How Much Does It Cost to Repair, Resurface or Refinish Countertops?

by Team HomeServe
Black granite counter top with a chip

Granite Countertop Repair Costs at a Glance

  • Cost to fill a chip or scratch: $200-$500
  • Cost to fill larger cracks: $500-$700
  • Labor cost per hour: $35-$85
  • Compare to replacement: $50-$100 per square foot; $2,000-$4,500 total

Your countertop is the heart of your kitchen. If you shelled out for a dazzling granite countertop, it's most likely the centerpiece of your space. But maybe it has been several years since it was installed. Your elegant countertop is beginning to show wear and tear in the form of chips and cracks. Can this even be fixed, or are you better off replacing them?

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The good news is that, in most cases, your countertop can be rescued. Here’s how much it’ll cost to repair or resurface your granite countertop.

Is It a Crack or a Fissure?

Fissures occur naturally throughout stone surfaces. They are smooth to the touch, and you shouldn't be able to fit even a fingernail or credit card into them. Fissures don't cause any damage, and they don’t need to be repaired.

Cracks, on the other hand, are much more obvious. You should fix cracks as soon as possible, as they can harbor bacteria or create more structural damage over time. Cracks tend to appear in areas of high stress, like around the sink, cooktop and corners.

Why Is My Granite Countertop Cracking?

Although granite makes an ideal surface for kitchens due to its durability, it can suffer damage if not treated correctly. Your countertop may be cracking due to:

  • Heavy pots set directly on the surface
  • Impact from appliances moved around, especially near edges and corners
  • Improper installation
  • Dragging or dropping heavy items along the surface
  • Cleaning with abrasive cleaners, damaging the protective sealant layer

Can My Granite Countertop Be Repaired?

Usually, yes. You can easily make minor granite repairs yourself. A granite polishing powder is meant to handle minor scratches, chips and stains. To keep your kitchen looking fresh, you can restore your granite by resurfacing your countertops from time to time. Resurfacing and refinishing granite countertops usually refers to cleaning and resealing them.

Small cracks can be filled with an epoxy resin and a hardener. Granite repair kits are available at hardware stores. They include all the materials and tools you will need for your repair. Larger cracks can be harder to fix, and you will probably want to hire a professional to assist you.

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How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Granite Countertop?

According to HGTV, replacing your granite countertop would cost $50 to $100 per square foot, plus installation. Repairing your countertop rather than replacing it can save you a lot of money. The cost will vary based on:

  • The extent of the damage
  • What products you use, and how much you need
  • Whether you do it yourself or hire a repair person

Hiring a countertop repair professional costs $35 to $85 per hour, according to Fixr. Filling a chip or scratch will cost between $200 and $500. Larger cracks or failing seams may cost up to $700 to fix.

For smaller, do-it-yourself jobs, you'll only pay for the materials. They’ll run you somewhere between $10 and $100.

Can You Reseal Granite Countertops Yourself?

To help avoid chips and scratches in the first place, you must treat your surface with a sealer. Although durable, granite is absorbent and needs to be sealed at least once a year. You can buy a granite stone sealer and apply it yourself. Follow the directions on the package. You generally need two to three coats to get a proper cover.

Since we’re all home now more than ever, being prepared for unexpected home repairs with a plan from HomeServe is important. Having a plan in place gives you peace of mind knowing that you can simply call our 24/7 repair hotline for covered breakdowns. See what plans are available in your neighborhood.

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