How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace Countertops?

Countertop Installation Costs by Material

Materials play a large role in your final cost to replace countertops. Most countertop materials cost between $1 to $190 per square foot, with an average price between $15 to $70 per square foot. High-end materials like stainless steel, commonly used in commercial kitchens, cost more than laminate, which is the most budget-friendly option.

Natural Stone

Natural stone countertops are popular because they’re extremely durable and have a high-end look. Keep in mind that some are more porous than others and may require special chemical treatment.

Granite

The cost to install a granite countertop is usually between $2,000 to $4,500. You can cut costs by opting for granite tile—which typically costs between $5 and $15 per square foot—instead of using a granite slab, which typically costs between $40 to $100 per square foot, excluding labor.

Marble

The cost of marble countertops varies drastically based on type, with Makrana on the lowest end and Calacatta on the highest end. Most slabs cost between $40 to $100 per square foot, but tiles can cost 30 to 50% less.

Other Stones

Though granite and marble are the most popular natural stones for countertops, there’s a wealth of other options that cost between $10 and $70 per square foot. Tiles cost much less than slabs but usually have higher labor costs because they take longer to install. Here’s what you can expect to spend on the average countertop:

• Cost to install soapstone countertops: $2,700–$4,200

• Cost to install slate countertops: $2,300–$3,000

• Cost to install limestone countertops: $1,000–$5,000

• Cost to install travertine countertops: $1,500–$4,000

Solid Surface

Solid surface countertops are an engineered surface consisting of mineral dust, plastic resin, and pigment. The main benefit is their seamless look, but they’re also durable.

Engineered Stone Quartz

Not to be confused with natural stone quartzite, quartz is a non-porous, acid-resistant, and non-abrasive manufactured-countertop material heralded for its extreme durability. The typical cost to install quartz countertops is between $1,500 and $12,000.

Corian

Corian comes in different styles and colors that vary in price. For most homeowners, the cost to install Corian countertops is between $2,200 and $5,000.

Acrylic

Acrylic is an affordable, non-porous, and highly-customizable option made from100% resin. Homeowners typically spend $1,300 to $3,300 to install resin countertops.

Other Types of Countertops

There’s a type of countertop for every budget. Laminate is one of the most popular budget-friendly options, whereas trendier materials like stainless steel or copper are more expensive.

Laminate

The cost of installing a laminate countertop is usually $790 to $1,630. While it’s not the most heat resistant, this budget-friendly option comes in various styles and can be easier to install yourself than other materials.

Stainless Steel

The cost of stainless steel countertop installation is typically between $4,000 and $11,250. Commercial stainless steel countertops, thicker than what most homeowners have in their personal kitchens, are on the high-end of the spectrum.

Ceramic or Porcelain

The cost to install ceramic or porcelain tile is about $880 to $3,000. Porcelain usually costs between $7 to $45 per square foot, while ceramic usually costs $4 to $115 per square foot, including the cost of labor.

Butcher Block

Butcher block countertops are a trendy option that won’t dull your knives, even though they’re more susceptible to dents and scratches than harder materials. The cost of a butcher block countertop is around $1,200 to $15,000.

Wood 

The cost of the typical wood countertop is between $600 and $12,000. Cherry and mixed wood tends to be more affordable than higher-end types like teak and zebrawood.

Concrete

Concrete is a durable option that works well in a custom kitchen because a contractor can pour it to match your kitchen’s dimensions. The cost of concrete countertops is usually between $2,100 and $4,000.

Copper

Copper countertops are uncommon, but they have a unique metallic finish. The cost of copper countertop installation is around $5,550 to $9,600.

Edge Treatment Costs

The average homeowner pays $5 per linear foot for edge treatment, though it can cost $20 or more per linear foot. A decorative edge, like an ogee or Dupont edge, carved into natural stone slabs can cost as much as $60 per linear foot. Types of edging include:

• Eased: The standard edge that’s square but slightly rounded to dull the sharpness 

• No-Drip: A small, raised lip on the edge to prevent dripping

• Waterfall: The countertop covers the side of your cabinetry and extends to the floor

• Bullnose or Half Bullnose: A partially or completely rounded edge

• Bevel: A straight 45-degree angle cut across the top edge

• Ogee: A decorative S-curve

• Dupont: A crescent curve, leading to a 90-degree angle and a quarter-rounded edge (or some variation) 

Edging tile countertops is a little bit different. Edging tiles come in 3-, 6-, or 12-inch lengths and cost anywhere from $0.50 to $30 per piece. Otherwise, your contractor or manufacturer will cut the edge or attach a separate piece of edging with adhesive. The cost varies depending on the material and treatment.

Corner Treatments

Most countertops have 90-degree corners, but you can use a corner treatment to round it out. These cost anywhere from $55 to $135 per corner.

Cost to Replace Kitchen Countertops

The cost to replace kitchen countertops is typically $25 to $150 per square foot plus a $50 to $300 flat rate for the removal of the old countertop. That cost could quickly rise if you plan to change the placement of your countertops, use a heavier material, or add new features. In that case, you may have to do plumbing work or structural work on your cabinets to provide necessary support. Additional costs could include:

• The cost to repair cabinets: $130–$470

• The cost to install or replace kitchen cabinets: $1,850–$9,250

• The cost to install or replace plumbing: $350–$2,000

• The cost to install a sink: $210–$600

Countertop Installation Cost Factors

Installing a new countertop costs less than replacing an old one, but there are multiple factors that impact the total price. 

Countertop Size

The cost for countertops is dependent on square footage. Most homeowners spend $25 to $120 per square foot, including labor and materials. The average kitchen has 30 to 55 square feet of countertop space, but there’s a huge range beyond that. Contemporary kitchens tend to be much larger, whereas bathrooms typically have less than 15 square feet of counter space.

Sometimes, a contractor will measure countertops in linear feet, with the typical linear foot being 25 inches deep. Use a Countertop Square Footage Calculator to get the most accurate quote from your contractor. 

Custom vs. Prefab

Prefabricated countertops cost up to 50% less than custom countertops. This is especially true when it comes to natural stone. With a custom countertop, a pro will have to cut, edge, and polish the stone slabs prior to installation. Prefabricated countertops are crafted in standard sizes and ready to install.

Tile vs. Slab

You can typically cut down on new countertop costs by choosing tiles instead of slabs. Tile costs 30% to 50% less than a solid stone slab, but it does take longer to install, and labor is on the higher end of the average $10 to $30 per square foot. With tile installation, you’ll also have to budget for grout and sealant, depending on the material.

Cutouts

Cutouts in your countertop for features like a sink, faucet, soap dispenser, and cooktop typically come with an extra cost. You can expect to pay anywhere from $25 for an electrical outlet cutout to $110 for a cooktop cutout. That doesn’t include sink or cooktop installation and any plumbing or wiring required. A local sink installer can give you a more accurate quote.

Removal and Disposal

Part of the cost of replacing countertops includes removing the old countertop and disposing of the old materials. Your contractor may work this into your quote, but if not, you can expect to pay an additional $50 to $300 for the cost of junk removal (or more if you’re also removing plumbing fixtures or cabinets and paying by the truckload). 

"Some reused or recycled building material suppliers will remove and haul away some countertops and cabinets for free or a minimal price," says Andy Kilborn, Expert Review Board member and owner of Andy's Handyman Service in Des Moines, IA. 

DIY vs. Getting a Countertop Pro Quote

Labor for the average-sized kitchen costs $300 to $1,650, so you may want to save money by installing your own countertop. This is not an easy task, even though lighter materials like laminate are more manageable than stone slabs—which can weigh more than 200 pounds and are impossible to lift on your own. When plumbing and wiring get involved, it gets even more complicated and potentially dangerous.

Unless you have experience as a contractor, it’s best to hire a local countertop installer. The cost of correctly installed countertops is often much less than the cost of DIY countertops that need extensive repairs. To hire the most qualified contractor:

• Ask at least three contractors for a written quote

• Check your contractors’ references

• Remember that a rock-bottom estimate may mean lower quality