10 DIY Countertop Ideas For An Affordable Kitchen Upgrade

The right countertops can transform a dated kitchen, and luckily you don't have to spend a fortune to achieve a modern look. DIY enthusiasts across the internet have discovered affordable ways to give your cooking space a contemporary upgrade. From peel-and-stick paper to slabs of stone tile, you can choose a material that feels true to your style and budget. There are options for the DIY amateur or expert, depending on your comfort level with renovation projects.

These projects are proof that you don't have to gut your kitchen to create an updated atmosphere. Your countertops are arguably the most visible part of your space, emphasizing the importance of a stylish surface. Whether you love modern minimalism or timeless detail, there is a countertop to suit every aesthetic. No matter which hack you choose, always make sure to research the proper sealant for your chosen material. The kitchen is exposed to moisture and other environmental aggressors, making it imperative to sufficiently seal your countertops. Budget hacks may not always excel in longevity, but a clear coat sealant can help lengthen the lifespan of your countertops. 

Shared by @purehappyhome, this hack works especially well for revamping wood countertops. First, sand your counters down and apply a heavy primer. After the counters are covered in a generous amount of primer, let them dry before applying your white paint. Finally, sponge off the paint to allow the primer to show through. Be aware that some primers can turn yellow over time, so always test your primer to be sure that it won't change shades after setting. A sealant like Stays Clear polyurethane by Benjamin Moore can help prevent this. Explore the top performing countertop paint kits for a professional result.

If you love the look of butcher block countertops, but are stuck with stone or laminate, follow @marsthegrl's lead. She showcases her success with a budget-friendly peel-and-stick countertop cover that resembles natural wood. While the finished look is undeniably attractive, peel-and-stick countertop paper is typically considered a temporary solution. This means that you should be prepared to replace the paper every few years. One way to maximize the lifespan of a peel-and-stick solution is to make sure that your countertops are smooth and level prior to the application process.

This hack by @lacasaperez is demonstrated in an outdoor kitchen, but you can apply the same concept to your primary cooking space. Install tiles over the top of your existing countertop by adding a thick layer of mortar to even out the surface. Thinner grout lines are ideal for more minimal upkeep. Just like most countertop finishes, always seal your grout with a waterproof, silicon sealant like this option from MORE on Amazon ($30). You can also choose a deeper grout color to begin with if you're worried about discoloration. However, check with your tile manufacturer to ensure that staining won't occur from the darker grout.

Install your own DIY butcher block countertops by following @champagne_sawdust's tutorial. Cut pieces of plywood and glue them to the surface of your countertops in the pattern of your choice. Janene Neely of @champagne_sawdust sealed her counters with Rubio Monocoat to create a water-resistant layer. Besides the affordability, a major benefit of plywood is that it is more resistant to warping than solid wood options. For an even cheaper alternative, consider stone composite stick-on tiles, like these from Avant Decor on Amazon, with a wood grain finish.

Fiberglass mesh serves as a base for these DIY concrete countertops by @karlinsummer. Mix and pour concrete into the setting and let it solidify. Finally, sand down the surface until it is smooth, and apply a strong sealant. Concrete is porous so you may consider sealing it with multiple coats. Although the material is durable, it can be prone to staining. You can either reseal your concrete every year or lean into the industrial look and embrace the visible marks.

This DIY by @sweetbungalow is a true testament to the phrase "trust the process." To get a black matte finish, the key is to prime your countertops before applying at least two coats of paint. Finish the look by sanding the surface and applying two coats of a polyurethane sealer. When it comes to black kitchen countertop design options, you can balance the dark appearance with warm wood and ambient lighting. To create a granite-like effect, you can add these metallic flecks from Beyond Paint ($25 on Amazon) to the paint itself.

For a more affordable alternative to stone countertops, you can repurpose large-format tiles. On TikTok, @beautyandthebuilder chose a marble-inspired tile and used a bullnose to conceal the exposed edges. They also used the extra material to make a small backsplash. This is ideal for smaller kitchens and kitchenettes. For larger kitchen countertops, it will be difficult to achieve a similar look with minimal seams. However, in a compact space, this is a great way to repurpose extra tiles from flooring installations.

Paint-on marble veining has been popular for a while, but it takes a lot of skill and precision to make it look natural. For a simpler way to mimic the visual effect of veining, take inspiration from @brileaconner. She showcases a spray that makes it easy to DIY a faux marble countertop. You can purchase a marble effect spray from Montana for $18 at Home Depot. To create an organic look, shake the can vigorously and then hold it about 10 to 12 inches away from the countertop. Always check your can's instructions before spraying.

If you want your countertops to look like real stone, texture is as important as the appearance. On TikTok, @amandaseghetti shows viewers how to sand your countertops before priming and applying stone-style paint. Rust-Oleum has a natural stone texture spray for an easy upgrade ($30 on Amazon). Make sure to gently sand the surface after applying the paint and follow up with a sealant if you are using it on countertops. The only downside is that textured countertops can be harder to clean, as rags may snag on the surface. You can gently use a gentle scrub brush to ensure a more thorough clean.

IKEA offers pre-cut laminate countertop sheets that are thin enough to apply to your existing countertops. On TikTok, @tianna_janese presents the finished result of this easy DIY countertop upgrade. The pre-cut laminate also comes with strips to easily conceal the edges. IKEA also offers butcher block-style alternatives if you prefer a wood finish. According to the majority of the reviews, IKEA countertops are worth the money. Although there have been some reports of warping or staining, the reviews are largely positive. The beauty of low-cost countertops is that you can replace them if need be without breaking the bank.