How much do Formica countertops cost?
How much do Formica countertops cost?
$20 – $60 average cost per square foot
$600 – $2,400 average total cost (30 – 40 SF)
Formica countertops cost
Formica countertops cost $20 to $60 per square foot installed or $600 to $2,400 total for an average-sized kitchen. Formica is a popular brand of laminate countertops and comes in many colors and finishes. Material prices for Formica are $10 to $40 per square foot, including the sheet and substrate.
| Kitchen size | Countertops square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen (70 – 100 SF) | 20 – 30 | $400 – $1,800 |
| Average kitchen (100 – 200 SF) | 30 – 40 | $600 – $2,400 |
| Large kitchen (200+ SF) | 40 – 60 | $800 – $3,600 |
Formica countertop prices per square foot
Formica laminate prices are $2 to $35 per square foot for sheet materials only, not including the substrate or full countertop.
| Type | Price per square foot* |
|---|---|
| Original Formica laminate | $2 – $4 |
| 180fx laminate | $3 – $6 |
| Premiumfx/SF | $2 – $3 |
| ColorCore2 laminate | $5 – $10 |
| Everform solid surface | $10 – $35 |
*Not including installation.
Formica countertop colors
Formica’s top lines are 180fx and Premiumfx, which come in a variety of colors and finishes. Popular Formica styles include:
Tumbled Glass
Calcutta Marble
Planked Urban Oak
Oro Quartz
Reclaimed Denim Fiber
Formica countertop edge options
Formica countertops come with either square or tapered edges at no extra charge. Formica sells a separate decorative edging product called IdealEdge® that comes in a variety of shapes and can be applied to an existing countertop.
Cost to install Formica countertops
Formica countertops cost $600 to $2,400 total on average, compared to the $1,500 to $6,000 average cost of countertop installation.
| Item | Cost per square foot | Average cost (30 – 40 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Formica materials | $10 – $40 | $300 – $1,600 |
| Labor to fabricate & install | $10 – $20 | $300 – $800 |
| Total cost to install | $20 – $60 | $600 – $2,400 |
Cost factors include:
Material – Formica that looks like granite or premium materials often costs more than basic designs and patterns.
Substrate – Formica countertops are made of a plastic sheet on top of a substrate of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or plywood. MDF often costs more than plywood.
Old countertop removal – Many contractors include the cost to remove and dispose of the old countertop, while some charge up to $10 to $15 per square foot for removal.
Permits – A bathroom or kitchen remodel permit costs $200 to $1,500 and is required for structural, electrical, plumbing changes. Replacing countertops may not require a permit, depending on local regulations.
Labor cost to install Formica countertops
The labor cost to install Formica countertops is $10 to $20 per square foot and may include:
Cutouts – Contractors cut holes in countertop materials for a sink, faucet, cooktop, or outlet.
Backsplash – Adding a matching Formica backsplash or end splash costs extra. A traditional tile backsplash costs $10 to $50 per square foot, including labor and materials.
Plumbing – Contractors may need to disconnect and reconnect the water line. Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour.
New sink – The cost to replace a sink is $380 to $1,400 for a kitchen sink or $280 to $1,200 for a bathroom sink.
Faucet install – The cost to replace a faucet is $600 to $2,000 for a kitchen faucet or $150 to $700 for a bathroom faucet, including labor and materials.
Warranty – Most contractors include a warranty for defects in workmanship or normal wear and tear.
Cost to install Formica countertops by location
| Surface | Square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen counter | 20 – 30 | $400 – $1,800 |
| Average kitchen counter | 30 – 40 | $600 – $2,400 |
| Kitchen island | 16 – 20 | $320 – $1,200 |
| Small kitchen island | 10 – 12 | $200 – $700 |
| Bathroom vanity top | 5 – 8 | $100 – $480 |
| Bar top | 4 – 6 | $80 – $360 |
Pros & cons of Formica countertops
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Formica FAQs
What are Formica countertops?
Formica is a brand of laminate countertop made of a thin sheet of plastic layered on top of plywood or MDF.
Formica Corporation also offers a line of solid surface countertops. However, the name "formica" is most often used interchangeably to refer to laminate.
How long do Formica countertops last?
Formica countertops last 10 to 20 years on average with correct installation and proper care.
How long does it take to install Formica countertops?
Formica countertop installation takes 3 hours to 3 days, depending on the project size and complexity.
Can you have an undermount sink with Formica countertops?
Yes, you can have an undermount sink with Formica countertops. However, an undermount sink may require more support, space, and time to install.
Can Formica countertops be refinished or painted?
Yes, you can repair or resurface Formica countertops instead of replacing them.
Where to buy Formica countertops
You can buy Formica countertops online or at hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's.
Getting estimates from Formica installers
Before hiring countertop installers near you, be sure to:
Get at least three written estimates to compare.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business 5+ years.
Look for a company specializing in Formica countertops.
Check their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for references with contact information.
Ask for a 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 installing Formica countertops?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What does the estimate include?
What additional costs can I expect, if any?
How long will the project take?
Will you handle any permits that may be required?
How do you handle damage that happens on the job?
Do you require a deposit? If so, how much is it?
Do you offer a warranty? If yes, what does it include?