How much does it cost to refinish countertops?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Over time, countertops suffer from general wear and tear or begin to look dated and used. At that point, you have the option between refinishing them or replacing them entirely. Refinishing countertops is a simple, convenient, and cost-effective way to extend their lifespan, allowing you to freshen up older countertops or provide a clean, new look, without the need for a costly and time-consuming replacement job.

The national average countertop refinishing cost ranges from $300 to $500, with most people spending about $400 on professionally applied epoxy coating for 60 sq.ft. of quartz countertops. At the low end, you could spend as little as $150 on painting and sealing 60 sq.ft. of tile countertops. At the high end of the spectrum, some people spend as much as $800 to refinish 100 sq.ft. of concrete countertops with a premium polymer resin coating.

Cost to Refinish Countertops

Cost to Refinish Countertops by Method

The average cost to refinish countertops by the method or refinishing material used ranges from $3 to $15 per sq.ft., including materials and installation labor. There are various refinishing materials used to add new life to your countertops. Each material varies in results, efficiency, and prices. Those on a budget might choose a simpler option like painting and sealing, while homeowners who want a premium finish could opt for a material such as polymer resin. The table below shows the most common options and average costs for each.

Re-Laminate Countertops

It will cost you between $3 and $6 per sq.ft. to re-laminate your countertops as a refinishing project. New laminate is one of the cheapest options for countertop refinishing and is best suited for laminate countertops. It adds a new sheet of laminate over the top of the existing countertops and covers any marks or scratches that developed over time. An advantage of new laminate is its huge range of looks and colors. It can be used on all types of projects, including refinishing Formica countertops.

Countertop Epoxy Coating

The costs for epoxy coatings range from $4 to $8 per sq.ft. Epoxy coatings cost more than other materials but are known for their strength and durability and are available in numerous styles. These can replicate the look of granite or marble countertops and are cheaper than the real thing. Examples of popular epoxy coatings include Permaglaze and Miracle Method. But several different methods and products are available.

Polymer Resin

This refinishing material costs between $4 and $8 per sq.ft. Polymer resins are similar to epoxy coatings and are applied in nearly the same way. They are made up of various polymer blends and are found in a huge range of colors that may be customized to suit your needs and tastes. Like epoxy coatings, they are used to replicate the look of other materials like granite. These coatings come in several customized and premium finishes, making them a great choice for those who want the look of new counters without the expense or project scale.

Countertop Refinishing Paint

It costs between $7 and $15 per sq.ft. to paint and seal countertops, making it the most affordable option for refinishing counters. It is simple and may be done on your own if you have some DIY experience. Sand down the countertops, apply a primer, and paint over them. A wide range of paint colors is available. However, this option does not work on all surfaces and is best suited to tile or porcelain countertops. It may require more prep than other options.

Countertop Refinishing Cost by Material

The average cost to refinish countertops based on the material used ranges from $3 to $15 per sq.ft. Countertops come in a wide range of materials, from elegant granite and marble to quartz, concrete, and porcelain. Most countertop materials are resurfaced, but some, such as wood, reclaimed wood, stainless steel, zinc, and epoxy, are not well-suited to refinishing. These surfaces may not be compatible with resins and polymers or are simply unsuitable for painting and resealing. The cost and outcome of refinishing countertops depend on the materials and methods used. In the table below, you’ll see a list of the most common countertop materials, their recommended refinishing method, and the average costs per sq.ft., including materials and labor.

Laminate Countertop Refinishing

It costs about $3 to $6 per sq.ft. to refinish laminate countertops. When it comes to laminate countertops, you have a few options. You might opt for an epoxy resin to cover up the laminate and change its style. However, it is usually cheaper and easier to place a new layer of laminate over the top. With a wide range of colors and styles to choose from, you may completely change the look of your laminate countertops for a lot less than you expect.

Corian Countertop Refinishing

Use an epoxy coating to refinish and revitalize a Corian countertop, priced between $4 and $8 per sq.ft. Corian is one of the most popular solid surface materials used for countertops around the world. It is made from an acrylic polymer and stands up well to general use, but it looks tired over time. Even the best counters need to be refreshed. If replacement isn’t the best option, refinishing could provide a new look for less when your Corian counters need some TLC.

Quartz Countertop Refinishing

Quartz is another commonly chosen material for countertops and costs $4 to $8 per sq.ft. to refinish. Most quartz countertops are made with a very small percentage of actual quartz, mixed with other stone and materials, connected with polymer binders. Quartz is strong, but if your quartz countertops need a new look, an epoxy coating may be used to change their color or hide imperfections. Several options make this a good choice for anyone who wants a change.

Wood Countertop Refinishing

You can expect to spend $4 to $8 per sq.ft. on wood countertop refinishing, depending on the type of wood, how much damage there is, and what type of refinishing material you choose. Typically, people stick with a high-end epoxy or resin. However, wood can be painted and sealed at a lower cost if you want something to create a new look at a more affordable price. Wood countertops are popular because of their beauty, but they are more delicate than other materials and may need more care and frequent refinishing.

Refinish a Marble Countertop

An epoxy coating may be used to refinish and refresh marble countertops for between $4 and $8 per sq.ft. Marble is one of the most popular and beautiful natural stone substances used for kitchen countertops. It looks wonderful but comes at a high price. Therefore, owners may be dismayed to see scratches or chips on the surface. Marble is a premium material, but it is not impenetrable. Regular refinishing could add years to the lifespan of your counters.

Refinish Granite Countertops

The costs for this refinishing range from $4 to $8 per sq.ft. As granite is a natural stone like marble, the same advice applies. An epoxy coating is the best option. Some coatings replicate the look of your granite, covering any cracks or scratches and helping it seem as good as new. Depending on the type of coating you choose, the price could vary significantly, such as choosing custom finishes or adding a premium color to the epoxy.

Concrete Countertop Refinishing

A strong polymer resin is the best option for concrete countertops, costing between $4 and $8 per sq.ft. Concrete is one of the more complicated countertop surfaces to refinish. It is growing in popularity for its strength and striking look. However, concrete countertops chip and scratch over time. They must be resealed and refreshed to prevent them from taking on water or developing bigger issues. There may also be a bigger need for repairs with this material before refinishing, but that depends on the exact level of wear or damage.

Resin Countertop Refinishing

The cost for this refinishing ranges from $4 to $8 per sq.ft. When it comes to resin countertops, the best answer is usually to apply more resin. Polymer resins are fitted onto existing resin countertops, refreshing each surface. This can potentially change its entire appearance because resins are found in various colors and styles. Several customization options for this material make it a popular choice for people who want a new look and a clean finish.

Tile Countertop Refinishing

It costs between $7 and $15 per sq.ft. for refinishing tile countertops. The best option here is generally to paint and seal the tiles. It is an affordable option that allows people to do the work themselves if they are capable and don’t want to enlist professional assistance. However, as with any refinishing project, the best results will always be obtained by a countertop refinishing expert. So, you should take the time to get a few estimates before choosing how to proceed.

Porcelain Countertop

Costs for this refinishing are approximately $7 to $15 per sq.ft. Porcelain countertops crack and chip over time with general use, even when you are careful. But a paint and sealant combination may be used to give it a fresh new look and cover up any pre-existing issues. It will be important to consider the different types of paint and sealant available, namely the sealant, to protect these delicate counters. If no excess damage needs to be replaced, this can be an affordable way to refresh porcelain.

Labor Cost to Refinish Countertops

Of the average $300 to $500 spent on countertop refinishing, approximately $225 to $390 goes to labor. The rest goes to materials, with the average labor rate running between $45 and $65 per hour for countertop refinishing experts or general carpenters. A typical job takes five to six hours to complete. The bulk of the cost in refinishing comes in the labor because these projects take a lot of work. The material costs are nominal. You will spend more to have premium finishes or surfaces installed when compared to more budget-friendly options like painting and sealing counters.

Refinishing countertops starts by assessing the damage and cleaning the original surface to ensure that all issues are addressed. Then, the old counters will be prepped, which in most cases involves sanding them down to prepare them for the new coating. The new coating is applied, and then it will be left to dry or cure for the required amount of time. Once the finish has set, the counters have a beautiful new appearance as if they were replaced, but at a fraction of the cost.

Various factors impact the cost of refinishing your countertops, beginning with your location, which can impact labor rates. Countertop size must be considered, along with the amount of damage that exists on your countertops. More sealant and additional labor are required for countertops that have serious damage. Factors like the countertop material and refinishing type also impact the price because some materials, such as concrete, require additional care and more labor to refinish than a simple laminate surface. Finally, the chosen finishing design impacts the price. Detailed marble and granite-style coatings are more expensive than simpler alternatives.

Countertop Repair Cost

If your countertop needs to be repaired before being refinished, you can expect to spend $200 to $600 on countertop repairs. This will be in addition to the cost of the countertop refinishing. Be sure to discuss the project with your contractor to ensure that you understand the process and get the best outcome. It is important to repair any major damage before refinishing to ensure that the coating is applied securely, provides the most longevity, and improves the aesthetic appearance of the surface.

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Countertop Colors

When you choose to refinish your countertops, you may opt for a wide range of colors, which applies to any refinishing method. For example, with paint and sealing, there are various paint colors to redecorate your counters. Meanwhile, if you opt for a new laminate cover or an epoxy or polymer coating, there are many possible options. It is even possible to find epoxy coatings stylized to look like popular countertop surfaces, such as marble, granite, and slate.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Kitchen Sink Replacement

The average cost for sink replacement is $245 to $1,105. Like the countertops, your kitchen sink may suffer wear and tear as time goes by. Many homeowners choose to refresh their sink when refinishing their countertops to enhance the like-new appearance. In some cases, it just makes sense if the old sink is too damaged, or if removing it creates excess damage, to get a replacement while the counters are being refinished. It can be a way to upgrade the style or change the look of the space as part of the upgrade.

Kitchen Faucet Replacement

A kitchen faucet will cost between $400 and $900 to have it replaced. Another great way to modernize or refresh the look of your kitchen is by installing a new kitchen faucet. Various models are available to suit different designs, styles, and budgets. You can update the kitchen faucet to change the look of your space and enhance the new countertops’ finish. The cost of the faucet varies, but several styles are available in every budget range.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Lifespan. In most cases, refinished countertops last at least five to seven years, often extending to 15 to 20 years, vastly extending your counters’ lifespan. However, to ensure the refinishing lasts as long as possible, homeowners should treat countertops with care. Use cutting boards and hot pads, wipe away stains and marks, and use gentle cleaning solutions.
• Warranties. Most refinishing companies offer warranties. For example, Miracle Method refinishing comes with a five-year warranty. Be sure to ask your refinishing company or contractor whether a warranty is included with your project and what it entails.
• Reduce waste. It used to be more common to replace countertops than refinish them, leading to wasted material and perfectly functional counters being thrown out. Thanks to modern refinishing materials and techniques, it is easier to cut down on this waste and simply add new life into existing counters. Usually, with general wear and tear, the core of your countertops is still intact and strong. It makes sense to add a new coating to the outside and use the materials you have.
• Mask safety. Fumes from refinishing materials may be toxic, so it is normal for contractors to wear masks and close kitchen doors when undertaking refinishing jobs. They usually make use of fans to remove odors and fumes from the home.
• Replace vs refinish. If cabinets are not damaged or worn, and you just want to give them a refresh or update their appearance, refinishing can be the most cost-effective and less wasteful solution. Homeowners can save about 50% when refinishing counters as opposed to replacing them. This is a faster and simpler process, which means fewer labor costs, and the job is done quicker. Replacement should only be considered when the countertops are beyond saving or if you are renovating and changing the layout of the kitchen.
• DIY countertop refinishing. While you may be able to sand and paint your own countertops as a refinishing project, other types of refinishing take a professional touch. Be sure to consult with a countertop refinishing expert before doing your own work. You could cause more damage and end up needing a replacement if you’re not experienced or familiar with what you are doing.