Kitchen countertops see constant use and make a huge impact on your space’s aesthetic. With so many countertop options ranging widely in price, selecting affordable surfaces while staying within budget with the latest kitchen countertop cost can be challenging.
Before you visit countertop stores, this guide provides a detailed overview of estimated costs for the most popular kitchen countertop materials on the market. Get ready to learn realistic price ranges for countertops like granite, quartz, laminate, and more. Armed with pricing knowledge, you can confidently choose surfaces that check the boxes for both beauty and budget-friendliness!
What’s the Typical Cost to Upgrade Kitchen Countertops?
Upgrading your kitchen countertops can completely transform the look and feel of your space. But what’s the typical investment needed to swap out old countertops for new stylish surfaces? According to the home services site Angi, the average homeowner spends $2,500 to $3,500 to upgrade their kitchen countertops with materials like granite, quartz, or marble.
Of course, your total spend also depends on the current layout and any modifications needed, edge profiles, integrated backsplashes, and hiring installation professionals versus DIY.
Generally replacing existing countertops with similar-value materials costs $40-$60 per linear foot including basic installation. Upgrading to higher grades of stone or quartz from outdated laminate runs $70-$150 per linear foot.
Factors That Impact Countertop Costs
Several variables affect what you’ll pay for new kitchen countertops, including:
Countertop Material
The type of material chosen makes the biggest impact on the overall cost. Natural stones like granite and marble range from $60-$200 per square foot installed. Engineered quartz runs $70-$120 per square foot. Tile can cost as little as $5 per square foot, while premium options like stainless steel run up to $200+ per square foot.
Installation
Professional countertop installation typically costs $40-$100 per linear foot depending on the complexity of the job. Hiring a fabricator ensures proper cutting, seaming, fastening to cabinets, and finishing. But DIY countertop installation costs can save significantly on labor fees if you’re experienced.
Dimensions
The total square footage of countertops needed directly correlates to price. Larger kitchens with lots of countertop real estate, islands, and specialty areas like breakfast bars equate to higher overall spending. Be sure to measure precisely.
Edge Profiles
Simple eased or square-cut edges are the most affordable. Adding decorative edges like ogee, bullnose, chamfer, and other profiles requires special cutting and shaping, adding $10-$30 per linear foot typically.
Backsplashes
Any backsplashes integrated out of the same material add cost for additional materials and fabrication. Even if choosing a different backsplash material like tile, allow for extra installation time and cost.
Cutouts
Allow for $50-$150+ per cutout for the sink opening, stove cutout, integrated drain boards, and any other slots or holes needed in your countertop. The more cutouts, the greater the fabrication time and cost to install kitchen countertops.
Demolition
Removing and disposing of old countertops before installation of new ones adds incremental costs for time and dump fees. Expect to add about $2-$6 per square foot for demolition.
Countertop Materials Cost Per Square Foot
Now that we’ve covered what impacts price, let’s look at average per-square-foot costs for popular kitchen countertop materials.
Granite Countertops Cost
Prized for its elegance and durability, natural granite remains a perennial favorite for kitchen countertops. Attractive gray, brown, red, and white granite patterns add timeless beauty.
Granite costs $60-$100 per square foot installed but can run even higher for rare varieties. Given the granite tile’s excellent resale value, it offers a smart long-term investment.
Quartz Countertops Cost
Engineered quartz combines granite’s aesthetics with extreme durability. Non-porous quartz resists stains, scratches, and heat damage. The range of colors and patterns available in quartz gives tremendous design flexibility.
Expect to budget $70-$100 per square foot installed for quartz. More intricate edge profiles increase costs marginally.
Laminate Countertops Cost
Affordable and functional, laminate countertops offer a budget-friendly option starting around $20-$30 per square foot installed. Easy DIY installation makes laminate even more cost-effective. Modern laminates mimic natural stone materials and solid surface looks.
Basic laminate installation costs are just $5-$15 per square foot for materials alone. Hiring professional install averages $30-$50 per square foot.
Butcher Block Countertops Cost
Handsome and naturally antibacterial butcher block offers a great value around $50-$75 per square foot installed. Warm wood tones and classic charm make butcher block a sought-after look. Maintenance is required to keep surfaces sealed.
DIY-friendly butcher block runs $20-$40 per square foot in materials costs. Pro and installation cost then add $40-$60 per square foot.
Concrete Countertops Cost
Unique handcrafted concrete countertops deliver an industrial edge to kitchens with highly customizable shapes, colors, and finishes. The look of the concrete countertop can lean sleek modern or rustic depending on the design.
Concrete runs $70-$105 installed per square foot, with more complex projects like integral sinks costing even more.
Tile Countertops Cost
Ceramic, stone, or glass tile allows for incredibly creative kitchen countertops for $40-$80 per square foot installed. Grout requires maintenance to prevent stains and mildew. Small irregular tiles increase installation time and price.
Budget $10-$30 per square foot for affordable ceramic or porcelain tile materials. Natural stone tiles can cost up to $50-$100 per square foot. Pro installation generally doubles material and labor costs per square foot.
Stainless Steel Countertops Cost
Industrial stainless steel countertops offer an ultra-modern look, typically running $70-$150 per square foot installed. The non-porous surface resists stains and damage while providing a hygienic workspace. Matching stainless sinks can be seamlessly integrated.
Stainless steel costs $40-$75 per square foot in materials, with professional fabrication and installation adding at least another $30-$75 per square foot. Expect extra costs for unique metal edge treatments.
Marble Countertops Cost
Elegant marble countertops evoke opulence but require maintenance to keep them free of stains and etching. Beautiful white Carrara and grey veined marble can cost $70-$150 per square foot installed.
Marble slabs run $40-$100 per square foot. Professional fabrication and installation average $30-$75 per square foot. Darker marble varieties often cost slightly less than pricier white options.
Limestone Countertops Cost
Softer beige and cream tones of limestone offer an affordable natural stone of around $50-$90 per square foot installed. Porous limestone requires diligent sealing. Distressing limestone creates a charming aged look.
Limestone slabs typically cost $30-$65 per square foot. The professional installation then runs $20-$45 per square foot depending on edge profiles and cuts. Local limestone keeps material costs down.
Soapstone Countertops Cost
A unique soft gray stone with natural veining, soapstone costs $70-$100 installed per square foot. Soapstone is essentially stain-proof and stays cool to the touch, making it ideal for kitchens. Annual resealing is recommended.
Soapstone slabs run $55-$90 per square foot. Pro fabrication and installation then average $15-$30 on top of materials. Darker grades cost slightly less than lighter soapstone.
Recycled Glass Countertops Cost
For eco-friendly style, recycled glass countertops contain approximately 70% crushed glass mixed with concrete or resin. The speckled solid surface countertops cost around $85-$120 per square foot installed. Stain resistance is excellent but chips may occur.
Materials cost about $45-$65 per square foot for recycled glass countertops. Installation fees then run $40-$80 per square foot depending on the amount of cutting and finishing required.
Porcelain Countertops Cost
Less costly than some natural stone countertops but still sophisticated, porcelain countertops run about $40-$100 per square foot installed. Non-porous porcelain is highly durable and resists staining. Crisp patterns mimic looks like marble.
Porcelain slabs cost a very affordable $15-$50 per square foot. Installation fees of $25-$60 per square foot significantly increase the total project cost, however.
Wood Countertops Cost
Rustic reclaimed wood offers artisanal appeal for approximately $60-$100 per square foot installed. Durable tropical hardwoods like teak and bamboo also make attractive eco-friendly options starting around $50 per square foot.
Salvaged raw wood slabs range from $20-$50 per square foot. Add $40-$60 for professional fabrication and installation depending on edge profile complexity.
Slate Countertops Cost
Multicolored natural slate delivers a rustic texture perfect for traditional kitchens. The average cost falls around $60-$100 per square foot installed. The soft stone requires sealing to prevent staining.
Slate tiles run only $10-$25 per square foot. But professional fabrication and installation will add $50-$75 per square foot for a finished countertop. Intricate edge details also increase slate costs.
Copper Countertops Cost
Brilliant antimicrobial copper provides a stunning focal point, usually costing $135-$200 per square foot installed. The expensive material limits most projects to smaller accent areas like islands. Patina develops character over time.
Copper sheets cost a premium at $90-$150 per square foot. Fabrication and installation then run an additional $45-$70 per square foot. Oxidation-resistant finishes add even more.
Final Factors Impacting Project Cost
Beyond the base price per square foot, several other important considerations impact your total countertop investment:
Demolition and Disposal: Removing old countertops and disposing of debris tacks on $2-$6 per square foot typically.
Backsplashes: Budget extra if you add a tile, glass, or stone backsplash. This runs $10-$30 per square foot installed for materials and labor.
Specialty Edges: Detailed edges like ogee, bullnose, chamfers, and others cost $10-$30 per linear foot more.
Cutouts: Allow for approximately $50-$150 extra per cutout for sinks, stoves, islands, and other openings.
Total Countertop Square Footage: Your total countertop square footage directly impacts overall spending. Measure carefully.
Shipping: For exotic materials like granite or concrete, shipping costs can add up and influence pricing.
Regional Labor Rates: Installation rates fluctuate based on typical contractor fees in your area.
Stay within budget by factoring in all these additional expenses when planning your dream kitchen countertops.
Affordable Alternatives to Save Money
Looking for ways to cut costs on your kitchen countertop project? Consider these more budget-friendly options:
Reuse existing countertops by refinishing or applying concrete resurfacing kits.
Opt for low-cost laminate at $20-$50 per square foot total.
Select smaller tile sizes – installation is less tedious so labor rates are lower.
Install DIY prefab countertops like IKEA butcher blocks.
Use inexpensive porcelain instead of pricier natural stone.
Size down to slim countertop dimensions where possible.
Install inexpensive backsplashes like beadboard or tile yourself.
Choose simple square edge profiles rather than decorative edges.
Consider concrete resurfacing products like Giani Granite.
Replace only a small area like the island with costlier materials.
Get the look and function you desire while sticking to your budget. With some savvy planning, you can achieve beautiful, affordable countertops that stand the test of time. What kitchen style are you dreaming up?
In Summary
Kitchen countertops impact aesthetics, functionality, and enjoyment of your culinary space daily. With pricing varying widely based on materials like solid surface, tile, granite, or quartz, it pays to understand cost factors before investing in new countertops.
Beyond the base cost per square foot, additional expenses like demolition, cutouts, edge profiles, and professional installation contribute to the total price. Carefully measure your existing countertop space and determine the specific materials and features you desire. Collect multiple quotes to compare fair pricing for your kitchen’s unique countertop layout and needs.
With some diligent upfront planning, you can install quality, durable countertops that fit your budget and lifestyle, whether aiming for economical recycled glass and concrete materials or splurging on luxurious natural stone. Soon you’ll be preparing feasts on stunning new surfaces optimized for your kitchen.
