How to Make Cheap Countertops

Making a cheap countertop can be challenging and fun. Measure the countertops you are planning to redo as accurately as you can. But be prepared to have an artistic kitchen--these techniques work best when you can be flexible in your design.

Things You'll Need

• Thinset concrete
• Grout and colorant
• plywood

Instructions

Start with a Little Imagination

1. The cheapest countertops could be free. Check out craigslist.com under "Free Stuff" in your area or put in your own ad asking for free materials. Watch for other houses being remodeled and get their old counters. Big granite pieces, big solid surface pieces and even plywood can reduce your costs. This can work really well on a smaller section of the countertop in a kitchen or a bathroom. Often, home owners who are finished with their remodeling projects have some tile left over. These free tiles can be integrated into an overall design.

2. Try doing a tile mosaic countertop. Start with a plywood base top, use broken or old tile to completely cover the top with your own art. Many tile stores will have small quantities of floor tile left from a job or as discontinued samples. They can be really inexpensive or even free. Some stores will give you broken or discontinued tiles if you ask. Broken dishes, flower pots, pebbles and even coins can be part of your top. Set each of the patterns first, use Thinset to secure the tiles and grout when you are finished. It is easier to do a complete kitchen in sections rather than trying to do the whole thing at once.

3. Another totally cool and really cheap countertop design can be made using river rocks. If you have access to smooth flat stones, start collecting. These stones can be used on top of a plywood base with Thinset concrete then grouted into place. Remember, they will not have a smooth surface but they make a very attractive and interesting natural-looking counter. Stone tops are heat resistant and scratch proof so they are a good alternative building material. Consider doing one section of the counter with this material as a focal point.

4. Flooring tile can make a great cheap countertop. Traditional counter tile is 4 x 4 or 6 x 6 inches. Flooring tile is usually bigger at 12 x 12, 18 x 18, or even 24 x 24. Those big sizes can help make flooring a great alternative to the smaller tiles. Additional advantages are that there are fewer grout lines. A disadvantage is that the big tiles can be very difficult to work with just because they are so big and heavy and they require more tile cutting. The application is the same for traditional tile but a little creativity is required to handle the front edges.

5. An unusual but completely effective countertop material is scrap wooden or bamboo flooring. Floor material is pre-cut, pre-finished and simple to install. It is water-resistant, not waterproof. It is heat-resistant but will burn, so use trivets. It also scratches and wears but that can be part of the charm. Flooring companies can let you know if they have small quantities available.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to the professionals at the flooring stores about what you are planning to do--they will give you manufacturers' recommendations.

• Do not use flammable material near any heat source or open flame.

References

• Thinset Tile Mortar
• Wood Flooring Scrap Parquet Patterns

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish