How can I repair my countertops on a budget before hiring a professional in a few years?
Asked by Angelina Roche 
7 months ago
Last Updated: April 21, 2024
I’m thinking about doing my countertops myself to save money, but eventually I’ll hire a professional. I’ve got this area with a lifted corner that I’ve been trying to fix by scraping out whatever’s underneath and gluing it down, but it’s not working. What should I do next?
Try using liquid nails and a clamp to keep it in place until it’s fully dry. That should do the trick for a good amount of time.
Apply contact cement and place a heavy object on top to secure it.
It’s probably OSB or MDF that swelled due to water. If you can compress it back together, you might be able to reattach it using 5-minute epoxy and secure it tightly with clamps. Make sure the area is clean, dry, free of grease, dirt, and dust.
Scrape it out, apply contact cement, use a heat gun to gently soften the plastic, then place a weight on it. It’s better to err on the side of too little heat than too much. If that doesn’t work, consider replacing it. (My father owned a countertop business and I worked there for many years.) It seems like water or moisture seeped in over time and caused the separation. If the repair is successful, use a silicone-based caulk to seal the edges. As for the damaged spot, you may be able to remove it, then apply a two-part epoxy with a color additive to achieve a similar look.
That counter has really served its purpose. It might be time for a replacement. However, using a two-part epoxy should do the trick. Just remember to clamp it for a while.
Hey , I was actually thinking the same thing. It could definitely give them a bit more time.
It might be a good idea to consider getting a new countertop. It can be quite cost-effective if you are able to do it yourself, especially if your local hardware store doesn’t do custom orders. For example, one of the big box stores in our area offers custom countertops with joints and cutouts at very affordable prices, often much lower than what kitchen companies would charge.
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Try scraping more and using a higher quality glue.
Particle board is beyond repair. It’s best to remove and replace it rather than attempting any quick fixes.
Hey , I also spotted that bulge on the top. Looks like the wood has expanded and it’s not an easy fix, tricky to maneuver around.
Let’s take off all the laminate from the base and work on perfecting our professional skills.
LOL, gotta love it…
Just use Liquid Nails and a clamp to secure it, and for a fun twist, try a DIY epoxy with a mix of colors to give it a marble effect. It’s a really cool and easy project!
Hey , how about securing it with a clamp and then using the same clamp to hang a towel? 😜
Sorry, , but contact cement is the way to go. No other option.
Counters have been updated, how funny!
Butcher Block is actually quite reasonably priced.
Sure, you can completely redo them at Menard’s. Just make sure to take detailed measurements first before visiting the store. They will create a life-size template based on your measurements, including all the necessary cutouts for sinks, appliances, etc. Once they send it to you, unroll it and check that everything aligns correctly before they custom make your countertop. I personally took out the old one and put in the new one myself (my first time doing it) with the assistance of a handyman. It was quite affordable and Menards offers a surprisingly wide range of styles to choose from.
I may not be , but I want to thank everyone who took the time to respond to her question! It seems that some people struggle to understand the concept of being on a strict budget. Some of us may not have much money, but we still have the desire to improve ourselves. I personally come to these pages for inspiration and value the helpful advice shared here. ‘s comment was particularly noteworthy. It may still exceed the budget, but it was valuable!
Got 6’ and 8’ pre-edgebanded pieces from IKEA 5 years back and they’re still flawless! They cost $99 and $79 each respectively. Installing them was a breeze 👍🏽
Hey , could you share the link with me?
Those work really well for straight sections. It might be a bit more challenging with angles though.
Mix the first one on the left together, apply it, and then clamp it overnight. This should give you some extra time.
Seems like concrete countertops are all the rage now. Concrete is affordable and can be stained in any shade you want. Just ensure you pour them correctly and seal them properly afterwards.
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