How much does it cost to repair countertops?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Kitchen countertops get a lot of use every day, and this wear and tear can show after a while. Countertops can become damaged in several ways leading to the need for repairs, such as canned goods falling on them, not using a cutting board, a burn from a hot pot, or just everyday life taking its toll. Some counters also have areas that fail over time, such as a fissure showing up in a natural granite counter or a seam popping in a solid surface counter. If any of these issues occur, it is vital to repair the countertops promptly because cracks and chips are unsightly and may get bigger and more serious over time.

The national average for kitchen countertop repairs is between $200 and $600, with most homeowners paying $350 to repair a crack in a solid surface countertop. The low price for this project is $100 for cleaning the grout in tile countertops. This project’s high price is $1,000 for resurfacing a granite countertop.

Cost to Repair Countertops

Kitchen Countertop Repair Cost by Material

Kitchen countertops can be made of many different materials, and the one you choose has a significant impact on the repair costs. Some materials are cheaper to work with and fix than others. The table below shows common countertop materials and the average repair costs for each.

Laminate Worktop Repair

The cost to repair laminate countertops ranges from $100 to $600. Laminate is considered one of the cheapest and simplest materials for kitchen countertops, and it resists scratches and scuffs. If scratches appear, use laminate repair paste and color-matching pens to cover them up. Laminate tends to start peeling at the edges over time, so new layers often have to be applied.

Epoxy Countertop Repair

The average cost to repair epoxy countertops is between $100 and $600. Epoxy offers a glossy finish and reasonable durability and is highly resistant to heat. However, epoxy surfaces stain easily due to spills, and some lower-quality epoxies may crack or chip, requiring patching or resurfacing.

Tile Countertop Repair

The average cost to repair tile countertops ranges from $100 to $600. Tile is considered a great choice for countertops because tiles are easy to apply and come in a range of colors. While they resist heat well, tiles can crack and chip due to impacts or dropped items. When this happens, individual damaged tiles might need to be removed and replaced with new ones. It is also common for dirt to build up in the spaces between the tiles, so they need regular cleaning.

Quartz Countertop Repair

The cost to repair quartz countertops averages $150 to $750. Quartz is a strong and resistant material that is very low-maintenance, standing up well to scratches, stains, and heat. However, stubborn stains can appear over time, and these countertops may need to be professionally cleaned. They might also get chipped, requiring epoxy to patch the damaged area.

Corian Countertop Repair

The average cost to repair Corian countertops ranges from $150 to $750. Corian is a brand of solid surface countertops, and it is one of the toughest materials for your kitchen. However, scratches and chips may develop over time. Small areas of damage can usually be sanded away, but bigger cracks and chips need more thorough repair with epoxy.

Solid Surface Countertop Repair

Homeowners pay between $150 and $750 for repairs to solid surface countertops. These materials are tough and resist general wear and tear from daily use, but they can pick up scratches, dents, and burn marks over time. These marks may be buffed or sanded away, but deeper damage will need to be repaired with epoxy, sandpaper, and other supplies to ensure that the color matches the rest of the countertop.

Butcher Block Repair

Repairs for butcher block countertops average $150 to $800. Homeowners often choose wooden countertops for their aesthetic advantages, but wood naturally scratches, stains, and cracks over time as the countertops are used. Homeowners can handle minor repairs, but if deep cracks and chips appear, a professional may need to fill in the damaged areas with putty. These worktops might also need coating and oiling regularly to protect them.

Porcelain Countertop Repair

Fixing a porcelain countertop costs between $150 and $800. Porcelain is a very attractive and unique material to choose for your kitchen worktops, but it is not the most durable. Porcelain withstands scratches and stains quite well, but it is prone to chips and fissures. Special materials and epoxy fissure repair kits are required to fill in any cracks and for repairs.

Granite Countertop Repair

Repairs for granite countertops range from $200 to $1,000. Granite is one of the most high-end materials for kitchen countertops, and it is exceptionally strong, but chips and cracks can appear over time. As with other materials, epoxy is usually needed to repair this damage. Granite countertops also need to be sealed regularly to prevent staining.

Marble Countertop Repair

Repairs for marble kitchen countertops average $200 to $1,000. Marble is a very beautiful material that adds elegance to any kitchen, but it is prone to cosmetic damage like spots, stains, scratches, and general wear and tear. Chips and cracks need to be filled in, stains must be cleaned with care, and refinishing may eventually be required to restore the countertops’ original beauty.

Countertop Repair Cost by Type of Repair

One of the main factors impacting the total cost of any countertop repair is the repair required. A wide range of issues can arise with your countertops, from simple surface scratches and marks that require light touch-ups to deep cracks, chips, and burn marks. Some repairs cost more because of the need for additional labor or specialized parts. The table below shows common repair types and average costs for each.

Countertop Scratch Repair

Fixing scratches in your kitchen countertops costs between $100 and $300. It is common for scratches to appear on countertops because knives and other sharp kitchen tools are used on and around them. Most scratches can be buffed or sanded out without too much trouble.

Countertop Grout Cleanup

The cost for countertop grout cleanup ranges from $100 to $300. Dirt and grime can build up in the grout on tile countertops. Stubborn stains may appear that regular household cleaning supplies cannot remove. If this happens, hire a professional to clean the grout.

Countertop Touch-Up Paint

Applying touch-up paint to your countertops averages $100 to $300. Touch-up painting may be needed when the countertops suffer light cosmetic damage or need simple refreshing. This process helps cover up minor issues like scratches and stains, and it can be a cost-effective alternative to having the countertops refinished or resurfaced entirely.

Countertop Chip Repair

Repairing a chip in your kitchen countertops costs between $100 and $500. Chips may occur if items are dropped on the countertops or because of other heavy impacts. When treating chips, professional countertop repairmen typically use an epoxy filling to fill the chipped area and then use other products to make the color match the surrounding counter.

Countertop Bubble Repair

Repairing bubbling in your countertops averages $150 to $350. Bubbling is an issue that occurs in laminate countertops. It usually happens when a hot pan or other hot item is left on the countertop surface. The heat penetrates the counter and softens the adhesive between the laminate materials. Bubbles need to be repaired with care and are usually heated up and then cut open with a knife before being flattened out. The damaged area can then be patched.

Countertop Heat Damage Repair

Repairing heat damage to your countertops ranges from $150 to $500. Heat damage and burn marks can occur if hot pans and other hot items are placed on the counters. This can lead to marks or even parts of the counters cracking or melting. The repair method depends on the material and damage type. Burn marks on laminate countertops may require a special cleaning paste, while burn marks on wood can usually be sanded away.

Countertop Crack Repair

Repairing cracks in your kitchen countertops averages $150 to $600. The final price mostly depends on the crack size and depth and the countertop material. Deep cracks in high-end materials usually cost more to fix because it requires more work to repair them and ensure that the color matches the rest of the countertop. Polymer resins and epoxy fillings are usually used to fill cracks.

Countertop Resurfacing

The cost of resurfacing kitchen countertops is between $150 and $1,000. Resurfacing is a good option to keep your kitchen countertops looking new and free of stains and marks that might build up over time. It is especially recommended for high-end materials like granite, and resurfacing usually involves cleaning the countertops, resealing them, and treating minor chips and scratches.

Repair Water Damaged Worktop

Repairing water damage on your countertops averages $150 to $1,000. Water damage may occur if liquids on the counters are not cleaned up quickly, especially if the material is porous or prone to water damage. It is wise to seal certain kitchen countertop materials, such as granite, to avoid water damage. If damage occurs, repairs vary depending on the material. In simple cases, basic cleaning and treatment might suffice, but refinishing or resurfacing may be required in more serious situations.

Relaminate Countertops

The average cost to relaminate kitchen countertops is between $200 and $600, and the total price primarily depends on the job scale and how much laminate is required. Laminate countertops can peel and fade over time, so having them relaminated is a good way to spruce up their look without replacing them entirely.

Countertop Refinishing

The average cost for countertop refinishing ranges from $300 to $500. Over time, countertops can degrade due to general wear and tear, causing marks and stains to appear. Rather than replacing them, you can have them refinished, which may involve painting, applying a new laminate coating, or using polymers or epoxy coatings to give them a new look.

Countertop Polishing

Countertop polishing averages $300 to $800. This can be a necessary procedure for certain kitchen countertop materials, such as marble and granite, and specialized tools and equipment are used to polish these surfaces and restore their original shine. The process buffs away the top layer of the stone, removing surface scratches and marks in the process.

Labor Costs to Repair Countertops

Homeowners can handle some basic countertop maintenance tasks like simple cleaning and sanding. But when cracks, chips, and serious damages occur, it is important to call in a professional. Most countertop repair companies or independent repairmen charge $50 to $100 per hour for their services, plus the cost of materials and supplies. You may also pay a minimum call-out fee of $35 to $75, which can be waived depending on the repairs. Some repair companies also charge extra if they have to travel long distances to get to your home.

Countertop Repair vs Replacement

In some cases, you can repair the countertop and save some money. However, there may be times when you need to replace the countertop at a greater expense because of more widespread or severe damage. A total replacement of your kitchen countertops averages $1,500 to $4,500. This process takes much longer than a typical repair, ranging from about 2 to 3 weeks from the time you initiate the replacement until the installation time. This includes choosing the material, having measurements taken, developing a template to fit your appliances, and finding a contractor. After obtaining the materials, the installation goes quickly, about 1 to 2 days.

Widespread damage, meaning more than one area of damage or damage that occurs over more than 50% of the counter, requires a replacement. Post-formed laminates that cannot be fixed with paint, melted solid surface counters, and severely stained marble counters also require replacement.

When deciding between repair and replacement, weigh the costs of both options. If your current countertops look worn or require frequent repairs, it might be time to replace them. But if you would rather save money and extend the life of your current counters, a repair or resurfacing may be the better option.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Countertop Painting

Painting your countertops costs between $200 and $600, and the final price mostly depends on the paint type and size of the area. Painting countertops can be a great way to give them a refreshed appearance without having to spend too much or worry about total replacements or resurfacing. However, this is only recommended for certain materials like laminate because many countertops are not suitable for painting.

Sink Replacement

Installing a new sink costs between $250 and $600, but prices may rise if you want a particularly high-end sink. This can be another effective method to refresh the look and feel of your kitchen, and new sinks can protect your countertops from water damage.

Cabinet Repair

Kitchen cabinet repairs range from $150 to $700, but if you want them refinished or repainted, the costs can be much higher. This is a useful method to freshen up a kitchen without having entirely new cabinets fitted.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Warranties. Your counter may be covered by a warranty that takes care of the cost of some repairs if the damages were caused by either a failure of the material or the labor. Check with the original manufacturer/installer to find out before you pay for repair work. In addition, some contractors provide a warranty on the repair for a certain time. For example, if you have a seam repaired in a stone counter, the fabricator may warranty the seam for an additional year. Always ask upfront about warranties and get them in writing.
• Professionals. When having your countertops repaired, you have the choice between hiring a handyman or going directly to a countertop specialist company. Usually, specialists have higher prices, so it can be cost-effective to work with a handyman for simple repairs like buffing out scratches and treating minor chips and cracks. However, when working with high-end materials like granite or marble, it is usually better to opt for a specialist because these countertops require an expert.
• Support. If you plan to place appliances on your countertops, think about how heavy they are. Countertops are not designed to support too much weight, so they may need to be installed with special reinforcements. Otherwise, the excess weight can cause them to break down and crack over time.