What’s a Renter-Friendly Way to Update Countertops?

Christine Gallary
Christine GallarySenior Recipe Editor at The Kitchn
After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, I worked at Cook's Illustrated and CHOW's test kitchens. I've edited and tested recipes for more than 15 years, including developing recipes for the James Beard-award winning Mister Jiu's in Chinatown cookbook. My favorite taste testers are my husband, Hayden, and daughter, Sophie.
published Aug 4, 2014
pinterest
comments
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
(Image credit: Faith Durand)

Q: I live in the most temporary of all temporary situations — student housing. Six strangers in a 3-bedroom apartment.

Those of us who will be in the space for at least a year or longer are trying to find renter-friendly ways to spruce the place up.

We’re painting, wallpapering, even putting temporary backsplashes and stone tiles in all the perfect places.

The bane of my existence, however, is the hideous countertop that stretches the length of our small kitchen. This countertop has been abused by so many renters before us, I can’t tell what material it is anymore. It’s got cuts, gouges, pieces torn completely. It’s beyond repair and needs to be replaced.

Thus my question: Is there a renter-friendly way to update countertops? Or is this an issue I should press the property manager about attending to? I practically live in my kitchen and it is borderline painful to look at this counter.

Sent by Melody

Editor: Readers, do you have any ideas on how to update countertops in a rental?

Next question?