Your kitchen and bathroom countertops see a lot of action every day. From chopping vegetables to applying makeup, these surfaces take a beating. Without protection, countertops can become stained, scratched, or otherwise damaged over time. That’s where countertop covers come in handy!
Countertop covers provide an extra layer of protection for your existing counters. They help prevent scratches, scuffs, and stains while also making your kitchen or bath look neat and uniform. With so many options on the market, you’re sure to find the right countertop cover to suit your needs and style.
What Are Countertop Covers?
Countertop covers go by many names – countertop protectors, counter covers, counter overlays, and more. But they all serve the same essential functions:
- Protect the underlying surface from damage
- Provide a smooth, uniform appearance
- Add style and visual interest
These covers fit on top of your existing countertops like a skin, secured with adhesive or simply laying on the surface. They come in a wide range of materials, colors, textures, and thicknesses.
Countertop covers are an affordable and easy way to refresh the look of your kitchen or bath without undergoing a full countertop replacement. They can cover up flaws or damage in older counters while giving them a uniform appearance.
Benefits of Using Countertop Covers
There are many excellent reasons to use countertop covers in your home:
Protection
The number one benefit is protection for existing counters. Hot pans, sharp knives, harsh cleaners, and more can damage counters over time. A cover provides an extra barrier against:
- Scratches and scuffs from kitchen tools and appliances
- Stains from food prep and cosmetics
- Burns from hot pots and pans
- Cracks and chips from heavy, dropped items
The cover takes the daily wear and tear so your actual countertops don’t have to!
Easy Maintenance
Countertop covers are designed to be low-maintenance and easy to care for. Most can be cleaned with just soap and water. Compared to natural stone or porous surfaces, they won’t harbor bacteria or require sealing.
You can simply wipe down your counters without worrying about special cleansers or scratchy scrub pads. Covers make cleaning faster and simpler.
Affordability
In many cases, installing new countertop covers costs just a fraction of full replacement. Covers provide an affordable way to update the look of your space without spending thousands on new countertops.
Plus, installation is generally simple enough for DIY. Hiring a contractor isn’t required, unless you opt for a heavier material like stone veneer.
Quick Update
Tired of your outdated or worn countertops? Countertop covers allow you to give your kitchen or bath a fast facelift.
Rather than waiting days or weeks for new countertops, covers can be installed in an afternoon or weekend. This makes refreshing your space quick and painless.
Design Flexibility
Countertop covers provide immense flexibility when it comes to color, pattern, and texture options. You can match your existing decor or easily change it up by switching out covers.
They come in numerous materials from metal to glass to faux stone. There are solid colors, patterns, stone looks, and more to fit any design scheme.
Types of Countertop Covers
Now that you know the benefits, let’s explore the different types of countertop covers available. There are tons of options made from various materials, offering unique advantages.
Plastic Laminate
One of the most widely used options is plastic laminate covers. These consist of decorative plastic laminated onto particleboard or MDF. Formica is one well-known brand of laminate counter covers.
Pros:
- Durable and scratch/stain-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Wide range of colors and patterns
- Low cost
- Easy DIY installation
Cons:
- Prone to heat damage
- Can peel over time
- Plastic feel and sound
Laminate is best for low-traffic kitchen areas or craft rooms. Use heat protection when placing hot items on these covers.
Stainless Steel
For a sleek, modern look, stainless steel countertop covers are ideal. They have a polished, mirrored surface when new.
Pros:
- Very durable and heat resistant
- Easy to disinfect
- Modern aesthetic
- Matches stainless appliances
Cons:
- Prone to scratches over time
- Can show fingerprints
- Makes noise when items are moved
Stainless is ideal for heavy-use kitchens since it stands up well to wear and tear. Use in a contemporary style kitchen.
Butcher Block
Butcher block covers offer the rich warmth of wood on your counters. They are made from strips of hardwood glued together in a checkerboard pattern.
Pros:
- Warm, natural appearance
- Made from real wood
- Adds unique character
- Naturally anti-microbial
Cons:
- Prone to scratches and stains
- Requires periodic sealing
- Not heat resistant
Butcher block makes an attractive addition to rustic or farmhouse style kitchens. Use cutting boards to help protect the wood surface.
Tile
Turn your counters into an extension of your backsplash with tile covers. Made from ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles.
Pros:
- Durable and scratch-resistant surface
- Easy to clean
- Heat and stain resistant
- Match backsplash tile
Cons:
- Grout requires sealing
- Heavy weight
- Cool surface temperature
Tile transforms the look and adds splashes of color or pattern. Use a grout color to match or contrast your backsplash.
Metal
For an industrial vibe, metal countertop covers made from tin, copper, or aluminum are available. Often applied in a tile design.
Pros:
- Very durable
- Easy to clean
- Retains heat well for cooking
- Distressed patina options
Cons:
- Dents easily
- Noisy when cooking
- Industrial aesthetic only
Go for metal if you want an urban loft or modern industrial look for your kitchen or bar area.
Glass
Glass countertop covers create a sleek, smooth surface. Made from tempered safety glass to withstand impact.
Pros:
- Ultra sleek appearance
- Easy to disinfect
- Heat and scratch resistant
- Customizable with color or pattern
Cons:
- Glass can shatter if impacted
- Shows fingerprints
- Cool surface temperature
Glass adds a modern, stylish look popular for bathrooms. Use tempered glass to prevent injury if cracked.
Concrete
Concrete countertop covers give the look of custom poured concrete without the cost. Made from a thin concrete layer on fiberboard.
Pros:
- Rustic, organic appearance
- Stain and scratch-resistant
- Matches concrete sinks
- Heat resistant
Cons:
- Very heavy
- Can crack if impacted
- Cool surface temperature
Concrete covers work well in modern farmhouse or industrial style kitchens paired with stainless appliances.
Quartz
Quartz countertop covers offer gleaming stone looks without the maintenance. Made from crushed quartz bonded together.
Pros:
- Mimics look of natural stone
- Very durable and scratch-resistant
- Easy maintenance
- Resists stains
Cons:
- Less heat resistance than stone
- Seams may be visible
- Heavy weight
Quartz makes an excellent choice to mimic marble or granite for heavy use areas. Available in many colors and patterns.
Laminate Stone
Laminate stone countertop covers consist of stone designs layered on plastic laminate. Combination of stone looks and laminate durability.
Pros:
- Realistic stone aesthetic
- Durable and scratch-resistant
- Affordable compared to real stone
- Easy maintenance
Cons:
- Not as durable as real stone
- Low heat resistance
- Laminate peeling over time
Laminate stone provides the look of granite or marble without the maintenance required for real stone.
How to Choose the Right Countertop Covers
With so many options for countertop covers, it can be tricky to select the right one for your needs. Keep these tips in mind when deciding:
- Location – Consider the room and how the space is used. For heavy use kitchens, durable surfaces like stainless or quartz work best. Bathrooms may benefit from waterproof choices like glass.
- Existing Style – Pick a cover that works with your current decor. For traditional kitchens, butcher block offers a seamless fit. For modern spaces, concrete or metal complements the aesthetic.
- Usage – If you do a lot of food prep, avoid porous materials like wood that can harbor bacteria. Heat resistant covers like metal or stone are musts for avid cooks.
- Colors – Determine the color scheme you want, from neutral to bold. Then select a cover that offers tones to match your vision. Many come in extensive color ranges.
- Budget – Prices vary widely for countertop covers from $20 per linear foot for basic laminate to over $100 for premium materials like glass or metal. Set realistic expectations based on your budget.
- DIY Abilities – Assess if a DIY install is feasible or if hiring a contractor is a better option. Some covers like tile require more involved installation.
Take time to carefully evaluate which countertop covers will look great, last long, and suit your unique space.
How to Install Countertop Covers
Once you’ve selected the ideal countertop covers, it’s time to tackle installation. With the right materials and preparation, you can likely install covers yourself as a DIY project.
Follow these steps for a successful installation:
1. Clean Surfaces
Thoroughly clean countertops so they are free of debris, grease, wax, and soap residue. Proper adhesion depends on clean surfaces. Use degreasing cleaners and rinse well.
2. Make Necessary Adjustments
Check for any overhangs, rounded edges, or backsplashes that could impede installation. Use a belt sander or file to gently flatten edges. Remove backsplashes if needed.
3. Measure Precisely
Take careful measurements of your countertops including length, width, any seams or breaks, and locations of sinks or stoves. Refer to manufacturer templates for guidance.
4. Cut Covers
Using measurements, mark and cut covers to fit your countertop dimensions. Use a circular saw, jigsaw, or snips for straight cuts. For rounded edges, use a router or belt sander.
5. Dry Fit Pieces
Test fit covers without adhesive to ensure proper fit. Make any additional cuts or adjustments needed for good alignment before permanent install.
6. Apply Adhesive
Apply adhesive according to manufacturer instructions, using a trowel or adhesive brush to evenly coat the underside of covers and countertops.
7. Install Covers
Carefully lower covers into place, pressing down firmly to adhere. Use a J-roller or weighted object to apply even pressure and eliminate bubbles or gaps.
8. Seal Edges
For a finished look, apply thin bead of silicone caulk around edges and seams. Allow to dry fully before use.
Pro tip: For large countertops, install covers in sections for easier handling. Always check for perfect fit before adhering permanently.
Maintaining and Cleaning Countertop Covers
Just because they provide protection doesn’t mean countertop covers never need cleaning! A regular cleaning routine keeps covers looking fresh and new.
Here are some tips for maintaining different types of covers:
- Laminate – Clean with mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive scrubbers. Waxing can help restore shine.
- Wood – Wipe down with a damp cloth and gentle cleaner. Re-seal every 1-2 years with mineral oil.
- Stainless Steel – Use stainless steel cleaner and polish to remove fingerprints and water spots. Rub in direction of grain.
- Glass – Use glass cleaner or mild vinegar and water solution. Dry completely to avoid spotting.
- Tile – Sweep frequently to avoid dirt buildup in grout. Use PH neutral cleaners and seal grout every 1-2 years.
- Concrete – Rinse with water to clean. For stains, use baking soda and scouring pad to scrub.
- Metal – Remove dust and debris frequently. Use metal polish to restore shine as needed.
With proper care, your countertop covers should maintain their beauty and function for years before needing replacement. Be sure to thoroughly clean surfaces underneath during cover removal or replacement.
DIY Ideas for Unique Countertop Covers
Looking to save money or add personal flair? With some creativity, you can make your own custom countertop covers!
Here are a few ideas to inspire your DIY cover project:
- Use pennies, marbles, or tiles to create a penny mosaic cover
- Cover counters in faux metal duct tape for an industrial vibe
- Decoupage fabric, wallpaper, or photos under glass or plexiglass
- Adhere large format tiles like subway tile using thinset mortar
- Attach reclaimed barn wood using construction adhesive
- Cover counters with sheets of recycled tin ceiling tiles
- Use concrete skim coat to apply polished concrete finish
For DIY covers, always use food-safe, waterproof adhesives and finishes. Check for level surfaces and proper ventilation when using solvents. Add a protective top coat like polyurethane if needed.
The possibilities are endless when