Most homeowners would love to have all-new kitchen countertops, but the high cost of replacing countertops can be a barrier. Repairing your existing countertops by painting or re-surfacing them, on the other hand, is inexpensive but not the most durable option.
Instead, you can cover up countertops with granite or quartz countertop overlays that cover existing counters. These are variously called countertop overlays, granite counter units (GCUs), modular granite, or modular quartz, and they're great choices for primary homes, rental units, and investment properties alike. Read on for everything you should know about countertop overlays to find out if they are the right choice for you.
What Are Countertop Overlays?
Countertop overlays cover your existing countertop in the form of large, pre-cast slabs of granite or quartz countertop material.
Overlays are different from countertop fixes such as resurfacing, which involves a multi-stage liquid covering, or thin, plastic adhesive sheets imprinted with an image of granite. Countertop overlays are true countertop material, just thinner.
As long as you have a strong, stable counter, you can lay the overlay slabs directly on top. You can also remove your existing counter and lay down a new base of plywood.
Nearly any type of counter can be overlaid, as long as it is strong enough to support the overlay: tile, laminate, stainless steel, granite, quartz, concrete, and wood.
Countertop Overlay Features
- The countertop overlay thickness is about 13 mm.
- The countertop material is mold- and mildew-resistant.
- Most countertop overlays will have a front overhang or apron.
- Eased, beveled, rounded, and mitered (or straight) edges are commonly available.
- The backsplash can be built of the same countertop material.
- Overlays are specially designed to fit the countertop.
- Besides being strong, the underlying base must be perfectly level.
- Overlays usually will work with undermount sinks and farmhouse sinks.
Minimizing Seams
Most countertop overlays need to create a seam, or several, within the general installation. This is especially true where countertop turns are involved. Many types of L-shaped kitchens, for example, will have an L-shaped section of countertop.
Some experts advise against choosing what are often called wild colors if you want the seams to disappear. This is because the distinctive patterning on one side will not be matched on the other side of the seam. Generally, though, most technicians know how to expertly blend two adjacent slabs.
Pros and Cons of Countertop Overlays
Pros
Quick install, usually within one day
Less expensive than full-sized countertops
Often made of premium quartz or granite
Avoids sending existing countertops to the landfill
Cons
Some seams may be visible
Relies on a good countertop base
Not widely available for purchase
Doesn't work on uneven surfaces
Limited colors and styles vs. new countertops
Countertop Overlay Installation Process
The entire installation process for countertop overlays, from first measurements to project completion, can take up to two weeks.
- First, take basic measurements of your countertop area with a tape measure.
- After contacting an authorized dealer, a representative visits your home to take precise measurements and to initiate the order.
- Another company representative may need to visit your home again to firm up the measurements and to generate an estimate of the project's cost.
- Off-site, fabricators cut and build the overlays to the specifications.
- Right before installation, all plumbing should be safely disconnected.
- The materials are delivered to your home. Technicians install the countertop overlays. This process usually takes one day.
Countertop Overlay Manufacturers
The countertop overlay industry is a volatile one. High-profile brands such as BuildDirect's Panda, Lazy Granite, Kitchen-in-a-Box, and EZ Granite have come and gone.
Caesarstone Transform is the most prominent company presently producing countertop overlays. Caesarstone Transform products are not available on the open retail market. Homeowners need to go through an authorized dealer. Caesarstone also requires that authorized technicians install its product.
FAQs
Granite overlays are not necessarily suitable for all countertops. For an overlay to work, they need a smooth, flat, stable surface underneath. Without that, the overlays may not adhere properly to the existing surface. So if your current countertop is damaged or uneven, granite overlays may not be your best option.
How to work with your existing granite when updating your kitchen? ›
One great opportunity to do that is with the backsplash. A subway tile in a neutral tone like ivory, off-white, or even greige will complement the granite and actually work to tone it down. Stick with a slightly warmer tone to help it blend in. So if you want a white tile, make sure it's a white with warm undertones.
Can you overlay granite countertops? ›
Nearly any type of counter can be overlaid, as long as it is strong enough to support the overlay: tile, laminate, stainless steel, granite, quartz, concrete, and wood.
Can you mix granite and quartz countertops in kitchen? ›
Mixing Granite and Quartz Countertops
Using different materials is changing it up just a little bit more to buy into this trend. Here are some ideas for mixing granite and quartz. Some designers like to create a kitchen island using granite and then add a quartz countertop.
Are quartz overlays any good? ›
Low-maintenance: Quartz overlays are easy to clean using soap and water. Additionally, the etherium® By E-Stone quartz countertops at Granite and TREND Transformations have our proprietary ForeverSeal® finish, making them scratch, mold, mildew, heat, and stain resistant.
How much is quartz overlay? ›
How much do quartz worktops cost?
| Cost provided item | Unit | Average UK cost |
|---|
| Quartz countertop including installation | Per m2 | £375 |
| Quartz worktop - supply and install | 3m length | £1,125 |
| Quartz worktop - supply and install | 6m length | £2,250 |
| Quartz worktop - supply and install | 9m length | £3,375 |
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Deep green granite also works well with darker wood tones. Dark gray granite complements medium-tone wood cabinetry, while light gray granite goes great with white or light-wood cabinets for a sophisticated or sleek kitchen.
How can I update my granite countertops without removing them? ›
In order to update your granite without having to remove it, you're going to have to choose colors and textures that suit it. By matching colors for your kitchen to the granite you have, you can harmonize the entire space. It's also incredibly cost-effective since you only need some paint or wood stain in most cases.
Can you change black granite to white? ›
Granite is a natural stone, and it's impossible to change the color of the stone itself. That said, there are several ways to change the appearance of your countertops without replacing them.
How much does granite overlay cost? ›
Install Granite Countertop Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|
| Granite slab | $100-$300 per sq.ft. |
| Granite overlay: oversized tiles. | $60-$80 per sq.ft. |
| Granite tiles | $10-$20 per sq.ft. |
Quartz has become the go-to material for those looking to sprinkle a bit of luxury into their kitchens and baths. But, as with all good things, quality comes at a price. On average, you're looking at shelling out anywhere from $50 to a cool $200 per square foot installed for quartz countertops.
How can I cover my granite countertop without replacing it? ›
Best Options for Countertop Covers
The most temporary countertop covers are spray paint and PVC countertop films. At some point, these covers will scratch, gouge, or otherwise fail. Other covers are longer-lasting temporary solutions: ceramic tile, laminate, or wood overlays.
Is it worth replacing granite with quartz? ›
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
Can you put a hot pan on quartz or granite? ›
The resin that is in the quartz material can only withhold 150 degrees in heat before it reaches its maximum. Therefore, if you place a hot pan on the countertop the resin could burn and cause permanent aesthetic damage.
What is an alternative to quartz or granite countertops? ›
Cheap Kitchen Countertop Alternatives
| Material | Cheap to Expensive (Per Square Foot)* |
|---|
| Marble/Quartz/Engineered Stone | $50-$90 |
| Wood | $50-$100 |
| Soapstone | $50-$100 |
| Stainless Steel | $65-$150 |
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They can be porous.
If you don't seal your granite countertops, or the stone was poorly sealed from the start, there is a chance that liquids could be absorbed, creating long-lasting stains.
What is the best color granite for resale? ›
Neutral and Earth tone Granite colors work best
The vast majority of home buyers prefer neutral or earth tone granite colors in their granite countertops, and since you know this won't be your home very much longer, it's better to invest in the countertops the buyer wants than the countertops you personally like best.
How much does granite countertops increase home value? ›
A Realtor® can tell you specifically how much this highly coveted finish will add to the potential sale price of your home. However, the general perspective on this question is that you will add an amount to your home's value equivalent to at least 25 percent of the retail cost of the countertops.
Can you put granite on top of granite? ›
So, can granite countertops be installed over an existing countertop? It may be possible to install granite countertops over an existing countertop, but it depends on the condition and thickness of the existing countertop and the age of the appliances and sink.
