Blog>Expert Advice>Repair your kitchen worktop: Resolving the common issues
Last updated: 6 June 2023
Repair your kitchen worktop: Resolving the common issues
Your kitchen worktop is the heart of your culinary space, serving (pun intended) as a functional and aesthetic element. However, with general wear and tear and life-related accidents, a kitchen worktop repair is sometimes needed to bring it back to its original state. Keep scrolling to read how to do that quickly and efficiently.
Need to repair a kitchen worktop? Your home-hub is a high-traffic area, which means it's not uncommon for those overused surfaces to encounter various mishaps, resulting in the need to fix or replace them asap.
That's why we're going to explore the most common types of issues homeowners face in the counter-department and offer practical solutions for getting them sorted.
So, whether you're a DIY enthusiast or need to call in a professional, we've got you covered.
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Types of kitchen worktop damage repair
The type of repair needed for your kitchen worktop depends on the type and severity of the issue. We're going to take a look at some common problems and look at the best way to fix them all.
The common kitchen worktop damage we'll explore:
Scratches and scuffs
Stains and burns
Water damage
Loose joints or edges
Major structural damage
How to repair a water damaged wooden worktop
Water damage mostly affects wooden worktops, which tends to cause warping or discolouration. It's easier to fix minor water damage vs. more severe issues that require specialist intervention.
Related content: Replacing kitchen worktops cost guide.
Fixing water damaged kitchen worktops
To repair minor water damage, we advise that you follow these simple steps:
Completely dry the affected area
Use a robust sander to sand down any raised or swollen water spots
Wipe the surfaces clean and leave them to dry
Use a strong wood stain or oil that matches the original colour of your worktops
Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the painting requirements
Enjoy your handiwork in restoring your worktop to its former glory
NB: For larger or more severe water damage, call a professional carpenter or kitchen specialist to assess and repair the worktop properly.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Fix a chip on a laminate countertop and repair scratches
Laminate worktops are affordable and versatile, which makes them popular options for many homeowners. If you're one of them, you're probably here because you need to repair a chip or buff out scratches in your laminate countertop.
Keep reading for our quick step-by-step fixes.
Quick fix: Chipped laminate worktop repair
Thoroughly clean your countertop and leave it to dry
Buy a laminate repair paste or filler that matches the colour of your worktop
Apply the filler to the chip (make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions)
Once it dries, use a 'fine-grit' sandpaper to smooth the repaired area
Finally, apply a laminate sealer to protect the repaired spot and blend it in with the rest of your countertop
Voila!
Quick fix: Remove scratches from your laminate countertop
Clean the surface of your worktop to prep your kitchen counter repair
Apply a laminate repair paste or a specially formulated scratch repair kit
Follow the instructions provided
Gently buff the scratched area until the scratch is no longer visible
Finish by wiping the surface clean and applying a laminate sealer for added protection
Corian worktop repair advice
Corian worktops are known for their seamless appearance and durability. They're a solid and popular material made from one-third acrylic resin and two-thirds natural minerals.
However, despite their hardy reputation, they still suffer from wear and tear and accidental damage.
Related content: Corian worktop cost guide.
Fixing corian worktops
For minor scratches, use a fine abrasive cleaner or a mild abrasive pad to buff out the surface gently.
If the scratch is deeper, consult a professional who specialises in Corian repairs. They'll use a heat gun or abrasive pad to blend and repair the scratch professionally and effectively.
If you want a seamless finish, it's essential to leave these types of major repairs to the experts to avoid further damage and costs.
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Quartz worktop repair advice
Quartz worktops are engineered stone surfaces that are both durable and low maintenance.
If you need to repair your quartz worktop – whether it's a small chip or large crack – we highly recommend consulting a professional who specialises in quartz repairs.
The ideal tradesperson will use an epoxy resin or similar material to fill and blend the damaged area. The repair will then be polished to match the sheen and finish of the surrounding countertop.
For larger or more complex repairs, it's advisable to seek professional help to ensure a durable and flawless outcome.
Granite worktop repair advice
Granite worktops are prized for their natural beauty and durability. Minor chips or scratches are also easier to fix than other materials.
So, if you're a DIY connoisseur, try repairing your granite worktop with a granite-specific repair kit from your local hardware store.
The kits typically include epoxy resin and colour-matching pigments. Just follow the instructions on the brand of your choice to fill the chip or scratch with the epoxy mixture, ensuring a smooth and level surface.
For more extensive damage – or if you desire a professional touch – consult a granite specialist who'll carry out the repairs and reseal the surface for you. This will also make sure you enjoy a flawless finish.
Related content: Quartz vs granite cost: which is cheaper?
Kitchen worktop damage repair: Fix loose joints or edges
Over time, the joints and edges of your worktops can become loose or damaged.
For wooden worktops, use a suitable wood adhesive to reattach loose joints and follow the manufacturer's instructions for a seamless finish.
Top tip: Apply clamps or heavy objects to hold the joints together until the adhesive dries.
For laminate worktops, consult a specialist as you might need to reseal or replace the whole area.
Best way to repair a kitchen worktop with major structural damage
In the case of major structural damage, such as significant cracks or deep dents, it's best to call a professional tradesperson or a kitchen worktop specialist.
They'll have the right expertise and tools to repair or replace your worktops without causing further issues.
To find a reputable professional in your area, just pop in your postcode below.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Cost of hiring a tradesperson
The cost of hiring a tradesperson for kitchen worktop repairs will vary depending on several factors. For example, the extent of the damage, the material of the worktop, and where you live.
On average, expect to pay anywhere from £150 to £500 for minor repairs, such as scratches or stains.
For more significant repairs or a complete replacement of your worktops, the cost can range from £500 to £2,000 or more. As always, this depends on the materials used and the complexity of the job at hand.
We advise asking for multiple quotes from different tradespeople to make sure you're getting a fair price.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Final thoughts
Maintaining a damage-free and aesthetically pleasing kitchen worktop is essential for a functional living space.
By addressing common issues such as scratches, stains, loose joints, and water damage, you can extend the lifespan of your worktop and keep it looking its best.
For minor repairs, why not try tackling them yourself by using the appropriate techniques and materials we've suggested above?
However, for more significant or complex repairs, we recommend asking a qualified professional for help. Just remember to obtain 3-4 quotes and choose a reputable tradesperson. Here's how to make sure you're picking a good professional! This will avoid disappointing results and further costs down the line.
Did you enjoy this blog on how to repair your kitchen worktop? Let us know in the comments! And don't forget to check out our blog for more top tips like these.
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