What's my best option for an inexpensive kitchen counter top?
+2
not afraid to bui it myself 
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Laminate countertops are an inexpensive, low-maintenance alternative to pricey stone and solid-surface countertops, and they are available in many styles that mimic expensive surfaces such as granite or marble. Laminate countertops are not resistant to heat and can scratch.
I agree on the laminate. Less expensive than almost anything else by a long shot, available in more styles and patterns than anything else, and have a long record of successful use. When you look at the down sides of staining, scratching, chipping, of most of the "natural" stone or man-made solid surfacing materials, plastic laminate is a bargain. Unless you have money for quartz, this is a no-brainer.
in my hunting cabin i just used 2x4 studs glued together with woodglue, stained with walnut, sealed with polyeurathane , caulked the wall joints....sat down and had a beer....nothing cheaper than that
I love John's idea! That's really "in" right now. Using raw materials if you don't have the cash for quartz, granite, etc. On my island I used butcher block. But like John, it's handmade and I love it.
I like John's idea as well . The only thing I would do differently is use a marine grade polyurethane because kitchen counter tops get so wet, absorb so humidity from cooking and get wiped down so much .