Countertops, like all other items, wear out after a few years of use, and despite our best efforts, countertop refinishing or replacement may be the only option. Here are a few things to know about refinishing that you should think about before deciding on the best option for your countertops, depending on your preference.
To give your kitchen and bathroom worktops a fresh appearance, refinishing entails removing the old finish and applying a new one. Kitchen counters, bathrooms, cultured marble sink vanities, and even breakfast bars may all benefit from this method.
Spend Less
Your countertop is most likely dull and ragged, and it’s beginning to give your home an aged appearance. It’s time to take action, and you have many possibilities, but only a few in your wallet. Countertop refinishing is a cost-effective alternative to a total renovation. Refinishing your countertop will also extend its life by 10 to 15 years.
Conserve time
Aside from that, countertop refinishing saves you a significant amount of time, almost half of what it would take to replace the whole countertop. This is particularly true if you are a busy person who makes extensive use of your home’s space. If you work from home or are a stay-at-home parent, replacing your countertop will be a major hassle. Replacement requires a lot of time and space, but it’s necessary if you want to entirely alter the design and feel of the piece or improve the material.
Avoid the mess of demolition
That is something we have all experienced at some point if we have owned a home for a long time. Breaking a little bit of something in a hose to mend it might sometimes lead to other issues we weren’t aware of. Furthermore, despite careful calculation, the time it takes and the displacement that occurs can never be predicted.
Material Defines Refinishing Method
Different countertop materials exist, each with its own distinct characteristics. Some materials are simple to refinish and may be completed by the homeowner, while others are more difficult and need the services of specialists. Some of the countertop materials are as follows.
Stone (Natural)
New products make it easier to restore natural stones. There are several DIY restoration videos available to guide you through the process. If you’re not sure about your DIY talents, don’t risk destroying over $5000 in property to save a few bucks.
Natural stone has 4 steps:
- Grind
- Hone
- Polish
- Seal
The grinding process removes the top thin layer, giving the appearance of a fresh countertop. Despite its simplicity, honing and polishing demand considerable skills since one mistake may cost you a lot of money. With proper care, a good natural stone refinishing may extend the life of your countertop for another decade or more.
Wood
Refinishing wood is the most straightforward. Finish with sandpaper. A basic polish can also suffice if the wood countertop isn’t too far gone. You may use a buffer and a polyurethane finish. Wood is the most basic, however, it isn’t as basic as the following material.
Epoxy
Epoxy is the most straightforward of the three since it only requires one refinishing procedure. A fresh coating of epoxy is applied to the surface throughout the procedure. Epoxies, on the other hand, maybe damaged by excessive heat. As a result, refinishing should be done by an expert. If you insist on doing it yourself, take caution and trivets or other heat-resistant equipment to protect the epoxy.
Contractor or do-it-yourself
At this stage, you must decide whether to complete the project yourself or hire a contractor. Refinishing countertops takes time and accuracy and should not be hurried. Consider the budget as well. It is advisable to do it yourself if you do not have enough money to employ a professional. If you can’t do it yourself, postpone the job for a while so you can save money for a professional. Depending on the kind and size of countertop that has to be repaired, this might cost anywhere from $250 to $700.
Experience
Whether you handle the refinishing yourself or employ a professional, the expertise, skillset, and ability in managing the work are all important. If you can do it yourself and have the necessary abilities, you must also examine the amount of time it will take to finish the work and if you have enough time to avoid hurrying the process.
Risks Associated
Despite its simplicity, countertop restoration contains hazards that your contractor may not inform you about. First and foremost, selecting the appropriate equipment is critical, since incorrect tools might ruin the present finish. This encourages mold development and water damage. Second, stay away from substances that might have long-term negative effects on your health, such as respiratory problems and allergies.
Finally, certain countertops do not need much more care than others. Bathtubs are an example of a countertop that requires regular maintenance. Bathtub reglazing keeps the floor smooth and free of scratches and stains.