Updated at: 16-09-2022 - By: cnbusinessnews

If you know how to fix a water-damaged counter top, you can save some time by not freaking out. Instead of repairing the harm, you can simply mark it.

A water-damaged countertop frequently swells, so you won’t be able to ignore it. The next steps are outlined in the next section.

How to remove water stains from hardwood countertops is covered in the same guide we used to fix damaged ones. Finally, we talked about insurance and whether or not water damage on your kitchen counters is covered by it..

Steps In Repairing Water Damaged Countertops

Countertops are especially susceptible to water damage since they frequently come into contact with water. This does not mean that you should just allow for water damage to occur on your counters, especially those near your sink. Countertops that have been damaged by water can be repaired in a few simple steps.

Fixing water damage on my wood counters

Step #1. Remove your sink

Remove the sink first if the water damage caused swelling near the sink. Remove the sink with care to avoid damaging the countertop’s laminate. Watch this video for a step-by-step tutorial on how to remove your sink.

Step #2. Use grease pencil

Make grease pencil marks on the swollen areas of your countertop after you remove the sink. The enlarged areas should be marked at both ends.

Make sure you drew on the correct area by checking with a straightedge. Transfer the mark to the inner side of the countertop (where the sink once was) once it has been double-checked with a straight edge.

Step #3. Measure and cut

Cut over the indicated piece of the countertop with an oscillating tool and a wood cutting blade. Do not cut the entire item and leave a gaping hole in your kitchen counter. Just make a 14-inch-high cut parallel to the afflicted surface to remove the affected region.

Keep it as straight as you can while cutting, and be careful not to splinter it. Avoid cutting through the countertop’s top by tilting the blade upwards. Cut all the way to the bulge’s outside edge.

Step #4. Straight edge

Placing a straight edge on the swelling area works well. Depending on the width of the swollen area, you may need several clamps.

If you’re using a straightedge, be sure the clamps you’re using are compatible. After that, use the clamp and straightedge to perform a dry fit and get a feel for the edges.

Step #5. Painter’s tape and glue

After securing the bulge, apply painter’s tape to the area to ensure that nothing gets messed up. Activate your gorilla glue with water, and you’re done!

After cutting a slot, wet the inside with water and then fill it with glue. Using a putty knife, smooth down the glue in the space.

Straightedge and clamps can be used to secure the slot. To remove the remaining gorilla glue, use a damp cloth.

A few hours later, remove the clamp and straightedge from the afflicted area. Remove the painter’s tape and re-install your sink afterward.

How to get water stains out of wooden countertops?

Water damage can manifest itself in a variety of ways, not the least of which are stains on your counters. There are two types of stains to be aware of. Stains might be superficial or substantial.

There are only surface stains if the spots on your wooden counters are white. A deep stain is one that is a dark brown or even black in hue. Surface stains can be removed by rubbing a lemon oil-soaked pad of ultra-fine wire wool over the affected area.

Here are the actions to follow if the stain is deeper:

Step #1. Sand

Sand the countertop’s surface in the direction of the grain after it has been sealed. Don’t take anything too seriously.

Step #2. Bleach

When the stained surface is sanded, apply a blob of bleach. Repeat this until the stain is gone. If blotting fails to remove the stain, apply some bleach and let it sit overnight.

Using commercial wood bleach is an option if ordinary bleach fails to remove the staining. Be sure, however, to adhere to the manufacturer’s directions for use when using commercial wood bleach.

Step #3. Clean

Thoroughly clean your work surface after the stain has been bleached. Finish your surface with food-safe oil when it has dried.

After you’ve cleaned and finished, add layers of color to your countertop.

WATER BLOWN WORKTOP JOINT - Namco Refurbs

Is water damage a part of my insurance coverage?

For those who have home insurance, the good news is that kitchen damage is covered under that policy. Repair costs can be too expensive, however.

Good or bad news for you: Insurance adjusters may use contractors for you, which could be good or bad for you. Because of this, you won’t have to conduct your own search for subcontractors. Due of the inability to screen contractors as desired, this is bad.

The best course of action in dealing with insurance adjusters and the cost of water damage repair is to consult an attorney.

Cost of Countertop Repair Near You

The following are the national averages for countertop repair in several of the country’s most populous cities:

  • Orlando, Florida is $450
  • California: $425
  • $475 in Boston
  • Houston: $400.
  • New York City costs $425.
  • The cost of a ticket to Denver is $225.
  • $300 in Minneapolis
  • Chicago: $350.

As you can see, the price difference between most states is negligible. The cost of labor in your location and the amount of the repairs will determine the total cost of the repair.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair, Resurface, or Relaminate a Countertop?

Countertops can be repaired in a variety of ways. If the laminate on the countertop has worn away from food spills and normal use, you may choose to fix a fracture in the countertop or totally resurface the countertop.

Bob Tschudi, an Expert Review Board Member and Raleigh, NC-based general contractor, adds that burn rings from hot pots and pans that were placed directly on the surface are one of the most typical concerns we encounter in worktops. Our next step is to determine whether or not repair is cheaper than replacement.” Most of the time, the countertop needs to be replaced.

Repairing Cracks, Chips, or Dents

The type of material used to construct the countertop is an important consideration when attempting to fix a chip, crack, or dent. The less time and money it takes to fix flaws in a material, the better.

Because of this, laminate countertops cost between $150 to $650 on average, compared with $500 to $1,000 for stainless steel ones.

Resurfacing

Laminate or sealant might be added to the countertop as part of a process known as resurfacing or relaminating. To accomplish this, you can either remove the remaining laminate and replace it entirely, or you can simply add another layer on top of the existing one.

It is common for people to resurface their countertops because of the potential for spills, such as ketchup.

In addition, Tschudi notes, “we advise consumers to clean up acidic liquids like vinegar, lemon juice, and tomato sauce as quickly as possible” before putting them on the counter.

You should expect to shell out anything from $100 to $1,200, depending on the countertop material and sealant you choose.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Countertop by Square Foot?

Material for a typical countertop is 41 square feet. After that, it’s usually trimmed down to 30 square feet or less. The total cost of countertop repair, including supplies and labor, is approximately $10 to $12 per square foot.

Repairing a Countertop Cost Breakdown

At this point, it’s all about what works best for you. When it comes to fixing cracked butcher block worktops versus dented stainless steel countertops, the methods will be vastly different. Depending on where you reside, the amount of work you have to do can vary substantially.

Materials

As a result of contemporary home style trends, countertop repair costs can vary widely. As a result, butcher block and quartz countertops are stealing the limelight from granite countertops.

Costs for repairing different countertop materials can be found in the table below:

  • Laminate costs between $150 and $650
  • Granite prices range from $200 to $1200.
  • From $200 to $1,200 per square foot of marble.
  • Between $100 to $300 for slate
  • $200-$500 for Corian
  • From $200 to $500
  • $200–$500 for Caesarstone
  • Tile: between $350 and $400 per square foot.
  • $200-$500 for a wood or butcher block
  • $500–$1,000 for stainless steel

Labor

From $35 to $100 per hour, the expense of labor is expected to be included. If a job takes less than an hour, some contractors may charge a flat price of $50 to $150.

Cost to Repair a Countertop Yourself

As long as you’re not afraid to use a paintbrush, you should be able to do this on your own. DIY resurfacing and repair kits are available for purchase.

If you need to buy other materials like tarp and tape, you’ll have to pay an additional $25 to $50 for these packages.

Cost to Repair a Countertop Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor

On average, fixing a countertop yourself saves you $250. However, you’ll need a couple of hours to complete the project, so keep this in mind.

On average, you may save $250 by repairing a countertop yourself. However, keep in mind that you’ll need a few hours to complete the project.

Top Tips for Keeping Countertops Like New

Wood

Oil your butcher block wood countertops every month to keep them in good condition. Marine oil is the ideal finish for non-butcher block wood worktops because it prevents stains from fading. Wood can be sanded to remove marks and burns, and lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove stains.

Quartz

They are heat, stain and scratch resistant because quartz is made of quartzite. They don’t require sealing because they’re nonporous. It is possible to remove stains with a paste of hydrogen peroxide and flour that has been applied and allowed to sit for 24 hours.

Marble

Marble countertops demand more upkeep than those made of other materials. etching can occur because the material is naturally porous. Marble polish can be used to remove chemical deterioration. Ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, or mineral spirits can all be used to get rid of oil stains. In addition, a water-based paste made of baking soda and dish soap helps remove food stains.

Soapstone

Soapstone does not need to be sealed because it is naturally nonporous. The tough patina of the countertop is further enhanced by the prevalence of nicks and scratches. Mineral oil can be used to remove minor discoloration caused by oil contact.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel surfaces are prone to scratches, but with an abrasive pad, you can remove them. Avoid rusting by keeping your cast iron pan away from your counter. Lemon juice and baking soda can be used to get rid of any rust spots.

Laminate

It is possible to remove most stains from laminate surfaces using a mixture of baking soda and water left on the surface for three to five minutes, while more stubborn stains can be tackled using household bleach rubbed into the surface with a cotton ball.

How to repair butcher block counter top | McClure Block | Part 2 - YouTube

Solid Surface

A moderate abrasive is all that is needed to remove minor scratches or stains from solid surface counters. A specialist can readily remove the plastic-like patina that may develop over time.

Concrete

Staining can occur if a concrete countertop is not properly sealed by the manufacturer before it is installed. In order to maintain its stain-resistant properties, it is recommended that they be reapplied with tung oil several times per year.

Ceramic Tile

The grout is the most important part of preserving ceramic tile surfaces. If mildew appears, use an anti-mildew toothbrush and anti-mildew solution. For stubborn stains, use diluted household bleach.

Granite

Spritzing water on your granite will reveal whether or not it has been properly protected against the elements. After 10 or 15 minutes, if the water beads up, your granite is properly protected. If the water has soaked in, it’s time to head to the hardware shop. Sealing is a simple and affordable process.

FAQs

How often do you need to resurface or reseal your countertops?

Countertops should be resurfaced or resealed every three years, ideally. In spite of the fact that your mileage may vary from two to six months per year.

Should you repair or replace a countertop?

The countertop may need to be replaced if it has a lot of chips and cracks. A new countertop typically costs $3,000 to $4,000 to install.

How do you care for your kitchen countertops?

Always clean up any food spills on your kitchen counters as soon as possible. Choosing the right countertop cleaner is also important because some cleaners can damage the sealant on the wrong surface.

Conclusion

This article on how to fix a water-damaged counter top has come to an end! It is our hope that you have gained some insight into countertop repair, stain removal, and water damage coverage.