What to do with this countertop

Question

I was going to get some new countertops from Home Depot but noticed they have the built in backsplashes which won't work on the side with the sink and they don't sell the backsplashless ones. I'm trying to keep costs down as this is a C+ rental, what are my options?

Custom countertops?
Laminate sheets?
Painted countertops?

Thanks so much!

Custom countertops?Laminate sheets?Painted countertops?Thanks so much!

Johann Jells · Answer

If you are handy and have a tile saw, or were thinking of getting one, granite tile is great. I've made 5 so far. Labor intensive, but granite tiles are $5 sq ft, plus 2 layers of ply and either Hardybacker or Ditra underlayment.  Plus if they manage to chip it (my tenants haven't) you can pop out the tile and replace it.

Jesse Smedley · Answer

What about butcher block counter tops from Ikea?

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/kitchen/24264/

Jay Y. · Answer

I'd prefer to go with the solid color theme, butcher block is what the current countertop is.  I suppose it's so old that it's back in style!  ;)

Erik Garland · Answer

1st house  I made laminate counter top for... very easy. Rubber cement and router needed. 2nd house I did a tile counter but with thick grout lines. I like  Johanns  idea of the tightly placed granite (or cost effective tile for you).

Mags S. · Answer

look at ikea's laminates.  IIRC pricing in my local IKEA runs $79 for a 6 ft section. They have several dark colored ones.

Jesse Smedley · Answer

Haha, that's funny. If they are in the budget, they are really nice counter tops. They aren't 100% solid, I believe they are veneered onto MDF or something, but, they are much nicer than laminate colored butcher block. They can be stained and oiled just as normal butcher block. I saw you were looking at Concrete as well. Concrete is another great option.

Dumitru Anton · Answer

some alternatives:

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/84/topics/149687-painted-countertops---success

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/131610-has-anyone-painted-laminate-countertops-with-success

Jay Y. · Answer

In my humble opinion, the jury is still out on concrete counter tops.  That and stained floors.  They seem to be used in mostly higher end homes, or at least I haven't seen it used in lower end ones so far.  But I'll keep in it mind, it has its advantages and disadvantages...

Jay Y. · Answer

But cutting off the backsplash portion won't work in my case on the side that has the sink.  Or will it?

What to do with this countertop

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