8 Countertops You'd Never Believe Were Handmade

Don’t live with countertops you hate. Even without the money, time, or motivation for a full-on kitchen renovation, there are several DIY ways to do-over your counters. And while some are easier than others, all would give your kitchen a fresh look for less.


A DIY countertop project is well within most homeowners' grasp. But there are a few guidelines that will help to make the process easier and the results more professional. If you’re installing new, or new-to-you materials, measuring is paramount. Always measure the length of your countertops from the back wall, to the nearest 1/8”. Check all 90 degree angles to see if they’re actually square, and note the angles if they’re not. Note and measure the placement of all appliances, sinks and faucets.


Before you put your beautiful new DIY countertops in, ensure all your cabinets are level. Check the tops of the cabinets with a level from front to back, and side to side. Then, adjust the level of all the cabinets with shims until they are level in every direction. Make sure the cabinets are also flush with the wall. Then remove the excess from your shims and get ready to put your countertops in.


Remember that countertops are one of the last parts of a kitchen installation. So, if you’re doing any other work, like installing a new floor, or painting cabinets, wait until the end to put your new DIY countertops. The only exception is the wall or backsplash behind the counter. No matter how careful you are, bumps can happen during installation. So, take care, and then completely mask and protect your new counters while you do any finishing to the walls behind them. Click now to see some of our favorite DIY countertops from around the Web!

By Jennifer Noonan | Updated Aug 18, 2015 01:36 PM

Faux Concrete

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Faux Concrete Countertops

A refinishing kit brings faux concrete countertops easily within reach. Here, thin applications of different coatings were layered directly over an existing laminate counter and within three days, the job was complete. Many remodelers are happy to discover that updating the kitchen countertops actually makes the cabinets look new, too. Win-win.


Related—How To: Make DIY Concrete Countertops

thediyvillage.com

Painted Tile

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Painted Tile Countertops

Does your tile countertop look dated? Why not do as Live Love DIY did and drag yours into the present with a tub-and-tile refinishing kit? The epoxy product completely covers tile and grout—and everything else you can't bear to look at anymore!


Related—How To: Paint Tile

livelovediy.com

Stained Butcher Block

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Butcher Block Countertops

With only a few coats of stain, you can transform conventional butcher block into something that's both eye-catching and refined. this & that reveals that the trick is to apply wood conditioner before the stain. Afterward, follow up with tung oil not only to seal out moisture, but also to enhance the natural color and luster of the material.


Related: 12 Wow-Worthy Woods for Kitchen Countertops

kleypas.blogspot.com

Faux Granite

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Faux Granite Countertops

Gorgeous granite may not be in your budget, but with the right paint kit, you can get the look for much, much less—about $70. The process involves using sponges of different sizes to apply several lays of mineral paint over a dark primer. It's by no means a cinch to get done, but at least for Release Me Creations, the impressive results were well worth it. 


Related—Buyer's Guide: Granite Countertops

releasemecreate.blogspot.com

Tricolor Wood

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Tri-Color Wood Countertops

Homeowners love wood countertops because when properly maintained, they are durable and long-lasting. Plus—for amateur woodworkers who own the appropriate tools—installation is a DIY-friendly affair. By alternating wood stains, Hart's Design Photograph gave a one-of-a-kind look to a timeless kitchen design choice. 

hartsdesirephoto.com

Tile Mosaic

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Mosaic Countertops

With preparation, you can install a tile mosaic directly over an existing countertop, as My Two Butterflies managed to accomplish here. The part we like best about such an approach is how it enables you to employ leftover or reclaimed tile. Oh, and smashing tile is lots of fun.


Related—How To: Work with Mosaic Tile

mytwobutterflies.blogspot.com

Live Edge Wood

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Live Edge Wood Countertops

If you favor the rustic look of natural wood, it doesn't get more rustic than Douglas fir planks with the bark left on. AndreaQueenB brought out the beauty of the material with sanding and sealing, so if you wish to follow her lead, remember that patience is a virtue. The upshot is that your sweat equity can introduce unique kitchen style at a cost lower than that of almost any other countertop material.

queenbandme.com

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