refinishing vs. replacement cost

[Dusty]

Not to long ago Modern and I were dicusssing refinishing countertops and he asked me how much refinishing cost were per sq. ft. Vs. replacement.

How does one come up with an answer for that?

I have a general idea on what it cost to replace using prefab counters, but when you get into custom counters I'm clueless.

[Eieio]

what type of refinishing and what kind of tops Dusty? Prefab?

[Dusty]

I refinish countertops.

I would like to figure out custom counter replacement cost. What a cabinet shop would charge to fabricate, tear out, and install a new counter so I can give comparables to potential customers.

How would I go about getting those figures?

I know these figures can vary greatly, but I would like to come up with an average cost so next time someone ask this question, I have an educated answer.

I have replacement cost on prefabs (countertops purchased at Lowes, etc..)

286
These are before and after pics. of some counters I sprayed. ignore the date. I forgot to reset the camera.
287

[Silvertree]

Dusty, I haven't done laminate in a while but its
$45 to $75 a lineal foot for custom laminate.

$500 to remove and replace plumbing.

So that's Mpls.
Some charge more, few charge less.
Plus more for certain edge treatments, sink cutouts, ect.
I charged $50 for a sink cutout.

[Bender]

Dusty, do you ever use UV cured finishes? Saw a video somewhere. Pretty slick looking stuff.

[WarnerConstInc.]

Dusty, I haven't done laminate in a while but its
$45 to $75 a lineal foot for custom laminate.

$500 to remove and replace plumbing.

So that's Mpls.
Some charge more, few charge less.
Plus more for certain edge treatments, sink cutouts, ect.
I charged $50 for a sink cutout.

Thats about what it runs here in Indiana.

I pay less than that for counters but, I have some connections.

[Dusty]

Dusty, do you ever use UV cured finishes? Saw a video somewhere. Pretty slick looking stuff.

Yes, it is. The light itself is very costly. Something to keep in mind for future use. I am sure the price will come down as that market evolves.

[Silvertree]

On refinishing, I got a call yesterday to lighten some plywood oak cabinets. I told the woman it was difficult to lighten cabinets made of plywood and my company would not attempt this.

Anyone done this.

Oak plywood, dark walnut stain, customer wants a golden oak color.

[Bender]

I saw one kitchen done that way. It actually looked great! They came in and sanded most of the stain off but of course it stayed darker in the grain. The wood ended up looking exotic, almost 'zebra-ish' if you can imagine.