Best countertop and backsplash pros near Ethel, LA

Extensive chips and cracks may require a full replacement of the countertop. The cost to install a new countertop is around $3,100 on average. But, if the damaged area is relatively small, you may want to consider repairing it yourself or calling in a qualified professional. Depending on the material, some epoxy and sandpaper may do the trick. Or you can consider painting laminate countertops or refinishing butcher block countertops.

Yes, Corian® and other solid surface countertops can be cut with standard woodworking tools like a circular saw or a jigsaw, but using the correct blade is crucial for the best results.

The recommended blade is a tungsten carbide-tipped blade, often called a solid-surface planer or triple chip grind blade. This type of blade is hard enough to cut through the material effectively. For a jigsaw, a fine-tooth down-cutting blade should be used.

It is important to note that a diamond blade is not necessary. Diamond blades are designed for harder materials like natural stone, concrete, or brick, and Corian is not a natural stone.

Using blades designed for wood is not recommended as they can cause microfractures that weaken the countertop's edges. While a tungsten carbide blade provides a much cleaner cut, the resulting edge will still be rough and must be sanded and smoothed to prevent microfractures from developing over time.

Start your search for a reliable countertop contractor online, and look for companies that have high ratings from past customers. Check each of these companies on the Better Business Bureau website and rule out any that have a high number of complaints or an overall low rating. Next, contact the remaining companies and ask for a list of references and examples of past work. It’s best to choose a provider that has references that are still pleased with the work years later and one that provides professional-looking examples of how it serves its customers.

The least expensive way to build a kitchen countertop is to choose an affordable material. For example, laminate countertops cost about $1,250, while Corian® countertops cost $4,000 on average. Common wood and laminate tend to be the most affordable and DIY-friendly, which will save you the cost of labor. Otherwise, look for lower-end solid surface countertops or ceramic and stone tile. These cost less than natural stone slabs.