Cost for Kitchen Countertops

What factors affect the cost to install kitchen countertops?

The cost to install kitchen countertops depends on the following variables:

Counter Space (Square Footage): The size of your countertops will be one of the biggest determinants in your overall project cost. To determine how much countertop material you’ll need, start by measuring your countertops, as countertops are typically priced by square foot. 

Countertop Material: The countertop material you choose will be the other biggest factor in determining your installation project cost. There’s a wide range of countertop materials to choose from, and their price tags can vary significantly. On one end of the spectrum, there’s budget-friendly laminate, while high-end marble comes at a premium, with several midrange options in between. 

Edge Treatment: Kitchen countertops can have a variety of edge types. Some countertop edges offer practical benefits, whereas others are decorative. These are the most common options for edge treatment:

• Eased: Slightly rounded corners 

• No Drip: Slightly raised edges to prevent spills

• Waterfall: Countertop ends extend to the floor

• Bullnose: Rounded from top to bottom

• Bevel: Distinctive 45-degree angle slope with a sharply defined border

• Ogee: The edges have a gentle S-shaped curve

• Dupont: Contains a short, 90-degree angle that extends into a rounded edge for an elegant profile 

Labor: Labor costs for installing countertops can vary depending on the countertop material and the complexity of the job. If you have lots of corners or special cuts, it will require extra time and skill on the part of your contractor to ensure installation goes smoothly. Heavy materials that are prone to chipping, like marble or granite, also cost more to install than easier-to-handle materials like laminate. In addition to the installation, your labor costs may increase if you need to have your current countertops professionally removed. 

Location: Your labor costs can vary depending on your geographic location. If you’re in an area with a higher cost of living, you’ll likely incur higher labor costs. To estimate the cost of labor in your area, refer to the calculator above and update your ZIP code. 

Countertop Materials

Below are the most common countertop materials. To see how these different countertop materials affect your countertop installation estimate, refer to the calculator above and update your countertop material. 

Quartz: Quartz is an engineered stone made of quartz and other minerals. It’s non-porous and bound by resin, so it’s highly durable and doesn’t require sealant. Because it’s low-maintenance and visually appealing, it’s a popular choice among homeowners. Quartz countertops come in a wide range of prices, from basic quartz to premium quartz.

Quartzite: Quartzite is a natural stone that comes in a range of colors and patterns. Because it’s porous, it needs to be sealed regularly. It’s on the higher end of the spectrum in terms of cost. 

Granite: Granite is a sturdy natural stone that is heat-, scratch-, chemical- and dent-resistant, as well as UV-resistant (so it doesn’t fade over time). Granite countertops must be sealed occasionally to resist stains and bacteria. It comes in a wide range of textures and colors. The price of granite countertops varies depending on a variety of factors, including quality, color, pattern and availability. 

Marble: One of the most expensive countertop options, marble comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. It’s softer than granite, so while it’s heat-resistant, it’s more prone to develop scratches and chips. It’s also very porous, so it needs to be sealed often to prevent staining. 

Soapstone: Soapstone is an all-natural countertop material, and usually comes in dark gray or black with a blue or green tint. It’s durable with a distinctive smooth, matte appearance. It falls between the mid- to high-range in terms of cost. 

Laminate: Made of plywood or particle board with a thin finish, plastic laminate countertops are a lightweight, affordable kitchen countertop option. They come in a wide array of colors, patterns and finishes, and are easy to maintain. However, laminate is heat-intolerant, and can’t be repaired; it must be replaced. In terms of aesthetics, you can usually see the seams, and because of the material’s composition, you can’t use it with undermount sinks.

Ceramic Tile: A classic and more affordable choice, ceramic tile countertops come in an array of colors, shapes and sizes — you can even opt for a mosaic pattern. They’re very durable, and withstand heat and acid. While the surface of ceramic tile is easy to clean, and the grout between tiles can be hard to clean and it’s prone to staining. Though tiles can be cracked or chipped, individual tiles can be replaced without having to redo the whole surface.

Stainless Steel: The shiny surface of stainless steel countertops is made of thin sheets of stainless steel fastened to plywood or another backing. Though this material comes in different grades and finishes, grade 304 is recommended for kitchen countertops since it is most scratch-resistant. Stainless steel is extremely durable and heat- and stain-resistant. It’s nonporous and can be integrated with sinks and backsplashes of the same material. Though stainless steel countertops are simple to clean, they also are magnets for fingerprints and water marks, and can be scratched and will be damaged by bleach. From a cost perspective, stainless steel is a moderately priced option. 

Travertine: Travertine is a natural stone with a similar look to limestone. Though typically a bit darker than limestone, it can be found in a variety of hues. For a more uniform look, travertine can be combined with cement before it’s smoothed out and polished. It’s more affordable than many other natural stone materials, but it can range from mid-range to high-end in cost. 

Solid Surface: Also known as acrylic countertops, solid-surface countertops are a factory-made blend of acrylics and resins that are pressed into sheets and can be made in almost any shape. A budget-friendly option, they’re available in many colors and textures, and are fully customizable. They’re seamless, nonporous, easy to clean and resist staining. While they can be damaged by heat or scratched, damage can often be sanded out. 

Other Kitchen Countertop Cost Considerations

Beyond the main variables that factor into your laminate flooring project, keep these additional cost considerations in mind:

• Home Valuation: While the ROI of kitchen countertops can vary significantly based on the wide range of countertop materials and other factors, the average ROI of well-made countertops ranges from 70% - 80%. 

• Sustainability Savings: If eco-friendly countertops are a priority for you, stainless steel and quartz are two great options. Both are recyclable, highly durable and long-lasting. And thankfully they’re both available at a range of price points, so you can find one that suits your budget. 

Timeless Design: When selecting your countertops, it’s wise to opt for durable, classic styles and colors that will last for the long haul, so you don’t have to worry about replacing them anytime soon.

Looking for a Kitchen Countertop Installer?

By knowing the factors that impact the cost of kitchen countertops, you can set a realistic budget. When you’re ready to get official estimates, it’s a good idea to contact multiple countertop companies to get a few different quotes for your project. Take your time to compare cost estimates and countertop materials to ensure you’re getting exactly what you expect for your money. 

If you’re considering replacing your countertops, perhaps you’re looking to replace your cabinets too. Find nearby cabinetry companies here. Or perhaps you’re thinking about a larger kitchen renovation. If so, search here to find top-rated general contractors in your area.