How much do wood countertops cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much do wood countertops cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much do wood countertops cost?

$50 – $150average cost per square foot installed
$1,500 – $6,000average total cost installed (30 – 40 SF)

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$50 – $150 average cost per square foot installed

$1,500 – $6,000 average total cost installed (30 – 40 SF)


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Tara Farmer
Written by
Tara Farmer
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa

Wood countertops cost

Wood countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed. The average cost for wood countertops in a typical 100- to 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 to 40 square feet of countertop surface is $1,500 to $6,000 for labor and materials, with most homeowners spending about $3,800.

Wood countertop cost by kitchen size - Chart
Wood countertop cost by kitchen size - Chart
Wood countertops cost
Kitchen size Countertops square footage Average cost installed
Kitchen island only 10 – 22 $500 – $3,300
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+ $2,000 – $9,000+

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Wood countertop prices vary based on the wood species and quality. Birch, oak, and maple are among the most budget-friendly options, while teak, zebrawood, and wenge cost the most but offer a more striking visual statement.

Wood countertop prices
Wood type Cost per square foot installed Facts/pros/cons
Maple $40 – $80+
  • Hard, clear grain
  • Durable
  • Scratch resistant
  • Unique grain patterns
  • Popular for butcher blocks
Acacia $30 – $100
  • Medium to dark grain
  • Moisture resistant
  • Mold and termite resistant
  • Stands up to heavy kitchen use
  • Quick growing tree; sustainable
  • Easy to work with
Cherry $50 – $275
  • Rich red color tones
  • Gets darker over time
  • Fine grains
Red oak $15 – $50
  • Light color with a blue/gray undertone
  • Popular and economical
  • Less durable but can be refinished multiple times
Bamboo $50 – $125
  • Tropical look
  • Naturally anti-bacterial
  • Good for modern kitchens
  • Eco-friendly (3- to 4-year growth cycle vs. 10 to 20 years for some varieties)
Birch $25 – $75
  • Light/bright color
  • Uniform grain
  • Affordable
Beech $40 – $100
  • Dense, straight-grained wood
  • Small-pored surface
  • Resists stains, cutting marks, and discoloration
Walnut $75 – $300
  • Dark, deep color
  • Luxury aesthetic
  • Strong and durable
  • Lower maintenance than some woods
Teak $100 – $200
  • Hard wood; difficult to work with
  • Durable
  • Exotic look
Zebrawood $200 – $300+
  • Hard wood; difficult to work with
  • Striped grain
  • Striking appearance
Wenge $175 – $300+
  • Dark, chocolatey color
  • Strong, straight grain
  • Among the most durable woods
Petrified $60 – $180+
  • Fossilized wood
  • As durable as stone
  • Unique look

Wood countertop material prices also depend on:

  • Thickness – Wood countertop thicknesses range from ¾" to 5"+. The thicker the wood, the higher the cost, but also the more durable the countertop.

  • Finished vs. unfinished – Raw, unfinished wood costs much less than finished wood. However, it lacks an edge and must be sealed or treated with oil regularly to protect it from cracking, warping, moisture issues, or other damage.

  • Grain type – Wood countertops may be edge grain, end grain, face grain, or a blend of all three.

    • Edge grain and end grain are the most common for countertops, with end grain—wood pieces glued together with ends facing up, often resembling a checkerboard—being the most expensive.

    • Face grain uses the widest part of the wood plank and is often the cheapest, but it is the least durable and not ideal for heavily used countertops.

Butcher block countertops

Butcher block countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot with installation, or $1,500 to $6,000 for a typical kitchen with 30 to 40 square feet of countertop surface. A butcher block surface is made by gluing several wood pieces together.

Kitchen with butcher block counters and white cabinets.
Kitchen with butcher block counters and white cabinets.

Petrified wood countertops cost

Petrified wood countertops cost $60 to $180+ per square foot installed. The material alone costs $50 to $150+ per square foot. Petrified wood is fossilized wood that has turned to stone over time (hundreds to thousands of years or more). Each slab is unique and as durable as other stone countertop materials.

Cost to install wood countertops

Wood countertops fall within the average countertop cost at $50 to $150 per square foot, or $1,500 to $6,000 for a typical kitchen size.

Cost for wood countertops
Item Cost per square foot Average cost (30 – 40 SF)
Wood materials $30 – $70 $900 – $2,800 
Labor to fabricate & install $20 – $80 $600 – $3,200 
Total cost to install $50 – $150  $1,500 – $6,000 

Other cost factors include:

  • Sealing – Wood sealant costs $20 to $50 per pint, which covers 400+ square feet. Sealing the wood is crucial to waterproof and protect around the sink cutout and other areas prone to splashes, spills, or dings.

  • Permits ­– Modifying the design layout or adding new electrical wiring or plumbing typically requires a permit. Most cities don't require a permit for replacing the existing countertops without modifications.

  • Maintenance – Maintaining wood countertops costs $10 to $50+ per year, depending on how much they are used. Most clean, unfinished wood countertops need oiling once per month. Finished wood countertops may require resealing once per year or sooner if damaged.

Labor cost to install wood countertops

The labor cost to install wood countertops is $20 to $80+ per square foot. Wood countertop installation involves template creation, site prep, the installation itself, and cleanup. Additional factors that affect the total cost include:

  • Cutouts – Faucet, sink, and outlet cutouts add to the labor and increase the cost by $100 to $200 per cutout.

  • Existing countertop – Old countertop removal and disposal costs $50 to $250+, depending on the length and material. Many contractors include this service in the installation estimate.

  • Disconnect / reconnect plumbing – Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour, with a $50 to $200 minimum service call fee to disconnect the plumbing and reconnect it after the countertop installation.

  • Cooktop & range hood – A cooktop stove costs $400 to $1,300 for the unit alone. Most cooktop stoves also need a vent installed above them. Vent or range hood replacement costs $300 to $850.

Kitchen with wood countertops and a white subway tile backsplash.
Kitchen with wood countertops and a white subway tile backsplash.

Wood countertops pros & cons

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Wood countertop pros and cons
Pros Cons
  • Attractive
  • Budget-friendly (some woods)
  • Easy to clean and restore
  • Large style and color variety
  • Long-lasting (20+ years)
  • Quiet surface compared to other materials
  • Less heat resistance than some countertop materials
  • Expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations
  • Marks and dings easily
  • May have moisture issues without proper sealing
  • Requires ongoing maintenance to prevent warping or cracking

Are wood countertops cheaper than granite or quartz?

Wood countertops costs $50 to $150 per square foot installed. Most wood countertops are cheaper than granite or quartz countertops, but granite and quartz have better stain and heat resistance.

Wood countertops FAQs

Are wood countertops worth it?

Wood countertops are durable, functional, and can last for decades. They warm up a space and come in many styles to fit both modern and traditional designs. Wood countertops require more maintenance than some other materials, but most homeowners consider them worth the extra care they require.

How long do wood countertops last?

Wood countertops last 20+ years with proper installation and regular cleaning and maintenance. A well-maintained wood countertop not used for direct cutting can last 60+ years.

What is the best wood for countertops?

The best wood for countertops depends on your preferences and budget. While maple is the most popular, many wood types work well and each has desirable qualities. Some of the best choices include:

  • Acacia

  • Bamboo

  • Cherry

  • Maple

  • Oak

  • Teak

  • Walnut

How long does it take to install wood countertops?

Installing a wood countertop takes 1 to 2+ days, depending on the job complexity and the number of installers. Most contractors plan for one hour per square foot, not counting the initial acclimation time.

Experts recommend letting the wood sit unwrapped in the room where it will be installed for 2 to 5 days to let it stabilize in its new environment.

Are wood countertops safe and sanitary?

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Wood countertops are safe and sanitary provided they are cleaned and maintained. Wood is porous and susceptible to moisture problems. Treating regularly with mineral oil or sealing with a food-safe finish protects the surface and prevents water absorption.

Getting estimates from wood countertop installers

When getting quotes from kitchen countertop installers, be sure to:

  • Get at least three itemized estimates to compare.

  • Look for a contractor or firm specializing in wood countertop installation.

  • Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business 5+ years.

  • Check their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

  • Ask for references with contact information.

  • Ask to see a portfolio of their past wood countertop installation projects.

  • Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the project starts.

  • Never pay in full before the job is complete. Follow a payment schedule and wait until the work is complete before making the final payment.

Questions to ask

Ask these questions to ensure you select the best installer for your wood countertops:

  • What experience do you have installing wood countertops?

  • Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

  • What does the estimate include?

  • What additional costs might come up during the installation?

  • How long will the project take?

  • Does this installation require a permit, and if so, do you handle the permitting?

  • How do you handle damages if they happen on the job?

  • 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?

  • How do I maintain my wood countertop?

  • Do you recommend sealing the countertop or using mineral oil, and why?