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Home » Decor

15 Inexpensive DIY Countertop Ideas

Published: Jul 30, 2019 · Modified: Mar 19, 2025 by Morgan · As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This site contains affiliate links. ·

Want to update the countertops in your home? Here are some inexpensive DIY countertop ideas and tutorials to inspire you!

Countertops are an important part of any kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room makeover. However, they are often the biggest budget item in the space and can really be expensive.

Marble countertops, stainless steel, natural stone, Carrara marble, and quartz countertop materials are all popular - but can be out of budget for a lot of kitchen remodels.

So, today I am rounding up a ton of information on inexpensive countertop options!

When deciding on what type of countertop you will use, be sure to think about how you use the space. You want to be sure that whatever you go with will last. Keep in mind if the counter will be exposed to water, heat, or spills and plan accordingly.

I hope that these ideas will open up your mind to see that you don't need pricey countertops to do a beautiful room makeover.

Check out my tutorial for how to paint a tile backsplash!

inexpensive countertop ideas

Cheap countertop ideas

Here are some of my favorite cheap kitchen countertop ideas on a budget!

Current State of the Kitchen pre-makeover - Charleston Crafted

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are probably really ugly in your mind. However, they have some beautiful and budget friendly options now. This is not a DIY, but you can order them at your basic box store.

Laminate countertops are made by combining layers of materials for a finished look.

Are laminate and formica counter tops the same thing?

Formica is a brand and type of laminate countertops.

Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface countertops are usually plastic molded and all one piece, as opposed to laminate which is layered.

DIY Plywood Countertop via Charleston Crafted

Wood Countertops

There are a few options for wood countertops.

First, you could build plywood countertops. These are super DIY and budget friendly and have a great look.

Second, you could add butcher block countertops. You can get good deals on butcher block at Ikea or online.

Concrete countertops

It is easier than you might think to DIY your own concrete kitchen countertops. You can check out this tutorial for how we made a concrete desk top.

Concrete countertops are very durable, but they can stain. You need to seal them annually.

Recycling used countertops

Another great budget friendly option for getting new countertops is to purchase recycled countertops. Basically, follow Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist and look for someone selling old countertops.

You'd be surprised what people get rid of and how cheaply they price it. You'll have to make the sizes work, but it can be a great way to get something beautiful for a cheap price.

Countertop makeover

You don't necessarily have to replace your countertops to get a totally different look.

Consider painting them, covering them with plywood, covering them with contact paper, or coating them with concrete!

They are all doable DIY projects.

If you want to make an inexpensive countertop, I have rounded up some of the best DIY countertop project from some of my favorite bloggers!

Here are my favorite tutorials on how to make a cheap countertop DIY!

Inexpensive Countertop Ideas

New countertops can make a huge impact in any kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, but they can also make a huge impact on your budget! Here are some of the very best inexpensive countertop ideas.

How to make plywood countertops

It is so easy to make DIY plywood countertops! Here is how we made the plywood counter in our laundry room.

Photo Credit: housefulofhandmade.com

How to Build & Protect a Wood Vanity Top

This is a great tutorial for building a DIY wooden bathroom counter top.

Photo Credit: www.thehandymansdaughter.com

Contact Paper Kitchen Counter - 2 Years Later

I love that this review of covering countertops with contact paper checks in after 2 years of use.

Photo Credit: www.simplicityinthesouth.com

DIY Soapstone Countertops Using Paint

If you are considering painting your countertops, check out this tutorial!

Photo Credit: rainonatinroof.com

How to make Laminate Countertops look like Stone for only $15

This stone-look counter top makeover is super budget friendly.

Photo Credit: rainonatinroof.com

DIY Countertops: Upholstered Countertop for Built In Cabinets and Other Ideas

Upholstered countertops won't work for every space but they are beautiful here!

Photo Credit: www.postcardsfromtheridge.com

How I Updated a Countertop with Wood-Look Contact Paper

Did you know that you can buy wood look contact paper?

Photo Credit: www.alifeunfolding.com

How to DIY a Concrete Bar Top - In a weekend!

I love this tutorial for a concrete countertop!

Photo Credit: www.welcome-to-the-woods.com

DIY Kitchen Island From A Lawyer’s Desk

This project involves turning an old desk into a kitchen island! Now that is some great upcycling.

Photo Credit: www.welcome-to-the-woods.com

Solid Surface Countertop Fabrication

How to cut and install solid surface countertops yourself to save big on installation costs!

Photo Credit: inmyownstyle.com

Painting Kitchen Countertops To Look Like Carrara Marble

If you want the carrara marble look on a budget, you need to check out this project!

Photo Credit: www.anikasdiylife.com

How To Update A Countertop With Contact Paper

This bathroom counter got a great marble look for a cheap price thanks to contact paper.

Photo Credit: www.semiglossdesign.com

How to Install Concrete Overlay Countertops for Less than $100

Want concrete counters? Here's a great budget friendly tutorial.

Photo Credit: thelivedinlook.com

Why I Chose Laminate Countertops for Our Bathroom Makeover

How and why you might choose laminate counters.

Photo Credit: craftedbythehunts.com

DIY Wood Countertops With Herringbone Pattern

These DIY wooden countertops have a herringbone pattern for an extra gorgeous detail.

Did I miss any of your favorite cheap countertop alternatives?

If you are looking for a unique countertop that's not so cheap, be sure to check out our recycled glass and oyster shell kitchen counters!

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Morgan

Hello, I'm Morgan, half of the creative force behind CharlestonCrafted.com! With a passion for DIY that dates back to 2012, I've transformed three homes and now I'm dedicated to helping others craft their dream spaces. Let's turn your house into a home together!

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