How much do porcelain countertops cost?
How much do porcelain countertops cost?
$50 – $120 per square foot
$1,500 – $3,600 total
Porcelain countertops cost
Porcelain countertops cost $50 to $120 per square foot with installation or $1,500 to $3,600 total for an average kitchen. Porcelain slab prices are $20 to $60 per square foot for materials alone, depending on the color, style, and thickness. Porcelain is more durable and heat-resistant than many other materials.
| Kitchen size | Countertops square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen (70 – 100 SF) | 20 – 30 | $1,000 – $3,600 |
| Average kitchen (100 – 200 SF) | 30 – 40 | $1,500 – $4,800 |
| Large kitchen (200+ SF) | 40 – 60 | $2,000 – $7,200 |
Porcelain slab prices per square foot
Porcelain slab prices are $20 to $60 per square foot for materials only, depending on the size, finish, and edge. Porcelain slabs are typically 6 mm to 12 mm thick, which is thinner than most other countertop types. Edges are cut during fabrication and are typically square.
Porcelain countertop colors & finishes
Porcelain is a ceramic that can be finished with a colored or patterned glaze. Popular designs imitate natural stone such as granite or marble.
Porcelain countertops come in polished or unpolished finishes. A polished finish adds a high gloss, while an unpolished finish gives a matte appearance. However, some patterns are only available in one finish or the other.
Labor cost to install porcelain countertops
Porcelain slab countertops cost $1,500 to $3,600 with installation, while other types of countertop installation cost $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the material. Porcelain material is cheaper than many other types but the labor costs for installation are high because it is fragile and hard to work with.
| Item | Cost per square foot | Average cost (30 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain slab materials | $20 – $60 | $600 – $1,800 |
| Labor to fabricate & install | $30 – $60 | $900 – $1,800 |
| Total cost to install | $50 – $120 | $1,500 – $3,600 |
The following factors affect the installation cost:
Custom vs. prefab – Prefabricated counters cost less than custom counters but only come in certain sizes and shapes.
Cutouts – Contractors often charge $100 to $200 to cut holes in porcelain for fixtures and outlets.
Sink – A sink replacement costs $330 to $1,300, including labor, materials, and old sink removal.
Cooktop installation – Cooktop installation costs $700 to $1,600 including labor and materials.
Water disconnection – The countertop installer may need to disconnect and reconnect the water line and existing sections of plumbing.
Old countertop removal – Many contractors include removing and disposing of the old countertop, while some charge $100 to $250+ extra for removal.
Permit – A bathroom or kitchen remodel permit costs $200 to $1,500 and is required for structural changes. Replacing countertops may not require a permit, depending on local regulations.
Warranty – Most contractors include a warranty for normal wear and tear or defects in workmanship.
Cost of porcelain countertops installed by location
| Surface | Size (Inches) | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen counter (each) | 24 x 120 | $1,000 – $2,400 |
| Average kitchen counter | 24 x 180 | $1,500 – $3,600 |
| Kitchen island | 36 x 78 | $1,000 – $2,300 |
| Small kitchen island | 40 x 40 | $550 – $1,300 |
| Bathroom vanity top | 20 x 36 | $250 – $600 |
| Bar top | 16 x 36 | $200 – $480 |
| Bathroom tile flooring | 60 x 96 | $2,000 – $4,800 |
| Kitchen tile flooring | 120 x 120 | $5,000 – $12,000 |
Porcelain countertops prices vs. quartz & granite
Porcelain slab countertops cost $50 to $120 per square foot installed, compared to quartz and granite:
Quartz countertops cost $80 to $150 per square foot installed.
Granite countertops cost $50 to $200 per square foot installed.
Porcelain is stronger and more affordable than granite and is more heat-resistant than both quartz and granite. Quartz is non-porous and durable like porcelain but has more finish options.
Pros and cons of porcelain countertops
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Porcelain countertop FAQs
Where can you use porcelain countertops?
Porcelain slab countertops work well in any room, including kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, or outdoor areas. Porcelain is UV-resistant and non-porous, making it a good choice for outdoor cooking spaces.
Do porcelain countertops chip or stain?
Porcelain countertops can withstand damage most of the time but may crack or chip if met with excessive force. Chips and cracks can be repaired with color-matched epoxy.
How long do porcelain countertops last?
Porcelain countertops last 50 to 100+ years with proper maintenance and care.
Where to buy porcelain countertops
You can buy porcelain countertops online or at a specialty store. Porcelain slabs are often harder to find than other countertop materials.
Getting estimates from porcelain countertop installers
Before hiring a porcelain countertop installer near you, be sure to:
Get at least three detailed estimates to compare.
Look for a company specializing in porcelain slab countertops.
Look for contractors certified by the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA).
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business 5+ years.
Check reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for references with contact information.
Check out their portfolio of similar countertop installations.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the project starts.
Follow a payment plan instead of paying in full before the job is complete.
Questions to ask
What experience do you have with porcelain countertop installation?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What does the estimate include?
What added costs can I expect?
How long will the project take?
Does the installation require a permit? If so, will you handle it?
How would you handle damages that might happen on the job?
If you require a deposit, how much is it?
Do you offer a warranty? What does it include?