How difficult is it to replace?

Mellykay
by Mellykay
I have a Formica counter top in the kitchen (small) that extends up the wall as the back splash. Should I replace the counter tops or DIY them?

  13 answers
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Apr 13, 2018

    Check out the cost of buying them and also for fitting them. Also price up alternative DIY materials and you might find you have the answer..........

  • Amanda Amanda on Apr 13, 2018

    Hi Melly. I would check pintrest and see what look you want. If you see something that someone diyed that you like I would give it a go. If you can afford new counters then I would check out your local home improvement store and see what they have to offer.

  • Sharon Sharon on Apr 13, 2018

    Hi Melly, I would diy epoxy them , look at Leggari products! As easy as painting! Beautiful colors! https://leggari.com/

  • Ireland Dowling Ireland Dowling on Apr 13, 2018

    Hiya Mellykay! This is a great question! I had the oh-so-lovely-formica counter tops in a few homes I've bought. This is my humble opinion, but if you're wanting to save money, keep those bad boys. They are crazy good when it comes to maintenance. I kid you not. They withstand heat, cutting, scratching, and so much more. So if you can DYI them, DO it! There are so many cool finishes you can accomplish with the cheapest of products. IE. using acrylic craft paint and creating a gorgeous marble look or if that's not your forte you can buy ready made kits and do solid colors as well as many other designs. I choose to keep and DYI, because especially when renting, these counters are practically indestructible. Good luck to you! And... most importantly, have fun.

    • Mellykay Mellykay on Apr 16, 2018

      The only issue I have is that the formica is curved and goes up the wall. Do I cut it in the curve (has a small linear crack in a corner anyway), redo the counter-tops then back splash?

  • Cindy Cindy on Apr 13, 2018

    probably be best

  • Ireland Dowling Ireland Dowling on Apr 17, 2018

    Hello again. Yes, the lovely curve. Lol fill in the crack with putty, then do the countertops, then add your backsplash of choice. Just start right where the curve ends. If you buy the kit, it will explain how to prep countertops and so forth. I didn’t think it would look as good as it did. I hope this helps.

    • Mellykay Mellykay on Apr 17, 2018

      Wasn't sure if the curve would cause uneven lines or if I should cut it, I will try it w/o cutting. Thanks Ireland!

  • Ireland Dowling Ireland Dowling on Apr 18, 2018

    Hello MellyKay, If you can send me a picture, I'd gladly look at it for you to see if they are similar to the ones I've done. :)

    • See 1 previous
    • Mellykay Mellykay on Apr 27, 2018

      OK, finally got the pics on here, only a week late:) The laminate/formica (whatever it is) curves up the wall, luckily there are only 4 counters involved (small kitchen). The second photo is the crack I mentioned earlier.

  • Ireland Dowling Ireland Dowling on Apr 27, 2018

    Heya! I didn't forget about you either. I am the same way! So it looks like yours go further up the back wall than others I've seen. (Darn, now I wish I had a picture) Honestly, both the epoxy method and the DYI marble/multi-colored/solid color/paint kits, or acrylic paint DYI's will work, and you'll be amazed at them both. I honestly can't say which one I like best, but ironically I came across a video that I really liked. ( it was more of an infomercial, but WOW! I'll be back. I'm going to hunt down the link. =D

  • Ireland Dowling Ireland Dowling on Apr 27, 2018

    I found it! I would still take it all the way up. Cutting will be a challenge for sure. =D

  • Ireland Dowling Ireland Dowling on Apr 27, 2018

    Oooooooh Mellykay! Lookie! I found the one I did.

    • Mellykay Mellykay on Apr 27, 2018

      WOW! This stuff looks amazing! I think I could do it too, thanks Ireland!


  • Barb Adams Barb Adams on Apr 27, 2018

    Formica is easy to remove and costs are very reasonable for replacement counters. If it fits your budget, replace.

  • Ireland Dowling Ireland Dowling on Apr 27, 2018

    I know right??!! You’re so welcome. I’m excited for you!

  • Fiddledd224 Fiddledd224 on Apr 27, 2018

    It all depends on whether or not you have the funds to do this project, but this upgrade is a capital improvement that will only add value to your home, as well as add enjoyment to your living there.