What Is the True Cost of Countertops?
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Freshen up one of the busiest areas of your home with new countertops. The cost of countertops ranges from $825 to $4,356, with the national average at $2,652.
Highlights
- Kitchen countertops have a typical cost range of $825 to $4,356 and a national average cost of $2,652.
- Several factors can affect the total cost, including the size and material of the countertops, the edges and corner treatments chosen, the installation location, the cost of labor, and the home’s geographic location.
- A homeowner may need to have new countertops installed if they notice excessive wear and tear, stain or burn marks, smoke or structural damage, mold or mildew, or if their countertops are outdated.
- A handy homeowner may be able to install a basic countertop made of tile or laminate by themselves. However, a professional is recommended to install heavier materials like marble or granite due to the difficulty of working with these materials.
Installing new kitchen countertops is a way to boost the functionality of a kitchen space and the value of a home. Kitchen counters are available in a number of materials, finishes, and edge treatments to match any budget. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, the cost of countertops ranges from $825 to $4,356, with many homeowners spending $2,652 on average. Depending on material and square footage, the price to install kitchen countertops can be as low as $400 or skyrocket to as high as $8,000. Homeowners who install a laminate kitchen counter will spend considerably less than those who opt for marble or granite. Kitchen countertop pricing can vary for a number of reasons, including material and geographic location, but overall pricing is based on square footage, typically between $10 to $70 per square foot, with larger countertops costing more than smaller ones made of the same material.
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Labor costs typically run from $10 to $30 per square foot, but they can go higher depending on countertop material. Homeowners should also keep in mind that some types of countertops weigh hundreds of pounds and require a team of professionals for installation, which will drive up labor costs. Some homeowners may choose countertop materials based on aesthetics, and others make their decisions based on functionality. Since each type of countertop has its own benefits, price ranges, and advantages, it’s important for homeowners to consider their decor preferences, lifestyle, and needs before deciding on what type of countertops will work best in their home. Below are some important factors that influence the cost of countertops, different types of kitchen counters, red flags that indicate a need for new countertops, and some important questions to ask about countertop installation.
Factors in Calculating the Cost of Countertops
There are several factors that affect the cost of countertops. Prices can differ from the national average due to countertop material, countertop size, edge and corner treatments, installation location, local labor prices, and geographic location.
Countertop Material
The type of countertop material can impact the design aesthetics and overall cost of the installation project. Before homeowners decide on materials, key considerations include appearance, durability, longevity, maintenance, and cost. Each countertop material works well for kitchens in general but may not work the best in every kitchen. Price is based not only on individual material but on the grade, color, and manufacturer. There are many materials suitable for kitchen countertops, and each of them is discussed in detail below. Among the lower-priced materials are laminate and butcher block, while the more expensive materials are recycled glass, copper, and zinc. The pricing of some of these materials can overlap depending on style and color.
Countertop Size
The two biggest factors that impact countertop cost are the material and the amount of it needed. The average price range per square foot can run from $20 to $200 including labor, but there can be a significant fluctuation in price due to material style, color, and fabrication type. Below are some average price ranges for kitchen countertops by size, including installation.
- 10 square feet: $200 to $2,000
- 20 square feet: $400 to $4,000
- 30 square feet: $600 to $6,000
- 40 square feet: $800 to $8,000
Edges and Corner Treatments
Countertop edges are available in an assortment of shapes and sizes and can vary according to thickness, material, and construction. Countertops that are 2 centimeters thick can have a 2-centimeter or 4-centimeter edge, while countertops that are 3 centimeters thick usually have a 3-centimeter edge. Except for the eased edge, which is generally included with the price of the countertops, edge costs are charged by the linear foot and are an additional fee. Homeowners should keep in mind that edges that are thicker than the countertop material are called built-up edges and will drive up the price even more for installation. Below are some popular countertop edge treatments, their features, and average prices, including installation.
- Eased edge countertop. An eased edge is the most common type of countertop edge. Slightly sanded down to create a rounded shape at the top 90-degree edge, it’s usually included with the price of the countertop. This type of edge is easy to care for and popular among homeowners who don’t want hard, sharp edges to their countertops.
- Beveled edge countertop. A beveled countertop edge costs from $10 to $15 per linear foot. It features a 45-degree angle on the top edge, which can add a contemporary and modern look to the countertop design. This is also an easy-to-clean countertop edge, since there are no nooks or crannies where food and debris can collect.
- Rounded/half bullnose edge countertop. Half bullnose edge countertops run from $10 to $15 per linear foot. This edge has a squared-off bottom edge and a rounded top edge. This smooth countertop edge is also easy to maintain.
- Full bullnose edge countertop. Sometimes called a pencil edge, a full bullnose countertop edge costs from $10 to $15 per linear foot. In this style, both the top and bottom edges are fully rounded, creating an area that’s easy to clean.
- Ogee edge countertop. An ogee edge ranges in cost from $20 to $25 per linear foot and features an S-cut. This decorative countertop edge is square at the bottom and is commonly used on thicker countertops. It is possible to carve an ogee edge into thinner 2-centimeter countertops, but the edges will need to be built up, resulting in additional costs.
- Mitered edge countertop. Mitered edge countertops vary in price from $20 to $25 per linear foot. This type of edge has a square top edge and then cuts back dramatically after a short drop. Commonly used in offices, it creates a hard, modern appearance.
- Dupont edge countertop. Dupont edges feature a 90-degree angle at the top edge and quarter-round cut on the bottom edge. Ranging in price from $20 to $40 per linear foot, it’s one of the most expensive countertop edge options. This style needs to be carved in a countertop that is 3 centimeters or thicker, and it’s common for thinner countertop edges to be built up to achieve this look.
Countertop corner treatments cost from $55 to $135 each, with the average cost at $60. If a homeowner doesn’t want a 90-degree square corner, the corners can be sanded to achieve a softer look. A ¼-inch radius has only a small curve, while a 1-inch radius highlights a more significant curve to the countertop corner.
Installation Location
Countertops can be installed in various locations for both indoor and outdoor kitchens. Some materials work better in an outdoor environment, while others are negatively impacted by wet weather and freeze/thaw cycles. The final cost for countertop installation depends on the material and the amount.
- Indoor kitchen countertops cost. The average cost for kitchen countertops ranges from $825 to $4,177, with the national average at $2,200. This price can increase depending on the material and amount needed. Many kitchens need approximately 30 square feet of material for countertops, but the square footage can change for smaller kitchens or larger kitchens that feature one or more islands or work stations.
- Outdoor kitchen countertops cost. The price to install an outdoor kitchen countertop runs from $480 to $4,000. Many outdoor kitchens need about 12 to 20 square feet of countertop space, but that measurement can be different for larger or smaller areas. Natural stone, solid surface, and recycled glass countertop materials work well in an outdoor setting, while laminate and concrete do not.
Labor
Labor costs for installing countertops usually run from $10 to $30 per square foot but can be higher or lower depending on the material. Labor prices and natural stone countertop sealing are typically included with the cost of the countertop material, but some countertop contractors will add them to the bill as a separate charge. Homeowners will want to double-check with the installation company regarding labor and sealing costs and whether these are included with the installation estimate. Kitchen countertop installation typically takes between 2 and 5 hours to complete.
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Geographic Location
There can be significant differences in the price of materials depending on the home’s geographic location. Major cities and densely populated urban areas have some of the highest costs for countertop installation and labor. For natural stone materials, the cost will be more if they need to be shipped from a long distance rather than from a local quarry.
Additional Costs and Considerations
When planning for the cost of countertops, homeowners will benefit from knowing about any additional costs and considerations that can affect the overall cost of the installation project. These can include countertop repair or resurfacing, sink installation, cutouts, old countertop removal, and additional plumbing or electrical work.
Countertop Repair or Resurfacing
If a countertop is in overall good shape but there are some areas that need attention, repair or resurfacing may be the best option. Countertop repair costs about $350. The most common reasons for countertop repair are surface etching and damage from water and heat.
Countertop resurfacing costs from $100 to $1,200, depending on the countertop material and square footage. If the majority of the countertop is stained or scratched, resurfacing may fix the problem for less money than replacing the countertop.
Sink Installation and Cutouts
The cost to install a kitchen sink ranges from $300 to $500. In addition to the cost for a sink, cooktop, faucet, hardware, and outlets, there is an extra charge for cutouts in the countertop material. For a sink cutout, a countertop installation professional may charge an additional fee, which is typically around $100. An undermount cooktop cutout costs an average of $200. Cutouts for plumbing and hardware will also drive up the cost of countertop installation.
Old Countertop Removal
Kitchen countertop replacement involves the removal of the old countertops. While some countertop contractors may include the removal service in the installation cost, others may charge from $50 to $300, depending on the size of the countertop and plumbing considerations.
Additional Plumbing or Electrical Work
A common portion of a kitchen remodeling cost is updating the plumbing. From replacing a faucet to changing the location of the sink and appliances, additional plumbing work can cost from $4,000 to $8,000.
If new electrical work is needed as part of a kitchen renovation, homeowners will want to contact an electrician at the beginning of the process. Electricians commonly charge from $50 to $100 for labor, and they can coordinate with the contractor to keep the project on track. If mistakes were made by attempting a DIY installation or upgrades are needed in the middle of the project, fixing the problems and tearing out the existing electrical work mid-project will cost significantly more.
Installation Cost by Type of Countertop
There is a wide variety of countertop materials that are available for installation. While these materials are appropriate for kitchen use, not every material works in every home. Below are common kitchen countertop materials, their characteristics, and their average price ranges.
Acrylic
Acrylic countertops are a budget-friendly alternative to quartz and granite. Able to mimic the look of natural stone, acrylic countertops cost from $1,300 to $3,300, or $13 to $30 per square foot, including installation. These 100-percent resin countertops are nonporous, easy to clean and maintain, and extremely durable.
Wood
Wooden butcher block countertops cost from $10 to $35 per square foot, while solid wood countertops are a little pricier at $18 to $38 per square foot. Wooden countertops create a natural organic look, but they need to be sealed on a monthly schedule to maintain the look and appeal of the material. The price of wood countertops varies according to the type of wood, with bamboo being the cheapest option. Different types of wood, including maple, oak, cherry, and walnut, along with various finishes, can be combined to create a unique look.
Ceramic
Ceramic countertops work best in kitchens that don’t see heavy use. Since they scratch easily, ceramic is recommended for backsplashes and areas that don’t need to stand up to daily wear and tear. Compared to other tile materials, such as porcelain, ceramic is less expensive at a cost of $1 to $15 per square foot, depending on quality and size.
Concrete
At an average cost of $3,300 to $7,200, or $50 to $100 per square foot, concrete countertops can be customized to any color, shape, texture, finish, and edge treatment. They can be poured into a mold right in the kitchen or made off-site and transported for installation. Concrete is susceptible to cracking and chipping, but sealing the material can help prevent any issues.
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Copper
Copper countertops cost from $100 to $300 per square foot. This pricey material is easy to clean and comes in different gauges, or thicknesses. The thicker the copper, the more expensive the installation. Copper countertops are made by molding thin sheets around a wooden base, in a similar fashion to how stainless steel countertops are constructed. Homeowners can expect to pay between $5,500 to $9,625 for a 55-square-foot copper kitchen countertop.
Granite
Durable granite countertops can cost from $15 to $140 per square foot for a whole slab and $10 to $35 per square foot for prefabricated pieces. A popular countertop material, granite contains quartz, mica, feldspar, and silica. These countertops are unique because each piece of granite has its own texture, pattern, and color. The wide range of pricing is due to the quality of the stone and its rarity. The rarer the granite, the more significant the increase in price. Homeowners can search for “granite countertops near me” to find the most accurate pricing in their area.
Laminate
Laminate (sometimes called the brand name Formica) is a budget-friendly countertop material that ranges from $800 to $1,650, or $8 to $27 per square foot. Laminate countertops can successfully mimic other materials and come in a number of patterns and edge treatments. These countertops can also have integral backsplashes and undermounted sinks as part of their installation. One drawback is that laminate is prone to scratching, fading, chipping, and heat damage.
Limestone
Limestone countertops cost from $1,100 to $5,500, or $10 to $70 per square foot. This porous and fairly soft natural stone comes in colors that range from golden brown to pale gray and can fit in nicely with neutral design styles. Regular sealing is required to protect limestone from scratches.
Marble
Beautiful marble countertops cost between $15 and $190 per square foot, which is a very wide range—but quality marble can be found in the $25 to $60 per square foot range. This natural stone is