Lengthen Your Countertops Without Remodeling Your Whole Kitchen
Is your kitchen feeling small and dated? Do you dream of more countertop space for meal prep and storage but don't have the budget for a full-scale remodel? Extending your existing countertops just might be the affordable compromise you’ve been looking for.
By adding length to your current countertops without replacing your whole kitchen, you can gain valuable square footage and give your space a fresh new look for a fraction of the cost.
The Benefits of Extending vs. Remodeling
A full kitchen remodel often costs tens of thousands of dollars and takes weeks, even months, to complete. But extending your countertops can be done in a weekend for around $500-$1000 depending on the size and material.
Countertop extensions only change one element of your kitchen – the counters. A remodel involves replacing cabinets, floors, appliances and more. The limited scope means you can customize your workspace without overhauling everything.
Cost Savings
Factoring in new cabinets, countertops, appliances, labor and more, a full remodel costs an average of $25,000. Extending existing countertops to add length runs just a fraction of that price. DIY-friendly materials like laminate and butcher block can be extended for a few hundred dollars.
Faster Timeline
While a kitchen remodel takes weeks or months, countertop extensions can be completed in a weekend as a DIY project. Hiring a contractor may take a few days. This shorter timeline means you can enjoy an updated kitchen sooner.
When to Extend Instead of Remodel
Certain situations make extending your current counters a smart and practical choice:
Need More Workspace
If you cook often or bake a lot, extra countertop square footage can make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable. The additional landing space is also great for entertaining or holiday meals.
Updating Without Remodeling
Making small upgrades like extended countertops can give your kitchen a fresh new look before selling your home. It also modernizes the space without investing in a full overhaul.
Unify Mismatched Areas
Sometimes kitchens have disjointed countertop lengths that disrupt the flow. Extending to create one unified counter makes the whole space more cohesive.
Which Countertop Materials Can Be Extended?
Many popular countertop materials like granite, quartz and laminate can be extended with the right techniques:
Laminate
Extending laminate countertops is a very DIY-friendly project. Measure the additional length needed, cut a matching laminate sheet to size, and adhere with silicone caulk for a seamless look.
Granite
Natural granite countertops can also be lengthened, though the seam may be more visible. Granite requires specialty tools most homeowners don’t have, so pro help is recommended.
Quartz
Quartz counters need to be cut and polished by professionals. The installer can remove a section of your countertop and replace it with a longer quartz piece.
Concrete
For a rustic vibe, concrete counters can be extended by pouring a new section and staining it to match the existing color.
How to Extend by Material
DIY-Friendly Laminate
Laminate is the easiest material for DIY countertop extensions. Carefully measure the additional length needed and cut a matching laminate sheet to size with a circular saw. Use silicone caulk to adhere the new section seamlessly.
Seamless Granite
Granite requires specialty tools like wet saws to cut accurately. The seam placement is also crucial. Your best bet is hiring a countertop pro to extend granite countertops seamlessly.
Professional Quartz Installation
Quartz countertop extensions should be completed by a professional fabricator. They’ll remove a section of your existing countertop, replace it with a new longer quartz piece, and polish the seam for a continuous look.
Stained Concrete Sections
For concrete counters, cutting a new section is approachable for DIYers. Stain the concrete to match current counters. Use a specialty concrete epoxy to seal the join seamlessly.
Budgeting for Countertop Extensions
In general, you can expect to pay:
- $200-$500 for DIY laminate extensions
- $500-$1000 for new granite, quartz or concrete sections installed
The exact cost depends on the size of the addition and whether you DIY or hire a pro. Get quotes from contractors to compare pricing.
At just a fraction of the cost of new counters or a full remodel, extending your kitchen countertops offers many perks:
- Added prep and serving space
- A fresh new look and modern style
- Cost savings compared to a full remodel
- Quick DIY project taking just 1-3 days
Without renovating your whole kitchen, extending your counters reclaims square footage and gives the space a mini makeover. For a budget update that feels like a new kitchen, extending counters is a smart design solution.