How much do wood countertops cost?
How much do wood countertops cost?
$50 – $150 average cost per square foot installed
$1,500 – $6,000 average total cost installed (30 – 40 SF)
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.
| 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+ |
Wood countertop prices per square foot by type
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 type | Cost per square foot installed | Facts/pros/cons |
|---|---|---|
| Maple | $40 – $80+ |
|
| Acacia | $30 – $100 |
|
| Cherry | $50 – $275 |
|
| Red oak | $15 – $50 |
|
| Bamboo | $50 – $125 |
|
| Birch | $25 – $75 |
|
| Beech | $40 – $100 |
|
| Walnut | $75 – $300 |
|
| Teak | $100 – $200 |
|
| Zebrawood | $200 – $300+ |
|
| Wenge | $175 – $300+ |
|
| Petrified | $60 – $180+ |
|
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.
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.
| 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.
Wood countertops pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
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.
The average cost to install granite countertops is $80 to $150 per square foot.
The average cost to install quartz countertops is $50 to $200 per square foot.
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?
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.
Research confirms wood cutting boards are often more sanitary than plastic due to wood's natural anti-bacterial properties.
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?