Get matched with top countertop and backsplash pros in Cloverdale, CA

The best tool for cutting countertops depends on the type of countertop material. For some softer materials, like laminate (Formica) and butcher block, you can use a hand saw, but most experts recommend power saws like circular saws, since these make the job go faster and easier and give more even results. However, power saws and circular saws are dangerous if used incorrectly, and they can be so powerful that they damage or chip laminate, stone, and other types of countertops. For this reason, you should take safety precautions and use best practices to prevent damage.

Granite countertops can last for 100 years or more with proper maintenance, even in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Granite can crack, stain, or fade over time, like any countertop material, but it’s a highly durable option that should offer a lifetime of use. Some ways to increase the longevity of granite countertops include regularly cleaning the surface, especially after spills, avoiding sharp objects directly on the countertop, and resealing the material every few years.

The angle at which you cut countertops depends on the material, your intended outcome, and the location of the cut. For example, rather than cutting a straight 90-degree angle for internal corners, cut edges at a 45-degree angle to give a clean, professional look. For outside edges, most homeowners want squared-off sides, so 90-degree angles can make the most sense there. Because you want to get angles exactly right to minimize seams and eliminate the need for patching, be sure to measure several times before cutting and use the right equipment to get sharp, accurate angles.

The average cost to install or replace countertops is $3,105, with most projects falling between $1,858 and $4,177. However, the total price can range from $400 to $8,500 depending on several key factors. The most influential cost factors include the countertop material, the size in square feet, the quality of the new countertops, and the complexity of the job, such as the number of sink cutouts, corners, and special edging. Other considerations are the accessibility of the installation area and whether the project includes the removal and disposal of your old countertops. You have a wide array of material options to choose from. Laminate is generally the most budget-friendly, costing between $8 and $27 per square foot. On the higher end, slate countertops range from $30 to $90 per square foot. Other popular materials with varying price points include butcher block, quartz, granite, stainless steel, Corian, and wood.