How much do stone countertops cost?
How much do stone countertops cost?
$50 – $150 cost per square foot installed
$1,500 – $6,000 average total cost installed (30 – 40 SF)
Stone countertops installation cost
Stone countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed or $1,500 to $6,000 total for an average kitchen. Material prices are $40 to $120 per square foot for the stone itself, depending on the type. Slate and engineered stone are typically the cheapest, while quartz and gemstone counters cost more.
| Kitchen size | Countertops square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen (70 – 100 SF) | 20 – 30 | $1,000 – $4,500 |
| Average kitchen (100 – 200 SF) | 30 – 40 | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| Large kitchen (200+ SF) | 40 – 60 | $2,000 – $9,000 |
Natural stone countertops cost
Natural stone countertops cost $40 to $200 per square foot installed, depending on the material. This countertop type is made solely of solid stone and does not contain any resin or binding agents.
| Stone type | Cost per square foot installed | Average total cost installed (30 – 40 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Granite | $80 – $150 | $2,400 – $6,000 |
| Quartzite | $65 – $150 | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Marble | $40 – $150 | $1,200 – $6,000 |
| Soapstone | $60 – $130 | $1,800 – $5,200 |
| Onyx | $50 – $200 | $1,500 – $8,000 |
| Slate | $50 – $100 | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Gemstone | $100 – $200 | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Limestone | $70 – $150 | $2,100 – $6,000 |
| Labradorite | $200 – $300 | $6,000 – $12,000 |
Granite countertops
Granite countertops cost $80 to $150 per square foot installed or $2,400 to $6,000 for an average-sized kitchen, depending on the grade and finish. Granite is heat-resistant, durable, and fashionable. However, it is porous and requires regular sealing in order to prevent staining and damage.
Quartzite countertops
Quartzite countertops cost $65 to $150 per square foot installed or $2,000 to $6,000 total. Quartzite is a natural stone made of quartz and sandstone. This material is not the same as quartz, which is made of ground stone, polymer resins, and pigments. Like granite, quartzite is heat-resistant but porous.
Marble countertops
Marble countertops cost $40 to $150 per square foot installed or $1,200 to $6,000 total, depending on the grade and type. Marble is considered a luxury material and increases a home’s resale value. However, it is porous and softer than granite or quartz.
Soapstone countertops
Soapstone countertops cost $60 to $130 per square foot or $1,800 to $5,200 with installation. Soapstone is about as soft as marble but is non-porous. This stone naturally darkens with age and comes in a range of colors, including black, green, gray, and blue.
Onyx countertops
Onyx countertops cost $50 to $200 per square foot or $1,500 to $8,000 with installation. Onyx is a porous, translucent stone that is slightly harder than marble but softer than granite. Popular colors include green, black, and tan.
Slate countertops
Slate countertops cost $50 to $100 per square foot installed or $1,500 to $4,000 total for an average-sized kitchen. High-grade slate is popular in kitchens because it is non-porous, waterproof, antibacterial, and heat resistant. However, its edges tend to be sharp and should be rounded to prevent injury.
Gemstone countertops
Gemstone countertops cost $100 to $200+ per square foot with installation or $3,000 to $4,000 total. This countertop type costs more than most others but offers variety, attractiveness, and durability. Popular choices include amethyst, agate, obsidian, jade, jasper, and malachite.
Labradorite countertops cost$200 to $300+ per square foot installed or $6,000 to $12,000+ for an average kitchen. Labradorite is a natural gemstone mineral with an iridescent quality that shimmers in the light.
Limestone countertops
Limestone countertops cost $70 to $150 per square foot with installation or $2,100 to $6,000 total. Limestone is made of calcite like marble but is slightly softer and more porous. Travertine and dolomite are popular countertop stones formed from limestone.
Engineered stone countertops prices
Engineered stone countertop prices are $50 to $200 per square foot with installation, depending on the stone type. These materials are man-made and are manufactured by either heating raw materials or mixing crushed stone with a resin binder.
| Engineered stone type | Cost per square foot installed | Average total cost installed (30 – 40 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Quartz countertops | $50 – $200 | $1,500 – $8,000 |
| Porcelain countertops | $50 – $120 | $1,500 – $4,800 |
| Silestone countertops | $60 – $140 | $1,800 – $5,600 |
| Caesarstone countertops | $50 – $100 | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| IceStone countertops | $80 – $100 | $2,400 – $4,000 |
| Sintered stone countertops | $100 – $200 | $3,000 – $8,000 |
Quartz countertops
Quartz countertops cost $50 to $200 per square foot installed or $1,500 to $8,000 total for an average-sized kitchen. Quartz is non-porous and harder than granite but is not typically heat or UV resistant.
White and Calacatta quartz countertops resemble marble and are the most popular type.
Caesarstone countertops cost$50 to $100 per square foot installed. Caesarstone is a popular brand of quartz.
Cambria quartz countertops cost$60 to $125 per square foot installed.
Porcelain countertops
Porcelain slab countertops cost$50 to $120 per square foot or $1,500 to $3,600 total with installation. This countertop type is more durable, affordable, and heat-resistant than most other countertop materials.
Porcelain is non-porous and low maintenance once installed, but it is fragile and hard to work with during installation.
Silestone countertops
Silestone countertops cost $60 to $140 per square foot installed or $1,800 to $5,600 total, depending on the thickness and finish. Silestone is made with 90+ percent quartz, making it non-porous and durable. This material is bacteria-resistant but not very heat-resistant.
Other manufactured stone countertops cost
IceStone countertops cost $80 to $100 per square foot installed and are made with recycled glass and cement. IceStone is heat and stain resistant but is slightly porous.
Sintered Stone countertops cost $100 to $200 per square foot installed. Sintered Stone is made by putting multiple minerals under extreme heat and pressure. This material is durable, non-porous, lightweight, and heat resistant.
Cost factors to install stone countertops
Stone countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed, which is in line with the average cost of countertops made from other materials. Labor makes up about 25% of the installation cost.
| Item | Average cost per square foot | Average total cost (30 – 40 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Stone materials | $40 – $120 | $1,200 – $4,800 |
| Labor to fabricate & install | $10 – $30 | $300 – $1,200 |
| Total cost to install | $50 – $150 | $1,500 – $6,000 |
The following factors may affect the installation cost:
Cutouts – Most countertop installers do not charge for a single standard sink cutout. Small outlet or soap cutouts typically cost $20 to $100, and large or custom cutouts cost $100 to $300.
Removing existing counters – Many contractors include removal charges in their labor estimate, while others charge $50 to $250+ for old countertop disposal.
Slab edging – Square or eased edges are typically free, while more elaborate shapes cost $10 to $60 per linear foot. Popular edge designs include bullnose, half-bullnose, beveled, ogee, and Dupont.
Slab polishing – Polished stone is typically the free, default option. Honed or leathered finishes cost $10 to $30 per square foot more and provide texture.
Sealing – All porous countertop types require regular sealing, which costs $100 to $350 per treatment, depending on the material.
What is the cheapest stone countertop?
The cheapest stone countertops are typically slate or Caesarstone, depending on the retailer, quality, and location. These materials are affordable alternatives to premium stones.
What is the most expensive stone countertop?
The most expensive stone countertop material is gemstone or sintered stone. Gemstones are semi-precious and inherently valuable, while sintered stone is costly because of how difficult it is to manufacture.
Pros and cons of stone countertops
Stone countertops are often durable, long-lasting, attractive, and raise the value of a home. However, they are often more expensive than other countertop types and are sometimes porous, which means they need to be sealed regularly.
Getting estimates from stone countertop installers
Before hiring a kitchen countertop installation company near you, be sure to:
Get estimates featuring similar materials from at least three installers.
Choose a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business 5+ years.
Look for a company specializing in stone countertops.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for references with contact information.
Avoid choosing the lowest quote, as it may indicate poor workmanship or low-quality materials.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before work begins.
Follow a payment plan instead of paying in full before the job starts. Don't make the final payment until the work is complete.
Questions to ask
Consider asking the following questions when hiring a stone countertop installer:
What experience do you have working with stone countertops?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Do you have a portfolio with recent comparable work?
What does my estimate include?
What other costs can I expect?
How long will the installation take?
How long before I can use the counters?
Will this project require a permit? If so, will you handle it?
How do you handle any on-the-job damages?
Do you need a deposit? If so, how much is it?
Do you offer a warranty?