Cheap Kitchen Countertops

Is it possible to add character and interest to the kitchen without breaking the bank? When you discover the world of eco-friendly or stone-look surfaces, the answer is "absolutely."

Buyers want to move into a space that requires little to no work up front. Homeowners' Josh Crosby and Amy Swift-Crosby gave this townhouse a crisp 'wow' factor with white and light gray hues.

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Buyers want to move into a space that requires little to no work up front. Homeowners' Josh Crosby and Amy Swift-Crosby gave this townhouse a crisp 'wow' factor with white and light gray hues.

Upgrading your kitchen, but on a tight budget? Cost-conscious consumers don't have to sacrifice style when they shop smart and search for attractive but durable alternatives.

Don't fall into the trap of thinking that expensive countertops make a kitchen look more interesting. There are plenty of other cheap kitchen countertop options.

Inexpensive kitchen countertops come in a range of options, including tiled surfaces and laminate.

Affordable Countertop Options

1. Laminate

Laminate surfaces, hailed for their seamless, uniform look, are considered one of the cheapest countertops available. These cheap countertops are relatively durable and can easily be installed without professional help.

Laminate countertops are made from layers of plastic that are bonded to particleboard or kraft paper to create a solid countertop surface. These countertops are available in a wide variety of colors, textures and patterns, ranging from options that look like marble to ones that mimic the appearance of stainless steel.

2. Tiles Vs. Slabs

Use stone in smaller quantities — think granite or marble tiles in lieu of slabs (though ceramic and porcelain tiles also do the trick for a fraction of the price).

Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, tile countertops are a versatile, budget-friendly surface option. Tile countertops are easy to maintain and clean. The surface is heat- and stain-resistant, and available in a number of colors, materials, sizes and patterns.

3. Consider Engineered Stone

Consider solid surfaces like Corian and engineered stone surfaces like quartz.

4. What About Wood?

Natural materials like butcher block or wood grain counters can cleverly add character and interest to the kitchen without breaking the bank.

5. Try Eco-Friendly Materials

Eco-friendly materials, like bamboo, glass and concrete, have also increased in popularity as countertop options in recent years thanks to a low price tag (especially in comparison to stone slabs) and a one-of-a-kind feel.

Of course, if you have a creative side, then you may want to consider a recycled glass countertop. For this countertop, you will apply the same concept that is used to make mosaics. By using colored glass and tile adhesive, you can create a wide range of designs and patterns.

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