Are you planning a countertop installation but worried about the costs? The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to achieve a beautiful and functional kitchen or bathroom. In this blog post, we’ll share some practical tips and tricks to help you save money on your countertop installation without compromising on quality or style. From smart material choices to DIY options, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
- Research and Compare Prices: Before making any decisions, it’s crucial to research different countertop materials and compare their prices. Natural stone like granite and marble can be more expensive than alternatives like quartz or laminate. If you’re trying to stick to a budget and your countertop area will cover less than 50 square feet, you will want to check out our single and mini-slab options here.
- Remove the Old Countertops Yourself: Most shops charge an additional fee for removal and disposal of your old countertops. If you currently have laminate or Corian countertops you might be able to pop them loose and dispose of them yourself with some simple household tools. However, if you have granite or tile countertops that you want to replace, we recommend letting the pros handle removal and disposal. Granite and tile materials are heavy, sharp, and difficult to remove on your own. Unless you are very handy we strongly recommend entrusting experts with their removal.
- Purchase a Sink and Fixtures Separately: Many shops offer sinks and fixtures but charge additional money for them. Tops Solid Surface does offer free sinks in some cases, but unless the sink is already free, you can probably find them cheaper on Build.com or a similar website.
- DIY Installation: If you’re handy and have some experience with home improvement projects, DIY countertop installation can significantly reduce labor costs. However, keep in mind that certain materials, like granite, can be challenging to work with and require specialized tools. Research the installation process thoroughly and assess your skills before taking on the task. Tops does offer a fabrication and pick-up option which can save you money, however, unless it is a small job you will probably be much happier entrusting the pros to correctly install your new countertops. Most people do not know that natural stone is similar to glass in terms of fragility but also MUCH MUCH heavier. We use special tools to assist our installers in carrying and installing stone pieces and even we make mistakes! Injury or even death can happen if countertops are improperly handled so please do consider leaving it to the experts.
- Refurbish or Resurface Existing Countertops: Instead of completely replacing your countertops, consider refurbishing or resurfacing them. This option is particularly viable if your existing countertops are structurally sound but have cosmetic issues. Refinishing or resurfacing can involve painting, adding overlays, or applying a new finish to transform the look of your countertops at a fraction of the cost. Did you know that Tops Solid Surface offers crack and chip repair for granite and quartz countertops? Another common issue is sink reattachment, which Tops also offers as an hourly service! This is usually a cheaper way to make your countertops look 100 without spending $10,000.
- Shop for Deals and Discounts: Keep an eye out for sales, promotions, and discounts offered by countertop suppliers. Check local stores, online marketplaces, and even clearance sections for discounted or discontinued materials. Additionally, inquire about any package deals that might be available when purchasing multiple countertops or other kitchen or bathroom fixtures simultaneously. Check out our blog post covering the best time of year to purchase countertops. Additionally, consider buying mini or single slabs at a discount. Check out our deals page to learn more.
- Avoid Unnecessary Add-Ons: During the countertop selection process, you may come across various add-ons and extras, such as elaborate edge profiles or intricate designs. While these options can enhance the aesthetics, they often come with additional costs. Stick to simpler edge profiles, like an eased edge, and minimalistic designs, such as standard 4 or 5-inch backsplash instead of custom tile backsplash to save money without compromising the overall look and functionality. Farm sinks look awesome but they are pricey vs a regular sink. It is easy to get distracted but stay focused on ensuring that you are getting a countertop material that you want to see every day for the next 5-10 years and don’t sweat the smaller stuff!
Saving money on your countertop installation is possible with the right strategies. By researching materials, considering alternatives, exploring DIY options, and being savvy during the selection process, you can achieve a cost-effective countertop installation without sacrificing quality or style. Remember, planning and thorough research are key to making informed decisions and maximizing your savings. If you live in Western Washington, the Tops team is here to help!