DIY Countertop Options

These counters are friend zoned

As I sit here staring (again) at my yellow counters, there is a longing that goes deep into my soul for counters from this century.  I mean.  Really.  Those bad boys are 45+ years old and despite the fact that I think yellow is one of the happiest colors, they just do not make my heart sing like a quartz or marble counter could do.  Those yellow formica bad boys were friend zoned as soon as I met them.  They’re good.  We could get along okay.  They’re ‘nice’.  But they just do not make my heart skip a beat. Clearly, I need some DIY countertop options.

So now that I’ve put all this effort into the cabinets and I’m really loving the way they look, I’m thinking I need counters with a little more passion.  I think it’s time to break up with my yellow friend.

But…  what should I do?  Turns out making this decision has been my biggest challenge.  I want something nice but don’t want to invest in quartz or granite until I do a full remodel with new cabinets, etc…  The way I see it, I have several DIY countertop options:  Butcher block, DIY wood counters, concrete, epoxy, plywood, paint & more.  While I don’t think any one of these is “perfect” for me, I do think there’s a workable option out there for me.  Trying to decide the best fit for us is the hard part.

Let’s start with the hard part…  Unfortunately for me, I have one stretch of my counter that causes a challenge.  The long peninsula….

That stretch of counter closest to us in the photo is 98″ long and 25 and 5/8″ wide.  Yes folks, that’s about 5/8″ wider and 2″ longer than most in stock counter options.  Just my luck.

CONCRETE

I REALLY like the look of concrete counters.  They’re this cool blend between industrial, modern and farmhouse.  I’ve even seen white concrete that is just gorgeous!  I really think I would LOVE it in my kitchen.  I have read enough reviews to know that I don’t want the concrete over my existing counters.  If I do it, we would have to make our own molds and pour it ourselves.  I won’t lie.  That is pretty intimidating.  Andy is worried about the weight.  He envisions our kitchen floor caving in.  While I have no idea if that is a valid fear, it does give me nightmares.

PAINT

Pinterest is full of paint tutorials.  There are ones that look like granite, marble and even soapstone.  I nixed this idea pretty early on.  My art skills are strong enough to make this look good and I worry about durability.  These counters take a beating.

EPOXY

The idea of epoxy is really intriguing to me.  I have been stalking  www.countertopepoxy.com for months.  I’ve watched their videos on YouTube and honestly, this is a beautiful product.  It looks just like marble!!  And yes friends, it’s affordable!  And it’s heat resistant.  My only fear with this product is the vertical edges of the counters.  Can I make them look as good as I’d want them to?  I’d want it as smooth and even as the top and well, gravity is no one’s friend so I fear the drips….  Despite that fear, this is one of my top choices.

BUTCHER BLOCK 

I LOVE it.  It’s a classic.  But…  That darn peninsula.  It means a custom order which, as you can imagine, increases the cost rather significantly.  I’m still scouring the internet, though.  I just might get lucky.  This would probably be my top choice if it were more affordable.

PLYWOOD

I know.  It sounds janky.  I promise.  It’s not.  Check out this kitchen featured on Remodelista.  It’s so simple but it works.  If that doesn’t convince you, look at this counter at Vintage Revivals.  Plywood can look REALLY good!  Again, the peninsula will challenge me but on this one, I can overcome!

DIY WOOD

Finally, if all else fails, this is the go to…  I KNOW I can make this work.  I even feel like I could make it pretty and within budget, making it look like butcher block or go with wide planks.  It has nearly endless options.

I know.  I didn’t put new formica on the list.  To be fair, I’d probably be happy with a marble look formica counter but my oh so practical husband thinks paying for new formica when our formica is functional doesn’t make sense.  Of all the DIY countertop options, what’s your favorite?  Go ahead.  Click the links.  Go down that Pinterest rabbit hole.  Then, come back and tell me what you think.  In the meantime, I’m going to have another cup of coffee.

xoxo

Donna

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