DIY Countertops

Laminate Countertops

• Laminate countertops are constructed from either built-up plywood and plastic laminating sheets -- two sheets of 3/4-inch plywood screwed to the countertop frame with laminate glued thereafter -- or preconstructed particle board that has the laminate already molded to it, and you simply attach the assembled piece to the countertop frame. Both resist stains well and are waterproof.

Concrete Countertops

• Concrete countertops are either preformed or formed and poured in place on the countertop frame. Concrete countertops are thick and resilient and can be poured and finished in various colors and coatings. You can add crushed glass, colored stones or metal fragments to the concrete before it dries and grind the concrete down after to expose the decorative features. You can add swirls of different colors that can be exposed through grinding, and you can polish the concrete to a glass-like finish for beautiful and cost-effective countertops. Once the countertops are finished, you can buff a paste wax into the surface for an even glossier finish.

Tile

• Tile countertops are among the most expensive to complete. You need to install plywood, backer board and then the tile. The tile for the countertops comes in a variety of types and colors, such as stone, marble, ceramic and glass. Although tile is a beautiful material to install on countertops, it will also require more maintenance and repair. Its joints are easier to stain, for example (though you can prevent this by sealing the grout joints).