Refinishing Countertops in Rental

[Jesse Kindra]

Hi BP friends,

I'm working on updating a new rental property with new paint, carpets, etc. I'm also considering updating the countertops as they are extremely outdated - I'll just say a very strong blue color. Has anyone refinished countertops (instead of replacing them)? If so, has anyone in the Seattle area used American Bath and Kitchen Refinishers and what were the results? Thanks all.

[Matt W.]

Refinishing can be a mixed bag. I manage in C areas and I was wasting money refinishing every 3-5 years because it didn't last due to chipping from normal wear, tenants being too hard on the product destroying it completely, or work defects that caused issues. I have switched from reglazed Formica to prefabricated granite. The cheapest is less than $100 for an 8x2 slab and I can get a kitchen done with install for $500-750 depending on size. With reglaze being $300-400, granite became a no brainer because of cost, longevity, and the ability to raise rents on the improved finish.

I still reglaze tubs however and if done well they can last a decent amount of time, but ultimately tubs face the same issues overall.
-Matt