Yes, a professional can replace your kitchen sink without replacing the countertop. However, replacing a kitchen sink is a great time to consider upgrading your countertops or remodeling your entire kitchen.

Painting your countertops can help spruce up your kitchen, but the benefits are usually short-lived, and the issues it causes may be long-lasting. Generally, painting stone countertops like quartz or granite is a bad idea, as you’ll have to roughen the surface of your countertop to get the paint to stick, ruining the surface in the process. Painting laminate or wood countertops results in less permanent damage, but it may make your countertop more susceptible to scratches or burns. 

If you want to liven up your kitchen with a new color for your countertops, it’ll be more cost-effective in the long run to simply replace your countertops. We offer kitchen countertops in a variety of materials and colors, ensuring you can find the perfect choice for your desired aesthetic.

The cost of a new kitchen countertop can range from $10–$200 per square foot, depending on a variety of factors, including:

• Material: Some countertop materials, like quartz, are more expensive, while others, like laminate, are more affordable.
• Brand: Higher-end brands come with higher price tags.
• Installation: If your countertop needs to be an odd shape to accommodate your kitchen layout or plumbing, it may result in a higher cost.
• Customizations: Extra touches, such as decorative edges, may increase the final cost.

Want a new countertop, but not sure which material works best for your needs? Let’s break down the differences between some of our most popular countertops.

Quartz vs. Granite Countertops

Both granite and quartz countertops are classic stone options with a variety of patterns and colors to choose from, but they differ in terms of maintenance and cost. Quartz is more expensive yet easier to maintain, while granite is more affordable but requires annual upkeep.

Granite is a natural stone, meaning that each slab is unique in its color and pattern. However, because it’s naturally occurring, it can be hard to make the colors and patterns consistent. Granite also requires a sealant; stones are naturally porous, so annual sealing is necessary to ensure the longevity of your granite countertop.

Quartz countertops, though made from natural quartz stone, are technically engineered by humans. Instead of being cut from naturally-occurring formations, quartz countertops are made of crushed stone, resulting in more consistent coloring and patterns. They also typically incorporate a low percentage of other materials, such as resin or pigments. This process results in a durable countertop with a luxurious finish, resistant to nearly all forms of damage—and has the higher price tag to prove it.

Solid Surface Countertops vs. Quartz

Both solid surface and quartz countertops have a stone-like finish. However, solid surface has a higher percentage of non-stone materials compared to quartz. Quartz countertops are about 90% crushed stone, while minerals only make up about two-thirds of solid surface countertops. 

Because of this, solid surface countertops are more susceptible to scratches and heat damage. However, they’re also easier to clean and repair than quartz countertops, and they’re also more affordable.

Laminate Countertops vs. Quartz

Laminate countertops are an excellent choice for people who want to choose from a variety of unique colors and patterns but need to adhere to a strict budget. Laminates can be designed to mimic a variety of materials, from stone to wood to slate. You can also choose less natural designs, such as solid colors or swirling patterns.

Although laminate countertops are the most affordable, they’re also the most susceptible to damage. Laminate colors fade over time, and they’re notorious for burning or warping when exposed to direct heat. They also have noticeable seams that can fray over time. Although you’ll pay for more quartz, you’ll also have more peace of mind, knowing that your countertop can withstand years of baking, cooking, homework, and other kitchen activities.

Wood Countertops vs. Granite

Both wood countertops and granite countertops offer a classic look to any kitchen at an affordable price. They also both require sealants to prevent damage and ensure a long lifespan. The biggest difference between wood and granite countertops is an aesthetic choice. Wood countertops provide warmer tones and more of a farmhouse or vintage touch, while granite countertops offer cooler tones and a more modern feel.

Quartz countertops are by far the most durable. However, granite and wood also resist damage well, as long as they are sealed. With proper maintenance, quartz, granite, and wood countertops can last a lifetime.

It’s also a good idea to keep in mind how difficult it would be to repair your countertop, should it sustain any damage. Wood is the easiest to repair; if damaged, it can simply be sanded down. Solid surface countertops are more susceptible to damage, but they are also easier to repair than granite or quartz.