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The best way to save money on countertop installation is to choose an affordable material. For example, if you have a busy kitchen and need durability, choose a more affordable but lasting material like granite countertops. Likewise, if you don't use your countertops often, you can use a softer material that costs less than more sturdy ones. 

Another way to cut costs is to remove and dispose of the existing countertops yourself, if possible. That way, countertop installers can get straight to placing the new feature, reducing labor costs.

Yes, you can install a new layer of laminate over an existing laminate countertop, which can save you time and money while updating its appearance. The process is similar to installing laminate directly onto particle board. First, clean the existing countertop thoroughly. Next, fill and sand any cracks or damaged areas. Then, you'll need to sand or scratch up the entire surface to help the contact cement or glue adhere properly. After applying the adhesive, you can install the new laminate layer on top. If you're looking for other ways to improve your existing laminate countertops, you could also consider painting them or applying an epoxy finish.

The average lifespan of an epoxy countertop is around 10 years, but this material can last longer with proper maintenance. This material happens to be resistant to most kinds of countertop damage (think: water and heat damage) though damage can happen. In the event you do damage your epoxy, you can often fill it with an epoxy repair kit.

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.