When I first moved into my home, there was one thing I didn’t like: the bathroom countertops. Both full bathrooms had laminate counters from the 1980s, featuring burn markers, fading, and the dingiest brown color.
The cabinets, on the other hand, still looked great. Since I was working with a small budget, I just needed to freshen up the counters. So, I got creative, skimming one bathroom countertop with concrete and painting another. These cheap and easy options held me over until I could afford a more permanent replacement.
If you’re in a similar situation, fear not. These five bathroom countertop ideas are inexpensive and can completely change the look of your room.
DIY Concrete Counters
There are two ways to DIY your concrete countertops. First, you can make your own countertop forms and create solid concrete countertops. For an even easier and faster method, you can add coats of Ardex feather concrete over your existing counters.
I transformed my bathroom laminate countertops with white Ardex Feather concrete. One of our contributors used an earthy concrete color to transform his kitchen countertops and provided a step-by-step tutorial with pictures.
Laminate from a Big Box Store
Laminate countertops have come a long way. Replacing a laminate countertop from the 1980s or 90s with a more current version can refresh your space. I recently added this marble-look laminate countertop from Lowes to my master bathroom, and it looks great. Lowes also had a herringbone butcher block-style laminate countertop available.
The off-the-shelf laminate countertops at the big box stores are very inexpensive, can be cut to size, and are easily installed. Visit Lowes or The Home Depot to see what they have in store.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Tile countertops can give a custom look at a fraction of the price of solid surface counters. While these countertops were most popular in the 1980s, a fresh, modern twist can make them the right choice for your kitchen or bathroom.
Ceramic, porcelain, and granite tiles are all durable countertop options. Epoxy grout is one of the best grout choices for tile countertops because it is water—and stain-resistant.
Countertop Painting Kit
Those interested in a long-lasting countertop option that will make it several years before needing to be replaced can consider a countertop painting or refinishing kit. These kits contain primer, paint, and sealants for a whole new look.
Some available options include simple coatings to turn countertops into solid colors, granite-look kits, marble-look kits, and more. Simple countertop paints cost less than $20 per can, while high-end refinishing kits cost about $65 to $200.
Removable Stick-On Film (Best for Renters)
Removable waterproof vinyl stick-on film is a top option for renters and those with a very low budget. It is available in numerous designs for as little as $0.50 per square foot.
If you’re renting, ensure that the film you pick is removable. If not, you’ll have to do a lot of scraping and cleaning to get the previous countertops back in good condition.
