How much do labradorite countertops cost?
How much do labradorite countertops cost?
$200 – $300+ average cost per square foot installed
$6,000 – $12,000+ average total cost installed (30 – 40 SF)
Labradorite countertops cost
Labradorite countertops cost $200 to $300+ per square foot or $6,000 to $12,000+ installed for an average kitchen. A labradorite slab alone costs $60 to $180+ per square foot. Labradorite is a natural mineral with a shimmering iridescent visual quality, new to the countertop market and not widely available.
| Kitchen size | Countertops square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen island only | 10 – 22 | $2,000 – $6,600+ |
| Small kitchen (70 – 99 SF) | 20 – 30 | $4,000 – $9,000+ |
| Average kitchen (100 – 200 SF) | 30 – 40 | $6,000 – $12,000+ |
| Large kitchen (200+ SF) | 40 – 60+ | $8,000 – $18,000+ |
Labradorite countertop prices per square foot
Labradorite prices per square foot depend on the slab color, size, thickness, availability, and the edges, corners, and finish you select.
| Level | Cost per square foot installed | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Low-end | $200 – $250 | 10 mm – 18 mm thicknessOpaque; no "labradorescence" |
| Average | $250 – $300 | 18 mm – 20 mm thicknessBlues, greens, and golds |
| High-end | $300 and up | 20 mm – 30+ mm thicknessFuscias, pinks, and purples |
What is labradorite?
Labradorite is a natural mineral first discovered in Labrador, Canada, and later found in several other countries, including Australia, Finland, Norway, and some parts of the US. Labradorite has comparable properties to granite and is known for its colorful iridescence, or "labradorescence".
Though some label it as a type of granite, labradorite is a type of feldspar mineral, while granite is a rock composed of several minerals including feldspar, quartz, and mica.
Labradorite colors
Most labradorite has a base color of medium to dark gray. However, its unique reflective property, "labradorescence", causes many colors to flash as light hits its surface, including brilliant blues, aquas, yellows, oranges, purples, and pinks, depending on where it was sourced and the way the light hits it.
The most common labradorite colors are mixtures of blues, greens, and golds.
The rarest labradorite colors are fuschias, pinks, and purples.
Labradorite may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. Only the translucent variety produces the popular shimmering color play that labradorite is known for.
Labradorite durability
Labradorite is quite durable, ranking 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, which is as strong as many granite slabs and only slightly less durable than quartz. Labradorite is non-porous, stain resistant, and can handle heavy use, but sharp objects may scratch the surface over time.
Labradorite chips more easily than granite and should only be installed by a trained professional.
As with most stone countertops, periodically sealing the surface protects and extends its life.
Labradorite density
Most labradorite countertop slabs are 18 mm, 20 mm, or 30 mm thick, but some retailers carry as thin as 10 mm up to 35+ mm thickness.
Labradorite countertop installation cost by location
Labradorite is a premium material that can add a luxurious touch to kitchen and bathroom countertops or floors. Total costs vary depending on the size and location, as shown in the table below.
| Surface | Size (inches) | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen counter (each) | 24 x 100 | $3,300 – $5,000+ |
| Average kitchen counter | 24 x 160 | $5,300 – $8,000+ |
| Kitchen island | 36 x 78 | $3,900 – $8,000+ |
| Small kitchen island | 40 x 40 | $2,200 – $3,300+ |
| Bathroom vanity top | 20 x 36 | $1,000 – $1,500+ |
| Bar top | 16 x 36 | $800 – $1,200+ |
| Bathroom tile flooring | 60 x 96 | $8,000 – $12,000+ |
| Kitchen tile flooring | 120 x 120 | $20,000 – $30,000+ |
Labor cost to fabricate labradorite countertops
Most countertop installers charge $35 to $85 per hour. However, many installers are not trained to work with rare materials like labradorite, often increasing the labor costs due to higher demand.
Other factors affecting the cost include:
Material – Labradorite alone costs $60 to $180+ per square foot for non-bulk, residential orders. The price is typically based on quality, availability, and thickness.
Fabrication
Each cutout—sink, faucet, outlet, cooktop—adds $20 to $400 to the cost, depending on its size and difficulty.
Corner treatments cost $60 to $140 each.
Some edges add $5 to $20 per linear foot.
Leveling – Some installations require extra labor to level the cabinet surface for the countertop. This is common in older homes with uneven flooring.
Underlayment & reinforcement – Depending on the slab's weight, thickness, and how far it extends beyond the cabinets, installation may require an underlayment (plywood subtop), extra support brackets, or both.
Existing countertop removal – Countertop removal and disposal costs $7 to $14 per square foot. Some companies include old countertop removal in the installation estimate.
Popular extras
Cooktop – A new cooktop stove costs $400 to $1,300, excluding labor.
Sink – Labor and materials for new sink installation cost$330 to $1,300.
Disposal – A garbage disposal costs $180 to $380 installed.
Backsplash – The cost to install a tile backsplash adds $10 to $50 per square foot to the total, depending on the material. The cost to use labradorite for the backsplash falls at the high end of the range.
Plumbing – Hiring a plumber costs $45 to $150 per hour, with a $50 to $200 minimum service call fee. Most installations require disconnecting the plumbing and then reconnecting it once the countertops are in place.
Electrical – A new GFCI outlet costs $150 to $350 including materials and installation. GFCI protection is a requirement for outlets near kitchen counters.
Sealing – Sealing or resealing the countertop costs $150 to $350+, depending on the size. Professionals recommend sealing labradorite countertops at least every 3 to 5 years.
Labradorite cost vs. other materials
Labradorite is one of the most expensive countertop materials to install at $200 to $300+ per square foot for materials and labor. While some rare granite colors and patterns cost as much as labradorite, most materials cost less and are more widely available.
In comparison, the average countertop installation costs $50 to $150 per square foot.
| Countertop material | Installed cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Butcher block countertops cost | $50 – $150 |
| Caesarstone countertops cost | $50 – $100 |
| Concrete countertops cost | $50 – $150 |
| Corian countertops cost | $50 – $150 |
| Epoxy countertops cost | $50 – $150 |
| Granite countertops cost | $80 – $150 |
| Limestone countertops cost | $70 – $150 |
| Onyx countertops cost | $50 – $200 |
| Porcelain countertops cost | $50 – $120 |
| Quartz countertops cost | $50 – $200 |
| Marble countertops cost | $40 – $150 |
| Silestone countertops cost | $60 – $140 |
| Slate countertops cost | $50 – $100 |
| Soapstone countertops cost | $60 – $130 |
| Solid surface countertops cost | $50 – $150 |
| Stainless steel countertops cost | $80 – $200 |
Pros and cons of labradorite countertops
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Labradorite FAQs
How long do Labradorite counters last?
Labradorite counters last 100+ years if they are well maintained. To prolong its life, reseal lighter colored labradorite every 3 years and darker slabs every 5 years, or sooner for counters in high use areas.
Where to buy labradorite countertops
Labradorite countertops may be found at countertop retailers specializing in stone or semi-precious gemstone materials. Labradorite is scarce and not typically found at big box stores like Lowe's or Home Depot.
Getting estimates from labradorite countertop installers
Before choosing a countertop company in your area, be sure to:
Get 3 to 5 detailed estimates to compare.
Look for a National Stone Institute accredited contractor specializing in labradorite or gemstone countertop installation.
Check their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Ask for local references with contact information.
Ask for a portfolio of previous similar installations.
Avoid hiring the company with the lowest bid as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work starts.
Never pay in full before the installation is done. Follow a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
Ask the following questions to ensure you hire the best contractor for your labradorite countertop installation:
What experience do you have installing labradorite countertops?
What training and certifications do you have?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What does the estimate include?
Do you handle the fabrication and installation?
Where can I view the available slabs?
How thick should the slab be for my installation?
Can I choose what part of the slab you use for my countertop?
Are my cabinets sufficient to support the weight of the countertop?
What additional costs might come up during the installation?
How long will the installation take?
Does this installation require a permit, and do you handle the permitting process?
Do you also handle the plumbing?
Do you require a deposit? If so, how much is it?
How long is the warranty and what does it cover?