How much does countertop installation cost?
How much does countertop installation cost?
$50 – $150 average cost per square foot installed
$1,500 – $6,000 average total cost to replace (30 – 40 SF)
Average cost of countertops
Kitchen countertop replacement costs $50 to $150 per square foot on average. The price of new countertops depends on the size, type, material, and installation complexity. Popular options include quartz, solid surface, and granite or other natural stones. Edge designs and other upgrades increase the cost.
| Kitchen size | Countertops square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen (70 – 99 SF) | 20 – 30 | $1,000 – $4,500 |
| Average kitchen (100 – 200 SF) | 30 – 40 | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| Large kitchen (200+ SF) | 40 – 60+ | $6,000 – $9,000 |
Cost to install or replace countertops by type
Laminate countertops are the cheapest, while gemstone countertops are the most expensive type.
| Type | Average cost per square foot installed | Popular materials & brands |
|---|---|---|
| Natural stone countertops | $50 – $150 | Granite, Quartzite, Marble, Soapstone, Slate, Limestone |
| Engineered / Solid surface countertops cost | $50 – $150 | Quartz, Corian, Porcelain, Caesarstone, Epoxy |
| Wood countertops cost | $50 – $150 | Butcher block, Bamboo, Maple |
| Laminate countertops | $20 – $80 | Formica, Arborite, Wilsonart |
| Metal countertops | $80 – $200 | Stainless steel, Zinc, Copper |
| Gemstone countertops | $50 – $300+ | Onyx, Labradorite, Amethyst, Obsidian, Agate |
Countertop installation costs by material
Countertop prices vary significantly by material. Laminate countertops are the cheapest option but aren't as durable as most other materials and don't add value to a home. Quartz and granite are popular options priced at the mid to high-end of the range.
| Material | Material price per square foot | Installed cost per square foot |
|---|---|---|
| Natural stone | ||
| Granite | $40 – $100 | $80 – $150 |
| Marble | $30 – $130 | $40 – $150 |
| Quartzite | $50 – $110 | $65 – $150 |
| Soapstone | $50 – $90 | $60 – $130 |
| Labradorite | $60 – $200 | $200 – $300+ |
| Onyx | $40 – $150 | $50 – $200 |
| Slate | $40 – $70 | $50 – $100 |
| Travertine | $30 – $130 | $40 – $150 |
| Engineered / Solid surface | ||
| Quartz | $40 – $170 | $50 – $200 |
| Caesarstone | $40 – $80 | $50 – $100 |
| Concrete | $5 – $15 | $50 – $150 |
| Corian | $30 – $80 | $50 – $150 |
| Epoxy | $5 – $10 | $50 – $150 |
| Laminate / Formica | $10 – $50 | $20 – $80 |
| Porcelain | $20 – $60 | $50 – $120 |
| Recycled glass | $50 – $200 | $60 – $250 |
| Wood | ||
| Bamboo | $30 – $50 | $50 – $125 |
| Butcher block | $30 – $70 | $50 – $150 |
| Teak | $80 – $120 | $100 – $200 |
| Metal | ||
| Stainless steel | $70 – $190 | $80 – $200 |
| Copper | $90 – $190 | $100 – $200 |
| Zinc | $80 – $190 | $90 – $200 |
Granite countertops
The average cost of granite countertops is $80 to $150 per square foot installed, depending on the size, thickness, and grade. Low-grade granite is the cheapest and thinnest, while high-grade granite in vivid colors and unique patterns costs the most.
Quartz & quartzite countertops
A new quartz countertop costs $50 to $200 per square foot installed, depending on the slab quality. Higher-quality slabs cost the most but have rich coloring, a smooth finish, and no defects. Quartz is an engineered stone made of about 90% natural quartz mixed with 10% resins and pigments.
Quartzite countertops cost $65 to $150 per square foot installed. Unlike quartz, the material quartzite is a 100% natural stone.
Marble countertops
Marble countertops cost $40 to $150 per square foot installed, depending on the slab grade, thickness, color, and source quarry. Most home buyers consider marble a luxury material, despite its price often falling below that of granite and quartz.
Carrara marble costs $40 to $50 per square foot for materials and is highly popular. In comparison, Calacatta marble costs $175 to $200 per square foot for the slab alone due to its rarity.
Corian countertops
Corian countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed, depending on the color, style, and thickness. Corian is a popular brand of solid-surface countertop material developed by DuPont. The material is a blend of natural minerals and acrylic resin formed into a solid, non-porous surface.
Corian solid surface counters are available in more than 100 different colors and patterns.
Wood & butcher block countertops
Wood and butcher block countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed, depending on the wood type, thickness, and grain. Maple, birch, and oak are popular wood types for countertops. Edge-grain and end-grain designs are the most common and durable.
Laminate & Formica countertops
The average cost of laminate countertops is $20 to $80 per square foot installed, depending on the type and quality. Laminate comes in many different colors, patterns, and finishes, including some that mimic the look and texture of granite or wood. However, the surface dulls and scratches easily.
Formica countertops cost $20 to $60 per square foot installed. Formica is a popular brand of laminate made of a thin sheet of plastic layered on top of plywood or MDF.
Porcelain countertops
Porcelain countertops cost $50 to $120 per square foot installed, depending on the style, color, and thickness. Porcelain material is cheaper than many other types, but installers typically charge a higher labor cost because it is fragile and hard to work with.
Porcelain is non-porous and UV-resistant, making it a good choice for outdoor kitchens.
Soapstone countertops
Soapstone countertops cost $60 to $130 per square foot installed. Soapstone is a natural stone made of talc and other minerals that feels like a dry bar of soap to the touch. Soapstone comes in gray, black, green, or blue colors.
Concrete countertops
Concrete countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed. Materials account for only 10% of the cost, while labor to mold, fabricate, and finish the countertops makes up the other 90%. Concrete countertops poured on-site typically cost more but create a seamless look.
Metal & stainless steel countertops
Stainless steel countertops cost $80 to $200 per square foot installed, depending on the size, steel gauge, and if the unit is prefabricated. Stainless steel is durable, easy to clean, and resists stains.
Alternatively, older homes typically feature zinc or copper instead. Zinc countertops cost $90 to $200 per square foot while copper countertops cost $100 to $200 per square foot installed.
Slate & other natural stone countertops prices
Slate countertops cost $50 to $100 per square foot installed, depending on the size, color, and grade. Low-grade slate slabs are cheaper but more prone to stains and cracks. High-grade slabs are more durable and stain-resistant.
Other natural stone countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed on average, depending on the stone.
Other engineered countertops prices
Engineered countertops feature a mix of natural minerals or glass, resin, and pigments. Popular engineered options include:
Caesarstone countertops cost $50 to $100 per square foot installed and are cheaper than quartz, glass, and most other engineered countertop materials.
Epoxy countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed with a mix of liquid resin and chemical hardener. Epoxy materials are cheap, but the intensive labor process increases installation costs.
Recycled glass countertops cost $60 to $250 per square foot installed, depending on the type, color, and thickness. Recycled glass countertops are glass pieces melted and molded into a slab, or manufacturers combine glass pieces with resin, quartz, concrete, or decorative materials.
Gemstone countertops
Gemstone countertops are premium materials at higher costs than most other options. Popular gemstone counter materials include:
Labradorite countertops cost $200 to $300+ per square foot installed, depending on the slab color and thickness. Natural labradorite shimmers with brilliant green colors in the light.
Onyx countertops cost $50 to $200 per square foot installed. Onyx is a translucent natural stone that comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including green, black, tan, cream, and red.
Cost to replace kitchen countertops
| Cost factors | Cost per square foot | Average cost (30 – 40 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Countertop materials & delivery | $30 – $100 | $900 – $4,000 |
| Labor to fabricate & install | $20 – $50 | $600 – $2,000 |
| Total cost to replace | $50 – $150 | $1,500 – $6,000 |
Factors that affect total costs include:
Material – Premium materials like quartz or recycled glass cost significantly more than budget-friendly laminate countertops.
Quality – Natural-stone slabs come in several grades ranging from low- to high-quality. Low-quality slabs typically have more visible defects and offer fewer color choices. High-quality slabs are free of defects and come in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Thickness – A thicker countertop is more durable but costs more.
Color & design – Some countertop colors and patterns are cheaper than others, depending on the brand, popularity, and availability.
Custom vs. in stock – Custom countertop designs increase the cost and add labor time to the project.
Upgrades – Premium edging, corner designs, and upgraded finishes or textures increase the cost.
Sealing – A natural-stone counter sealant costs $200 to $350 per treatment to prevent staining.
Warranty – Some companies offer extended protection plans for $200 to $500+ to cover accidental damages not typically covered under the standard warranty.
Shipping & delivery – If not included in the estimate, countertop delivery adds $150 to $450.
Countertop installation labor cost
The labor cost to install kitchen countertops is $20 to $50 per square foot on average, making up 30% to 40% of the total project cost.
Additional factors that increase labor costs are:
Countertop & cabinet leveling – Cabinets in older homes with uneven flooring often require leveling before adding the new countertop.
Cabinet support – Cabinets require extra reinforcement or plywood sub-tops to support heavier countertop materials.
Cabinet replacement – Replacing kitchen cabinets costs $4,500 to $15,000, depending on if you select stock, semi-custom, or custom cabinetry.
Backsplash – Adding a new backsplash costs $10 to $50 per square foot, depending on the material.
Plumbing services & upgrades
A plumber costs $45 to 150 per hour for modifying pipes and connections.
Installing a new sink costs $330 to $1,300.
A new kitchen faucet costs $120 to $250.
A new garbage disposal costs $250 to $650 installed.
Electrical services & upgrades
An electrician costs$50 to $130 per hour to relocate or install new outlets. A new GFCI outlet costs $150 to $350 installed. All outlets along kitchen and bathroom countertops must be GFCI-protected.
A cooktop stove costs $400 to $1,300.
Countertop cutouts prices
Countertop cutouts cost $20 to $150 each on average but can cost up to $400, depending on the size, type, and countertop material. Softer materials like wood and soapstone are easier to cut than granite.
| Cutout type | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| Sink cutout | $100 – $300 |
| Cooktop cutout | $120 – $400 |
| Electrical outlet cutout | $20 – $125 |
| Faucet cutouts | $20 – $125 |
Tile vs. slab countertop prices
Tile countertop prices are 30% to 80% less than slabs. However, tiles don’t look as seamless, and the extra grout lines require more maintenance. Many slab countertops are natural stones like granite or quartz.
Alternatively, concrete and epoxy countertops come in precast slabs or are cast in place with a handmade mold. A cast-in-place countertop requires more labor but allows for more customization.
Countertop edge & corner treatments costs
Countertop edge treatments cost $10 to $60 per linear foot, depending on the style and material. Corner treatments cost $50 to $150 per corner to add a curve or style. Many companies include straight or eased edges at no extra cost.
| Edge type* | Additional cost per linear foot | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Straight / squared | $0 – $5 | Straight edge with no bevel or rounding |
| Eased | $0 – $15 | Square edge lightly sanded for a softer look, with slightly rounded corners |
| Bevel | $10 – $15 | A slight 45-degree angled edge |
| Double bevel | $15 – $40 | 45-degree angled edges on the countertop's surface and underside |
| Half bullnose | $10 – $30 | Curved on top & flat on the bottom |
| Full bullnose | $10 – $50 | Rounded on both the top & bottom |
| Ogee | $20 – $60 | Concave & convex "S" curve for a classic look |
| Mitered | $20 – $60 | Square top with a sharp incline on bottom |
| Dupont | $20 – $30 | Square top with a half bullnose edge |
*Some edge types are only available for certain countertop materials.
Countertop finishes & texture options
Countertops come with a variety of finish options, depending on the material. A polished finish is the default option for most natural stone countertops. Other solid-surface countertops come in a matte/satin finish instead.
| Finish* | Description |
|---|---|
| Polished |
|
| Matte/satin |
|
| Semi-gloss |
|
| Honed |
|
| Suede |
|
| Concrete |
|
| Rough |
|
*Some finishes are only available for certain countertop materials.
Cost to remove kitchen countertops
The cost to remove kitchen countertops ranges from $50 to $250+ depending on the size and material. Most contractors include old countertop removal and disposal in their replacement labor estimate.
If your old countertops or cabinets are still in good shape, consider donating them to Habitat for Humanity or another non-profit organization.
Countertop replacement costs by project type
Countertop replacement costs depend on the project size and location, as shown in the table below:
| Surface | Size (inches) | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen counter (each) | 24 x 100 | $850 – $2,500 |
| Average kitchen counter (each) | 24 x 160 | $1,300 – $4,000 |
| Kitchen island | 36 x 78 | $1,000 – $2,900 |
| Small kitchen island | 36 x 40 | $500 – $1,700 |
| Bathroom vanity top (single sink) | 20 x 36 | $250 – $1,500 |
| Bathroom vanity top (double sink) | 24 X 72 | $600 – $3,000 |
| Bar / bistro tabletop | 16 x 36 | $200 – $600 |
| Outdoor kitchen counter | 24 x 72 | $600 – $1,800 |
Cost to replace island countertop
The cost to replace a kitchen island countertop is $1,000 to $2,900 for a typical 36" x 78" island or $500 to $1,700 for a small 36" x 40" island.
Replacing an entire kitchen island costs $2,000 to $9,000, including the countertop and cabinets.
Cost to replace bathroom countertop
Bathroom countertop replacement costs $50 to $200 per square foot, or $250 to $3,000 total, depending on the size, material, and if the countertop is custom-made.
The cost to replace a bathroom vanity cabinet and countertop together is $400 to $4,000.
Cost to replace countertops and backsplash
The cost to add a backsplash is $10 to $50 per square foot or $500 to $1,700 for an average-sized kitchen, depending on the material, size, and pattern. The backsplash fills the gap between the upper cabinets and the countertop to protect kitchen walls from splashes and stains.
New countertops FAQs
What is the cheapest countertop?
The cheapest countertop is laminate or Formica that costs $20 to $80 per square foot installed. However, laminate isn’t as durable as other popular options like granite, solid surface, and quartz.
What are the most expensive countertops?
The most expensive countertops are labradorite, copper, or teak, with prices from $100 to $300+ per square foot installed.
How long does it take to install countertops?
Installing countertops takes 2 hours to a full day or more, depending on the size, material, and job complexity.
How long do countertops last?
Countertops last from 10 years to a lifetime, depending on the material. Laminate countertops have the shortest lifespan. Natural stone and engineered materials like quartz last the longest if well-maintained.
| Countertop material | Average lifespan |
|---|---|
| Granite | 100+ years |
| Quartz | 100+ years |
| Marble | 100+ years |
| Solid surface | 30 – 50 years |
| Wood / butcher block | 20 – 60 years |
| Laminate / Formica | 10 – 20 years |
| Stainless steel / metal | 20+ years |
Who installs countertops?
Professional countertop installers, kitchen and bathroom renovation companies, and specialists from stores like Home Depot, Lowe's, and IKEA install countertops.
Can I install my own countertops?
Yes, you can install your own countertops if you have the necessary tools and experience. However, it may require specialized tools like a belt sander. The installation sometimes requires leveling the cabinets and cutting the countertop slab on-site to adjust for proper fitting.
For the easiest DIY installation, buy a prefab countertop with standard-sized cutouts for the sink and cooktop.
How do you measure countertops?
Measure your countertops by calculating how many square feet of material you'll need:
Measure the countertop length in inches.
Add 1 ½" overhang at each end.
Divide the total length in inches by 12 to determine the linear feet.
Measure the countertop's depth. Counters usually measure 25" or 25 5/16" deep. Make sure you have the right depth for your cabinets and the overhang.
Multiply the linear feet by the depth to get the square footage needed.
Linear feet x depth = square footage of countertop needed
Where to buy countertops
You can buy countertops online, at local hardware stores like Lowe's and Home Depot, or at specialty kitchen, bathroom, building, or renovation stores.
Getting estimates & quotes from kitchen counter installers
When getting quotes for kitchen countertop installation, make sure to:
Get 3 to 4 itemized estimates from countertop companies featuring similar materials to compare.
Look for a contractor specializing in the countertop material you want.
Check their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for local references with contact information.
Ask to see a portfolio of their previous countertop installations.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the project starts.
Don't pay in full before the work begins. Follow a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
Ask these questions to ensure you hire the best countertop installer for your project:
How much experience do you have with countertop installation?
Which countertop material do you recommend for my project, and why?
Do you install a specific brand, and why?
What does the estimate include?
What additional costs might come up during the project?
How long will the installation take?
Does this installation require a permit, and will you obtain it?
Do you require a deposit? If so, how much is it?
Will you submit the manufacturer's warranty registration for me?
Do you offer a labor warranty?