchen.  You'll also need to be careful when cleaning these painted countertops. Use a mild soap and cloth rather than harsh cleaners or chemicals to avoid damaging the paint. 

Sitting at $5 to $15 per square foot, painting your countertops is a super affordable option. First, you'll want to choose the right paint for your surface. Formulas like Beyond Paint's All-in-One Refinishing Paint come in a wide range of colors and can be used on materials like wood, laminate, and tile. Just be sure to properly ventilate your space and prepare the surface. For example, to prep laminate countertops before painting, you'll need to clean and sand the counter. 

A super affordable, unique countertop cover option is headed your way. Self-adhesive paper is not only a budget-friendly project, but it's also super easy to apply. Contact paper or peel-and-stick paper comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and finishes. Whether you want your countertops to look like marble, soapstone, or granite, self-adhesive paper is an affordable alternative. One thing to note, this paper is not as durable as the materials that it mimics. But, if you'd like to refresh your counter fairly regularly, you can remove contact paper from countertops using a hairdryer.

At around $1 per square foot installed, self-adhesive paper is one of the cheapest ways to refresh your countertops. Be sure to clean your countertop really well, and then simply peel and stick the paper to the surface. You can easily trim or cut the paper to size. This Peel and Stick Wallpaper for Kitchen Countertop by Very Berry Sticker can transform your kitchen counters to look like marble. Or, try this Green Marble Contact Paper for a unique, vibrant look. 

What is a countertop resurfacing kit? Overall, it gives your countertops a fresh, new look. Resurfacing kits come in a wide variety, so you can choose one that's formulated to give you the look you desire. If your existing counters are damaged but don't warrant a complete replacement, these kits can be the way to go.

These kits can range from $3 to $15 per square foot, depending on the coating or system chosen. To apply, you'll want to prep your counter. (You can guess what we're going to say, right?) Clean and sand your counter to get ready for the resurfacing kit. Then you'll want to follow the instructions for application. 

Luckily, there are a variety of kits to create different styles. This SpreadStone Mineral Select Countertop Finishing Kit from Daich can help you create a textured stone look in a variety of colors. However, Giani Easy Epoxy Quartz Countertop Paint Kit creates a sleek and minimalist white surface.

Feel like getting a little artsy? Try painting a faux marble countertop (don't worry, it's not that hard). If you're really craving the look of a marble countertop but you have a strict budget, this DIY project is the ultimate countertop cover. Remember, painting your countertops isn't the most durable option, but it's affordable and the final look is stunning.

You can find a great faux marble paint kit for less than $200. This Marble Easy Epoxy Paint Kit from Giani is a good option. Start by prepping and cleaning your countertops (different countertops require different steps), then start painting and making marble patterns. You can look up a variety of patterns for inspiration, or go rogue and do your own thing. Be sure to follow the instructions in your kit to get a beautiful countertop. But here's the caveat: you'll need to let the countertops fully cure (wait at least two days before using your counters and up to a week before using heavy equipment on the countertop). 

Give your kitchen a restaurant-worthy makeover with stainless steel sheets. Not only do they look cool, but stainless steel is an ideal material for a kitchen. It's extremely durable and heat-resistant, and it also doesn't stain and is super easy to clean. No wonder the pros use it in their kitchens. Stainless steel comes in a few finishes, like brushed, mirror, or satin. If you're going for an eye-catching kitchen, a stainless steel countertop could be the way to go. 

The cost of stainless steel sheets can vary, but they are typically more affordable if you visit a local sheet metal shop and you're willing to DIY the installation. You'll want to properly prep your existing counters and apply an adhesive to secure the sheets. Finally, caulk the edges between adjacent surfaces to create a proper seal. Keep in mind, installing stainless steel sheets is best saved for experienced DIYers. 

A faux terrazzo countertop cover is a very unique, fun option. Typically, terrazzo is made of stone, glass, or marble chips placed in a resin or cement mixture. This mixture can be poured on a countertop or can be sold in tiles. Terrazzo is durable, and its unique appearance makes for a statement countertop.

Rather than spend an arm and a leg on a terrazzo countertop, you can DIY a faux terrazzo countertop for the cost of materials (primer, paint, epoxy, vinyl chips). This Epoxy Resin Kit from Promise Epoxy is a well-reviewed option to use with these Decorative Color Chips from Taiyin that come in several color options. Clean and prep your surface, then use an appropriate primer and base paint. Apply another layer of paint in small sections and sprinkle the chips on the wet paint. Press on the chips to ensure they're in place, let it dry, and then epoxy the whole countertop. Although it's time-consuming and detail-oriented, this DIY countertop cover can be a jaw-dropper. 

A super easy, affordable, and aesthetic way to cover your countertops is with spray paint. This is also a really fast DIY. The color options are endless, whether you're looking for a glossy, clean white or a marble effect (like this Specialty Marble Spray Paint from Rust-Oleum). Just like painting your countertops, spray paint is not super durable countertop solution. So it's best to reserve it for low-traffic areas.

Depending on your product of choice, you can easily complete this project for under $100. To spray paint your counters, first clean and sand the surface. Don't forget to properly ventilate your space, too. You should apply more than two coats per the can's instructions, and add an epoxy at the end to seal it all. Be sure to leave the epoxy to completely cure for a few days, and then you'll have a beautiful, refreshed countertop. 

Want a show-stopping countertop? Try copper sheeting. Not only is this material unique, it's also relatively affordable if you're willing to install it yourself. Although unexpected, the color pale blue pairs beautifully with copper. So if you are rocking a blue kitchen, this DIY may be for you. Copper sheeting is relatively durable and can last a long time if cared for properly. It just typically needs waxing or resealing regularly. Copper sheeting comes in a variety of thicknesses, with 5 Mil being the cheapest but also the least durable option.

Covering your countertops with copper sheeting can cost around $8 per square foot if you install it yourself. Installing copper over your counters can be complex, so it's best for a DIYer with experience. If using thinner sheets, you'll need to ensure you have a very smooth substrate because bumps will show through. Use adhesive on both the existing surface and the copper foil, and attach it using a laminate roller.. You can add either tacks or nails for extra details, and cover it with a sealant. 

You can make your kitchen over in a flash with vinyl countertop wrap. Vinyl wrap has a self-adhesive film that sticks to your countertops, and it's easy to clean, waterproof, and heat-resistant. This material is available in a range of designs and textures, and can mimic different materials like wood or stone. It's also slightly thicker and more durable than contact paper.

You can find vinyl wraps for your counter for a couple of dollars per square foot. Applying a vinyl wrap requires careful cleaning and degreasing, but then it's easy to stick to your countertop. Place the vinyl on your countertop and apply pressure to ensure there are no bubbles, then pull to cover the edges and trim it to fit. Consider purchasing a tool kit to ease the installation process, like this Smoothing Tool Kit from Art3d. Vinyl works best with laminate or Formica countertops, but it doesn't stick well to textured or porous counters.