Favorite DIY countertop ideas that you can create without breaking the bank...
Whether you’re looking to update your kitchen or bathroom, new countertops can make a huge difference. But beware – standard countertop options, think quartz, granite, and the like can take a BIG financial bite out of a renovation budget.
That’s why DIY counter options are appealing…there are some beautiful ideas out there that are much more affordable options. We’re talking pennies compared to BIG bucks.
Here’s a little video preview of some of the eye-candy counters you’ll be seeing today…

But be aware, DIY installation can be a daunting task for some, not all of these concepts. Many of them involve simply refinishing your existing counters. Considering the likely lifespan of these DIY options is also important.
If you’re looking for a bandaid to last a few years until you can afford a complete laundry room, kitchen or bathroom overhaul, any of these solutions would work.
But if you’re hoping for something budget-friendly AND super durable look toward the options like butcher block, and concrete, which will be more of a headache and bigger project upfront, but will pay dividends when it comes to overall ability to last for years to stand the test of time.
So before you tackle this home improvement project, check out our list of 25+ must-see DIY countertops. From concrete to marble, and more. These countertops bring in that wow factor on a budget!
DIY Countertops
As homeowners, there are usually LOTS of things on the old to-do list that we'd like to tackle in the way of home improvement. But if you're like most of us, budgets make us pick and choose. If you are are looking for a new countertop why not consider a DIY solution? It's a great way to get creative and save money. And with so many options available, there's sure to be a countertop that's perfect for your home.
Concrete countertops take a little patience, but the results can be incredible. Lauren from Bless'er House shares some tips to help you make your own.
Save hundreds of dollars by building your own butcher block countertops. There is a detailed tutorial to show you how it's done!
Personally, I love the marble blocking she used around the sink. Wood counters can tend to show issues over time with exposure to moisture. That piece of marble will help cut down on stains water can leave over time. Plus, it adds an extra layer of texture and dimension to her beautiful kitchen remodel, I think.
Have you been wanting to build a concrete countertop but weren't quite sure where to start? Check out this DIY to show you how it's done!
We lived with IKEA Karlby butcher block counters for many years, and don’t regret my decision to buy them one bit! Here is a collection of 23 DIY Karlby butcher block counters.
This beautiful DIY marble countertop was built for under $50! The entire bathroom makeover was completed for under $200.
Maybe I'm a bit of a pyro at heart, because not only do I LOVE the look of Zoe's torched counters and shelves, but I kind of want to try this project because it looks really fun to torch something, right? The flames really pull that gorgeous wood grain front and center to create so much dimension here.
Can you believe this stunning countertop is made from paper? Yup-paper!
Is there really such a thing as a DIY granite countertop? There sure is! Just ask Roxanne from the Honeycomb Home who created a stunning "faux granite" countertop.
I think painting laminate countertops is a great idea. How do I know? I've done it myself.
Using a Giani countertop paint kit (ours was the marble version, but here is a link to their white granite option which is also beautiful, and I think looks more like quartz), I painted my way from a dated green laminate counter in our travel trailer to a marble look. The key for this project, and many others on this list was proper prep.
The kit I bought included the sandpaper, primer, sponge, brush, and even the roller that I used to do the drips and veins that created this pretty darn realistic look!
Learn how to pour your own concrete countertops and the mistakes you should avoid!
Put your DIY skills to use and build your own epoxy countertop for less than $100. Love the black and white on this counter. It looks like a piece of art. And it has such a smooth finish, too. Stunning.
Painting your old laminate countertops is a great way to keep costs down on a kitchen renovation.
Update Laminate Countertops With a Rustoleum Countertop Paint Kit
There are several popular brands of countertop paint, and this granite countertop paint from Rustoleum is one of them. Angela shows how her countertop turned out using this dark granite-look kit.
Check out these helpful tips on how to not only build your own countertops but also seal them so they last for many years!
Gail from My Repurposed Life painted her countertops twice! So she knows a thing or two about how to achieve a nice finish.
Update your old countertops for cheap with this easy tutorial.
If you are renting and can't change your countertops or if you are looking for an inexpensive way to update them, you will want to see this idea!
Build a rich DIY wood countertop and learn how to give it a little bit of aging too!
Painting countertops with epoxy is a clever way to update countertops on a budget.
Doreen from Hymns and Verses wanted to replace her builder grade, 1980s Formica countertops with concrete. After researching it she decided to go a different route with a feather finish concrete product instead. It looks incredible!
Install a contact paper countertop for an inexpensive beautiful kitchen counter solution.
See how these solid maple DIY wood countertops were built completely from scratch. What a statement they make!
Everything you need to know about how to cut, sand, finish and install butcher block countertops.
Install DIY faux marble countertops for under $20. It's a quick and easy way to update an outdated counter.
Pour your own DIY concrete countertops and read these tips on what NOT to do.
See how Jen from Noting Grace replaced her old Formica countertops in one weekend with a DIY wood bathroom countertop made from plywood.
You can completely transform your outdated countertops by painting them with a DIY epoxy countertop kit for a fraction of the cost of new ones. Amanda will talk you through all the steps as well as FAQ's about the curing process, dealing with seams, caulk...even the smell of this epoxy product.
Update kitchen countertops without removing them. It's absolutely possible to take your kitchen countertops from dated to modern with this simple DIY!
Vicki from 2 Bees in a Pod shares all the details including the pros and cons of painting a bathroom countertop.
Industrious blogger, Kate was tired of her brown laminate counters. To get the look of slate, she whipped out the old paintbrush and used...chalkboard paint! Something I personally swear by in my own home. But although I've done lots of chalkboard walls, I had never thought of using it on a countertop! You can bet I'll try it now though!
So, which of these DIY countertops is your favorite? There are so many different and unique ideas here that there’s definitely something for everyone.
If you like the look of natural stone but don’t want to spend a fortune, try out the concrete or marble overlay techniques.
Or if you’re looking for a way to add some color to your kitchen without going too crazy, the painted countertop might be perfect for you.
Whatever your style and budget, we hope you found this collection inspiring and helpful. Happy DIY-ing!
Looking for more DIY decorating ideas beyond countertops? Check these out, too!
- Countertop Edges: BEST Guide To A Perfect Profile
- Quartz vs Quartzite Countertops: All You Need To Know
- How To Clean Quartz Countertops: 5 Simple Steps
- 21 Incredible Brick Update Ideas
- 21 Stunning Board and Batten Wall Ideas
- DIY Wood Accent Walls
- DIY Kids Art Gallery Wall
- Let’s Give ‘Em Something to Chalk About. DIY Chalkboard Paint
- DIY Ceiling Design Ideas. Let’s Take it from the Top
Pin this project for later! And if you decide to try it, leave a comment on the pin! That helps others know whether they want to try it, too!

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