If you're having a problem with your current countertop, you might be trying to decide whether it needs to repaired or replaced. The average price to replace countertops is definitely higher than the cost to repair countertops, but sometimes it's the only option.
In most cases, repairing counters is more cost-effective than full a replacement, but it's skilled work that usually requires a professional. Countertop repair costs range between $207 and $507, with an average of $347 spent on fixes. Minor fixes can cost as little as $100, but significant work will run you $800 or more. These prices include necessary materials and the $50 - $100 per hour charged by pros for labor.
Before shopping for quotes, spend some time learning more about the work and costs involved to help you identify the best offers.
On This Page:
Your countertops are a defining aspect of your kitchen's style and functionality, so it pays to keep them in good condition. Unfortunately, accidents happen. Chips, scratches, burns, and water damage are potential issues that harm your kitchen (or bathroom) aesthetic, eventually resulting in the need for refinishing, repair or resurfacing.
Refinishing a countertop means performing repairs: buffing out scratches, sanding away stains, re-attaching laminate, recoating the surface with a sealant. Resurfacing the countertop can include both the removal and replacement of a worn laminate or tiles and then adding a new surface.
The cost to repair a countertop varies considerably, due to a wide range of factors:
- Material: Laminate is relatively inexpensive to replace, but damages quite easily, while granite or metal worktops are more durable yet also more expensive to repair.
- Type of damage: Fixing a small scratch is such a minor task that you may be able to complete as a DIY project. A split in a wood counter, or cracked tiles, requires more time and skill.
- Hiring a pro: Hiring a professional adds a significant cost. Countertop pro charge from $50 to $100 per hour, plus fees and call-out charges. Bigger projects take longer, which pushes up the price.
- Geographic location: Your location determines the availability of professionals, and may impact on the price of materials, especially if they are imported.
With some skill and patience, it's possible to tackle some repairs as DIY projects, in which case your only expense is your personal time, and any tools and materials you need to purchase. DIY countertop repair kits for minor scratches and other marks are readily available for $25 to $50, but in most cases it's better to call in a professional to ensure a high-quality finish with no visible signs of repair.
Common types of repair, and the associated costs, depend on the countertop material. The highest quality materials are often the hardest wearing, but also the most expensive to resurface. Regular maintenance, and proper use, minimizes the risk of damage.
| Material Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Laminate (Formica) | $150-$300 |
| Natural Stone (Granite, Marble, Slate) | $100-$1,200 |
| Solid Surface (Corian, Quartz/Caesarstone) | $200-$500 |
| Tile | $350-$450 |
| Wood or Butcher Block | $200-$500 |
| Stainless Steel | $500-$1000 |
Stone countertops can have a high resurfacing price, averaging anywhere between $100 and $1,200, depending on the exact stone material and damage. Homeowners with stone countertops will want to protect their investment. These types of countertops should last a long time if maintained properly, as they are prone to stains and scratches. If something minor like this has occurred, then a professional should be able to polish and restore this for a fairly low cost.
While durable, granite can crack and chip if struck with something hard/heavy like a cast iron skillet. This natural stone also is heat-resistant but can suffer marring from a hot pan, so trivet use is a must. Granite can etch or dull when exposed to acidic cleaners, even natural ones like vinegar and lemon juice. It can stain if not sealed. You may opt to repair small chips and cracks yourself using a DIY granite epoxy resin/repair kit. These range from about $35 to $84. Professional repair prices will range depending on the damage and work needed, from about $200 to $1,200.
Similar to granite, marble can chip and crack if a hard, heavy object drops on its surface. The corners particularly are vulnerable. It's susceptible to heat burns, etching from acidic liquids, and staining if not sealed properly. Because marble is natural stone like granite, many DIY repair kits for chipping are the same, averaging about $35 to $84. Professional repair, depending on work required, may range from about $200 to $1,200 or more.
Durable and non-porous, slate corners can chip or crack, tending towards more brittleness than other materials. Consider having the corners rounded before installation to minimize this. Keep it looking good by polishing with mineral oil and buffing out scratches with steel wool. Professional repair costs may range from about $100 to $300+.
Solid surface countertops may develop cracks and chips. Resurfacing involves sanding down imperfections and using a solid surface repair kit for minor damage, or else replacing the damaged section. The cost to repair shouldn't be too high. Professionals can sand down scratches easily, and should keep the cost around $200 to $500. The average price to replace countertops made of a solid surface can be more expensive, so repair might be a good route if it's possible. Some average prices for repair, by type, are:
Non-porous, Corian® countertops do not need sealing, which eliminates a maintenance cost. Scratches, dents, scuffs, and even some burns can be buffed out with sandpaper. It is not heat-resistant so hot pots will burn the material. Expect professional repair to run $200 to $500.
Quartz requires no sealing and is resistant to chips, cracks, stains, and scratches (but always use a cutting board). Caesarstone is a manufactured quartz material that does need sealing due to its porous surface. The most common repair on these surfaces are burns due to hot pots. Professional repairs may run $200 to $500.
Laminate countertops have one of the lowest average prices to replace countertops. However, laminate is easy to scratch and damage with heat. Installing a matte finish laminate will help to make any scratches less obvious. However, once there are scratches or damage, resurfacing will be more difficult. It's tough to match the color on laminate and most repairs will look obvious. The investment in refinishing may not be worth it given the low cost to replace. One compromise that some homeowners do is to install a small tiled portion on the countertop in high traffic areas.
Repairs for scratches include cleaning the damaged area with a solvent, then applying a laminate repair paste. The cost ranges from $150 to $300.
Formica is a type of laminate surface that over time can suffer from binding issues. Glue failure often happens along the seams and edges. Repair as soon as possible to keep moisture from causing de-lamination. Use contact cement, about $10, to reattach the laminate yourself. Older Formica can crack or tear, which can also be glued.
The average price to repair tile countertops is on the lower end of the spectrum because if one tile cracks, then a professional will only have to replace that area instead of the whole surface. The tiles themselves are cheap and most of the cost goes toward labor.
The most common repair for tiled surfaces is replacing the grout. This involves removing the old, failing grout and then applying the new grout, which is a relatively simple DIY project that costs around $30. If any tiles do crack, professional tile installers have the necessary skill to remove only the few damaged tiles, replacing them for a seamless repair. The average cost of repairing tiles will run you between $350 and $400 if you hire a tile contractor.
Solid wood countertops are hard wearing, and if they are reclaimed wood, any minor marks and scuffs add to the character. Scratch marks and pitting are easy to repair by sanding them down and then refinishing. Butcher block countertops also suffer from wear after time. You can usually sand down and reseal the surface unless there are more extensive damages like deep cracks or holes. Expect to pay about $200 to $500 for restoring these types of surfaces.
Stainless steel is non-porous and very hygienic. It doesn't rust, chip, fade, or corrode. It's resistant to heat, and has a lifespan of 20 to 25 years. As a result, when this material does incur any damage, the price to restore will be high. For example, repairing scratches and marks usually involves hiring a surface specialist. Depending on the amount of damage and the size of the counter, homeowners will pay between $500 and $1,000 to fix the surface. To avoid this, be sure to handle pots and pans carefully and avoid cutting anything without a board.
Contact a Countertop Repair Professional
It's often more cost-effective to repair or refinish countertops rather than replace them, but the best option often depends on factors such as the material and the nature of the damage. Consider both options carefully before hiring a contractor.
When to Resurface/Refinish
It's possible to restore countertops made of tile, marble, wood, and laminate. Either of these processes is quicker than replacement, so it's less disruptive to your family life, and it's also up to 60 percent cheaper. Here are some common and cost-effective repairs to countertop replacement.
- Rust-Oleum® has a product to resurface your existing one, giving it the look of granite. Available in 30- or 50-square feet kits, it costs about $100 to $250.
- Peel-and-stick vinyl coverings that look like granite are easy to use and vary in cost depending on the size of the roll. Expect it to run about $20 to $60 per roll.
- Ceramic tiles can be installed over old laminate. Costs vary depending on countertop square footage and the type and size of tile.
- Paint over laminate is an easy-to-moderate DIY job. Choose a satin or semi-gloss for a strong, acrylic shine. Prep work will include sanding and two coats of primer. Costs vary depending on countertop square footage and paint choice.
When to Replace
Replacing countertops is a better option if the damage is so severe that a repair would leave the counter structurally weakened, or if the cost to resurface would meet or exceed the cost of replacement. It's also a good option if there is a risk you are going to be unhappy with the quality of the repair. For example, matching up laminate colors isn't easy, and you may find that after paying for the repair, you decide to replace the counters anyway. Countertop replacement costs will vary by the type of material and labor, so be sure to consult with a few professionals for an accurate quote.
Restoring countertops yourself is a good way to keep down costs. However, not all types of damage are easy to repair, and if you are in any doubt, it's better to hire a specialist to finish the work for you.
Many types of repair are suitable for DIY projects:
- Replacing grout or tiles on tiled counters.
- Filling and sanding scratches and chips in wooden counters.
- Refinishing laminate with a repair kit.
- Filling cracks in granite with epoxy and then sealing.
- Cleaning stains on natural stone with commercial cleaning products.
- Repairing scratches in Corian with polishing compound and countertop wax.
- Buffing scratches on stainless steel with vegetable oil.
- Removing stains from metal surfaces with baking soda and dish soap.
Some of these fixes require tools and specialist repair kits. If you need to purchase or hire these materials, weigh the cost of the materials and your own time against the cost of hiring a professional. Additionally, bear in mind that invisible repairs require skill, and the finish you get with a DIY repair may be inferior to the finish a professional achieves.
General home service contractors may be able to repair minor damage for around $20 to $50 per hour. However, these service providers may lack the specialist skills of a professional countertop contractor. If you want to make sure you get the best finish possible, consider paying extra to employ someone with the necessary skill set, especially for refinishing or resurfacing projects.
Questions to Ask
When you are shopping for quotes, get at least three quotes, and ask as many questions as possible. This makes it easier to assess which contractor is offering the best value. Questions to consider include:
- What professional accreditation (if any) does the contractor have?
- Does the contractor specialize in countertop repairs or specific materials?
- Does the quotation include all materials and additional fees?
Additionally, it's a good idea to get the contractor to take a look at the counter before settling on a price, to ensure you know exactly what work is required. For example, you may think you only need a simple refinish, but the contractor may be able to identify additional problems that make a replacement necessary. Countertop specialists have the skills to review the work involved, advise you on the best way to proceed, and complete the work in a timely manner.
Was this page helpful?
Was this page helpful?
Thank you for submitting your feedback.
Share your cost experience
Help others plan and budget for their projects
 |
Want to replace kitchen sink in granite countertop. New sink is slightly larger than existing one, therefore will need granite cut out slightly. Granite may need to be refinished, polished or whatever they do to it. |
|
Small job started dont knowhow to cut glass subway tile 30 square ft if that
|
|
I amjust looking to see how much it will cost to fix our kitchen we have under 2000.00 to do it
|
