Slate countertops costs, colors, and pros & cons
Slate countertops costs, colors, and pros & cons
$50 – $100 average cost per square foot installed
$1,500 – $4,000 average total cost installed (30 – 40 SF)
Slate countertops cost
Slate countertops cost $50 to $100 per square foot installed or $1,500 to $4,000 for an average-sized kitchen. A slate bar top or kitchen island costs $250 to $2,000 installed and provides a durable, stain-resistant work surface. Slate bathroom countertops cost $250 to $1,000 for labor and materials.
| Installation location | Countertop square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen (70 – 100 SF) | 20 – 30 | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Average kitchen (100 – 200 SF) | 30 – 40 | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Large kitchen (200 – 400+ SF) | 40 – 60 | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Island, tabletop, or bar top | 5 – 20 | $250 – $2,000 |
| Bathroom vanity top | 5 – 10 | $250 – $1,000 |
Slate countertops prices per square foot
| Item | Cost per square foot | Average cost (30 – 40 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Slate materials (Includes fabrication and delivery) | $40 – $70 | $1,200 – $2,800 |
| Labor to install | $10 – $30 | $300 – $1,200 |
| Total cost to install | $50 – $100 | $1,500 – $4,000 |
Slate countertops colors & prices
Slate countertop colors and prices vary from slab to slab, depending on the mix of minerals where they are harvested. Slate color choices are limited to mostly variations of gray and blue, with more exotic and vibrant colors costing a premium.
| Color | Price category | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Grey slate | $ |
|
| White slate | $ |
|
| Basalt slate | $ |
|
| Blue slate | $ |
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| Colorado/Rustic slate | $$ |
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| African slate | $$ |
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| Black/Chalkboard slate | $$$ |
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| Vermont slate | $$$ |
|
Slate slab vs. tile countertop prices by grade
Slate tiles are cheaper than slabs, with the grade of the stone also impacting the price. Low-grade slate is cheaper, more porous, and prone to stains and cracks. High-grade slate is less porous, more durable, and always appears darker in color.
| Grade | Tile slate cost per square foot* | Slab slate cost per square foot* |
|---|---|---|
| Low-grade | $45 – $50 | $50 – $70 |
| Mid-grade | $55 – $65 | $70 – $90 |
| High-grade | $70 – $75 | $90 – $200 |
*Not including installation.
Labor costs to install slate countertops
Labor to install slate countertops costs $10 to $30 per square foot or $35 to $85 per hour for professional labor. Other factors that affect the total installation cost include:
Old countertop removal – Removing the existing countertops costs $50 to $400. A full kitchen demo costs $500 to $2,500.
Plumber services – A plumber costs $45 to 150 per hour to disconnect and reconnect the plumbing.
Sink replacement – Replacing your sink costs $330 to $1,300.
Backsplash – A slate tile backsplash costs $2 to $7 per square foot installed to complement the slate slab countertop.
Slate countertop textures
Slate countertop slabs are sold with their natural finish, a nearly smooth texture, or ground to a uniformly flat matte. The more detailed the finish work, the higher the cost of the slate slab.
| Texture | Price category | Description | Pros & cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural cleft finish | $ | Default “natural” finish of slate revealing the rough layered surface |
|
| Cascade finish | $$ | Nearly flat finish with a slight uniform ripple effect |
|
| Honed finish | $$$ | Silky smooth, completely flat surface |
|
Slate countertops pros & cons
Slate is a rock composed of minerals like quartz, chlorite, and mica that has long been used for roofing, siding, and flooring. A newer trend is to use slate for kitchen countertops due to its stylish appearance, durability, and minimal maintenance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Slate cost vs. other countertop materials
In comparison to slate, the average cost to install countertops is $50 to $150, depending on the material. Slate costs less than other natural stone countertop materials like granite and marble, especially when selecting a natural finish.
| Material | Average cost per square foot installed | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Slate countertops cost | $50 – $100 |
|
| Marble countertops cost | $40 – $150 |
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| Granite countertops cost | $80 – $150 |
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| Quartz countertops cost | $50 – $200 |
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| Quartzite countertops cost | $65 – $150 |
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What are slate countertops?
Are slate countertops expensive?
Slate is one of the more affordable stone countertop materials, costing less than granite, marble, and quartz.
How long do slate countertops last?
Slate countertops, like other natural stones, last for 100 years or more if well-maintained.
Where to buy slate countertops?
Slate tiles are sold at most tile stores, stone warehouses, and home improvement stores. Slate slabs are a specialty surface with limited availability and may have to be ordered from a dedicated slate supplier.
Getting estimates from slate countertop installers
Before hiring a local slate countertop company near you, be sure to:
Compare at least 3 estimates with similar slate materials and finishes.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for references with contact information.
Review their portfolio of past slate countertop installations.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the project begins.
Never pay in full before the job is complete. Follow a payment plan instead, and don't make the final payment until the job is done to your satisfaction.
Questions to ask
Ask these questions to ensure you choose the best slate fabricator and installer near you:
What experience do you have with slate countertop installation?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Does the estimate include delivery and installation?
Which slate color choices fit my budget?
How long will the installation take?
Does this project require a permit, and do you handle the permitting process?
Do you require a deposit? If so, how much is it?
Do you submit the manufacturer's warranty registration for me?
Do you offer a warranty on the labor?