What’s the Cost of Kitchen Countertop Installation

Don't discount the importance of adequate countertops in your kitchen. A home's features can create a desirable and inviting living space, or they can make a house look tired and dated. A few styles that have seen better days include heavy and fringed drapes, shiny brass light fixtures, analog thermostats, wood wall panels and tile countertops.

If you want to update your home and increase its value, consider replacing the kitchen countertop (or countertops), which is often a kitchen's focal point. Updating the countertops gives your kitchen a makeover and can add value to your home. It's also practical to install a new kitchen countertop because it can serve many uses: a food preparation area, dining space, gathering area or homework station.

Before you overhaul your kitchen, here's what you need to know about kitchen countertops, including countertop options and the cost of countertops.

What is the average cost of countertops?

The average cost of countertop materials is $2,200, ranging from a low of $825 to a high of $3,850 for a kitchen that measures 55 square feet.¹

Countertop cost broken down by type and size

The size and material of the countertop determine the price, but within those parameters are huge differences based on availability and demand. This chart gives you an idea of what to expect when pricing this job.¹

Material	Price per square foot¹
Laminate	$8-$27
Porcelain	$3-$28
Ceramic	$1-$15
Granite	$15-$140
Marble	$15-$190
Limestone	$10-$70
Travertine	$11-$35
Slate	$20-$60
Engineered stone quartz	$15-$70
Solid surface/Corian	$20-$75
Paper composite	$45-$70
Glass	$10-$135
Wood or butcher block	$10-$38
Stainless steel	$60-$100
Concrete	$50-$100
Acrylic	$13-$30

Additional factors that impact cost

Many variables impact what you might pay for a countertop project, which explains the wide range in cost. The good news is that many of these factors are within your control.

Countertop size

Countertops are priced by the square foot. An average kitchen typically needs 55 square feet of countertops, which generally costs between $825 and $3,850.¹ A luxury kitchen typically needs 75 square feet of countertops, which generally costs between $1,125 and $5,250.¹

Countertop material

Although there are more than a dozen choices of kitchen countertop material, almost 60% of homeowners pick one of three types: quartz (32.9%), quartzite (17.4%) or granite (9.4%).² Tile countertops come in last place, with less than 1% of homeowners choosing that material today.²

Quartz: These are human-made countertops, made from quartz chips or dust, and bound with resin.
Quartzite: A natural material of quartzite stone, a metamorphic rock.
Granite: A natural rock, made up mostly of quartz.

How to calculate the cost of kitchen countertops

Many factors go into calculating the cost of kitchen countertops, which makes price differences likely. The main factors to consider when pricing this job are the countertop size, countertop material, labor costs, edge type and whether you need any cutouts for a sink or stove.⁶

1. Calculate the size you need⁷

Measure the length of countertop you'll need and multiply that figure by 2. (Countertops are typically 2 feet deep.) Add 4 square feet if there is an inside corner.

2. Choose the material

Use the above chart to get an idea of what different materials cost. Once you've selected a material, you can get an exact price.

Example: If the material costs $60 per square foot and your countertop project requires enough material for 55 square feet, you'll pay $3,300 for materials. ($60 x 55 = $3,300.)

3. Add labor costs

Labor to install kitchen countertops typically costs between $10 and $30 per square foot.¹ Labor is generally calculated by the following:

Size of countertop: See step 1 (above) to calculate the size.
Type of countertop: Whether the countertop is prefabricated or a custom stone product that needs to be cut. Prefabricated countertops may be up to 50% cheaper than stone.⁸
Removal of existing countertops: Removing and disposing of existing countertops can cost an additional $50 to $300.⁸

4. Edge type

Kitchen countertops can have several types of edges. It generally costs between $5 and $20 per linear foot for edge treatment, depending on what you pick.⁸ Decorative edges like the Ogee and Dupont can cost $60 per linear foot.⁸

Here are a few different types of edges:

Eased: Square but slightly rounded
No drip: Slightly raised edge
Waterfall: Countertop sides extend to the floor
Bullnose: Rounded edge
Bevel: 45-degree angle cut into the edge
Ogee: S-curve
Dupont: Crescent curve with a 90-degree angle

5. Cutouts

If there will be a sink, there might be cutouts for a faucet and soap dispenser as well. A cooktop cutout might also require a cutout for an electrical outlet. Cutouts could cost between $25 and $110 extra.⁸

When to consider countertop replacement

Because you see and use your kitchen countertops every time, your home, you probably want them to be as functional and attractive as possible. Here are some telltale signs that it's time to consider replacing your kitchen countertops:

Your countertops are showing signs of wear. This includes cracks, stains, discoloration and burns.
You want to add more countertop space. If you don't already have an overhang, you can expand your countertop space to include it. That way, you can put chairs or stools underneath the overhang.
You have a family. If you have children, you may want a more durable countertop that can withstand wear.
You're selling your home. Old and dated countertops can be a turnoff to potential buyers. Not so if they see beautiful new kitchen countertops. Remember that countertops are often the focal point of the kitchen.