As someone who's spent the last decade inspecting, repairing, and replacing countless countertops across Utah, I've seen it all. From tiny chips that grow into major cracks to stubborn stains that homeowners have scrubbed at for months, countertop damage is something most homes will face eventually. The good news? Many countertop problems can be fixed without replacement, saving you thousands of dollars.
In this guide, I'll share what I've learned about countertop repair – both what you can tackle yourself and when it's time to call in professionals like our team at Cobble Creek Countertops. With 17 years of experience serving over 1,000 homes in Utah, we've developed repair techniques that can restore your countertops to their former glory.
Chips happen easily – a heavy pot drops, or someone sits on the edge of your countertop (which they shouldn't do!). These small damages might seem minor, but they can worsen over time, especially with daily use.
DIY Repair Option: For small chips in granite or quartz, epoxy repair kits designed specifically for stone surfaces work well. These kits include color-matching options so you can blend the repair with your existing countertop. Here's a basic process:
For laminate countertops, you'll want a laminate repair paste instead. The process is similar, but these products are specifically designed for plastic-based surfaces.
When to Call Professionals: If the chip is larger than a quarter, extends deep into the material, or is in a highly visible area, professional repair will give you better results. Professionals use commercial-grade fillers and have tools to match the exact pattern and color of your countertop.
Serious cracks often result from structural issues, impact damage, or improper installation. These aren't just cosmetic problems – they can worsen over time and eventually lead to complete countertop failure.
DIY Repair Option: For very minor cracks, the epoxy method mentioned above can work. However, structural cracks require more expertise.
When to Call Professionals: Deep cracks, especially those that run through the entire thickness of the countertop, need professional attention. At Cobble Creek, we use specialized techniques to stabilize the crack first, then fill and repair it. Sometimes this involves installing metal braces beneath the countertop to prevent the crack from spreading.
I once repaired a granite countertop with a crack running its entire length. The homeowner had tried fixing it themselves, which unfortunately made the problem worse. We had to use a vacuum process to draw the epoxy deep into the crack, then reinforce the underside with fiberglass. This type of repair requires specialized equipment most homeowners don't have.
Different countertop materials stain differently. Natural stone like marble and granite can absorb oils and colored liquids because they're porous (unless properly sealed). Quartz is more stain-resistant but not completely stain-proof.
DIY Repair Option: For fresh stains, try these material-specific approaches:
When to Call Professionals: If you've tried the appropriate method multiple times without success, or if you're dealing with a very valuable countertop (like high-end marble), professional help is your best bet. We use commercial-grade poultices and cleaning agents that aren't available to consumers.
Daily use inevitably leads to some loss of shine and minor scratching, especially on softer materials like marble.
DIY Repair Option: For minor scratches on granite or quartz, try a polish specifically made for that material. Apply in a small circular motion with a microfiber cloth. For marble, very fine steel wool (0000 grade) can sometimes buff out surface scratches, followed by polishing.
For laminate, scratches are trickier. Minor scratches might be improved with laminate polish, but deeper ones usually require filling with a laminate repair kit.
When to Call Professionals: Deep scratches, especially those you can feel with your fingernail, often need professional attention. Severe scratching across large areas might require resurfacing – essentially, grinding down a thin layer of the stone and repolishing the entire surface. This is definitely not a DIY job.
In countertops with joints (seams where two pieces meet), the seam can sometimes become visible or even separate slightly.
DIY Repair Option: If the separation is minimal and the seam filler is intact, you might be able to clean out the seam carefully and apply new color-matched epoxy. However, this is tricky and often best left to professionals.
When to Call Professionals: Most seam problems require professional repair. At Cobble Creek, we've developed techniques to make seams nearly invisible again. This often involves removing the old seam material completely, realigning the countertop sections, and creating a new, properly colored seam.
One customer called us after noticing their granite countertop seam was catching crumbs. Upon inspection, we found the cabinets underneath had shifted slightly, causing the countertop pieces to misalign. We had to disconnect the countertop, adjust the cabinets, and then reset the countertop with a new seam. The repair was invisible when finished.
Heat damage is common, especially near cooktops. Even heat-resistant materials like granite can be damaged by extreme temperatures.
DIY Repair Option: Minor heat marks on laminate might improve with specialized laminate cleaners. For light scorching on solid surfaces like Corian, fine sandpaper (starting with 400 grit and working up to 1500+) followed by polishing compound might help.
When to Call Professionals: Significant burns, especially those that have changed the texture of the material, typically need professional repair. For stone surfaces, this might involve grinding down the damaged area and refinishing it. For severe burns on any material, section replacement might be the only option.
This primarily affects laminate and wood countertops, especially near sinks where water can seep into seams.
DIY Repair Option: For minor swelling in laminate, you can try drying the area thoroughly, then applying pressure with clamps and a flat board to flatten the raised area. Once flat, sealing the seams with silicone caulk might prevent future problems.
When to Call Professionals: Significant water damage, especially if the substrate (the material under the laminate) has been compromised, typically requires partial or complete replacement. At Cobble Creek, we can sometimes replace just the damaged section, which costs much less than replacing the entire countertop.
In my years of countertop repair, I've noticed that many problems could have been prevented with proper maintenance. Here's what I recommend:
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a countertop is beyond repair. Here are signs that replacement might be the better option:
I remember visiting a home where the owners wanted to repair their 25-year-old laminate countertops. The laminate was delaminating in multiple areas, the substrate was swollen near the sink, and the seams were failing. While repairs were technically possible, a new countertop would have cost just 30% more and would last decades longer. They chose replacement and were thrilled with the result.
If you're in Utah and searching for "countertop repair near me," here are some tips to find a qualified professional:
At Cobble Creek Countertops, we approach each repair project with the same care we'd give our own homes. Our process typically includes:
I recently repaired a quartz countertop that had a 3-inch chip on its edge. The homeowners had tried a DIY kit but weren't happy with the result – the color match was off and the repair was visible. We removed their repair attempt, properly prepared the area, and created a custom-colored fill that matched their quartz pattern perfectly. After polishing, you couldn't tell where the damage had been.
One question I hear often is: "How much will professional repair cost?" While every situation is different, here's a general guideline:
These figures can vary based on your specific countertop material, the extent of damage, and your location. At Cobble Creek, we provide detailed estimates before beginning any work, so you'll know exactly what to expect.
After working with hundreds of homeowners on countertop repairs, I've developed a simple guideline:
Consider DIY repair if:
Consider professional repair if:
Whether you choose DIY or professional repair, proper maintenance afterward is crucial. Follow the material-specific cleaning and care instructions I mentioned earlier, and consider having your countertops professionally cleaned and sealed (for natural stone) every few years.
With proper care, most quality countertops can last 20+ years, even with occasional repairs. That's why, at Cobble Creek Countertops, we don't just repair your countertops – we educate you on how to maintain them for years to come.
If repair isn't feasible, or if you're simply ready for a change, replacement might be your best option. The good news is that modern countertop materials are more durable and maintenance-friendly than ever before.
At Cobble Creek Countertops, we offer a wide range of replacement options, from classic granite to low-maintenance quartz and everything in between. We'll help you select a material that fits your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and budget.
If you're in Utah and dealing with damaged countertops, we're here to help. Our team at Cobble Creek Countertops provides expert countertop repair services for all major materials. With 17 years of experience and over 1,000 satisfied customers, we have the expertise to restore your countertops to their original beauty.
Contact us at (801) 618-7699 for a free assessment of your countertop repair needs, or visit our website to request a quote. We serve homeowners throughout Utah and would be happy to help with your countertop repair project.
Minor chip repairs in granite typically cost between $200-$350 for professional service. DIY repair kits range from $20-$50 but provide variable results depending on your skill level and the chip's location.
Yes, cracked quartz countertops can often be repaired. Small cracks can be filled and polished to become nearly invisible. However, structural cracks may require reinforcement underneath or, in some cases, section replacement.
Stain removal depends on your countertop material. For granite, use a baking soda poultice. For quartz, try a non-abrasive cleaner. For persistent stains on any surface, professional countertop restoration services offer the best results.
Searching for a high quality customer countertop builder in Utah can be tricky but look no further because here at Cobble Creek Countertops we don't stop until we have installed your dream countertop.
"Couldn’t be more impressed with these guys. Darrin and Dustin took on an imperfect job and made it perfect. Appreciate all you do."
