How to Inexpensively Replace Plywood Kitchen Countertops

Inexpensive countertop alternatives can add as much pizzazz to your kitchen as high-end granite and marble. If your counters are soiled and worn, and you don't want to spend the money on expensive materials, or if you need an interim solution, replacing them can be cheap and easy. A variety of materials are available to complete this project. These methods to inexpensively replace plywood kitchen countertops can be completed in a day.

Instructions

1




Prepare the surface. Scrub it with a heavy-duty detergent like TSP and let dry. Rub it with sandpaper to ensure that it is flat. Brush off any debris left by the sanding.

2




Buy self-sticking countertop laminate at the home store. Cut it to size and apply it over the plywood. Use long leftover pieces to cover the sides of the countertop. Gently file the area where the top and sides join.

3




Cover the plywood with melamine or laminate paint. Use a high adhesion primer and then cover with paint. Make patterns in the paint with a brush or sponge to create a granite look or leave it a solid color. Apply several coats of polyurethane over the paint.

4




Mix and match discontinued ceramic tile, or create a pattern with the broken pieces of tile home stores sometimes have for sale by the bucket. Make sure you use waterproof grout.

5




Apply contact paper to the plywood. This method is cheap and easy, but you'll have to remember not to cut directly on the surface or to set hot pans on it.

6




Purchase peel and stick floor tiles. The tiles are easy to cut, so lay out your pattern before you start and cut the tiles to size to avoid having odd shapes at the edges. You won't be able to use this surface as a cutting block or set hot pots on it.