What are the signs that you need to replace your countertop?
Nothing lasts forever. Unfortunately, that saying goes for our countertops, as well. Like everything else in our kitchen, they will eventually need to be replaced. The only question is when. Continue reading to find out what home improvement pros believe are the tell-tale signs that your old countertop needs to go.
Veronica Thompson
Veronica Thompson is the COO of Everyday Power. She also holds an MBA. In her free time, she bakes, dances, and paints.
Cleaning Agents Not Working on Countertops Anymore
Cleaning agents and chemicals are no longer working in removing the stains, burns, and other marks on the countertop. These marks make them look old and outdated. If you have an old countertop that was not properly maintained and sealed, then it most probably has a lot of stain marks from burns, corrosion, moisture, and other kitchen activities.
If cleaning chemicals are no longer enough to remove these marks and refresh the look of your countertop, then you will have to replace them. This need increases if you want to remodel your home and make your kitchen more updated and beautiful.
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Old-Looking and Wear, Visible Cracks and Gaps
Countertops are prone to damage since it is the most commonly used area in the house. Here are some signs that you need to change or replace your countertop: First, they look old and worn and there are visible cracks and gaps. Second, the area is not as polished and good as new, and some stains or marks are not removable, no matter what you do.
Anton Giuroiu
Anton Giuroiu, is an architect, CEO, and Founder of Homesthetics.
Kamil Kowalski
Kamil Kowalski, President of LimakWay Remodeling.
Cracks in the Surface, Discoloration, and Warping or Buckling
The countertop is one of the most important features of any kitchen. It can also be a very expensive decision to make. The best way to know if you need to replace your countertop is by looking for these signs:
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● Cracks in the surface – this is a sign that the countertop has been through a lot and it might be time for an upgrade.
● Discoloration – if you have had your countertop for a long time, it will start to fade. If this happens, it is time to replace the countertop.
● Warping or buckling – if you see these signs on your countertop, then it is time for an upgrade.
If you have a countertop that is cracked, stained, or damaged in some other way, it may be time to replace it. If your countertop has been looking worse for wear for a while now and you are starting to notice signs of damage, it is time to replace the countertop.
If the Scars, Stains, and Burns Are Irreparable
Several telltale signs indicate it’s time to replace your countertops.
Generally speaking, damage is the main reason for a replacement. Marble and granite countertops can be fixed and repaired but once you reach a certain point, it just makes more sense to replace the entire surface.
Stains, scars, and burns can accumulate over time. Be it from hot pots and pans being placed on the surface to coffee/food stains, they can make a surface look dirty and just worn down. If you find yourself unable to shift these stains via traditional, DIY methods, you may be left with no other choice than to replace the counter. Similarly, if your counter has become warped or the surface has bubbled up due to excessive heat, you may need to get a more hard-wearing, durable countertop with increased heat resistance.
Similarly, if the surface begins to crack it can be time for a replacement. This is a relatively rare occurrence when it comes to harder surfaces like granite and quartz, but quite common for wooden or laminate surfaces. These cracks can be repaired but the major issue here is that the repairs become quite evident which creates a bit of an eyesore.
It may also be the case that your countertops are now just outdated and no longer suited to your needs. If you’re planning on revamping your kitchen or installing a few new units, your current countertops may need to be upgraded. It’s often far cheaper to just buy an entirely new countertop than trying to match up your existing surfaces with older ones.
Diarmuid Hennessey
Diarmuid Hennessey, Contracting Expert at Homecheck.
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