What is the cost of installing countertops?

On average, countertop installation costs $2,900, with most homeowners spending between $1,800 and $4,000. That translates to $25 to $120 per square foot. The total installation cost can be broken down into $15 to $70 per square foot for the material and $10 to $30 per square foot for labor.

The total cost to remodel a countertop takes into account a number of factors, including the total linear footage of the countertop, the type of countertop you choose, the quality of the materials, the scope and complexity of the countertop remodeling project, your zip code, local labor costs, and the finishing details.

The most affordable type of countertop material is a laminate countertop. It is made from layers of plastic that are bonded to particleboard - forming a solid surface. However, you could look at other budget-friendly countertop options too.

Consider your lifestyle and do your research before committing to any countertop material. A tough, low-maintenance surface such as tiles or solid surfaces can be the ideal option for a busy kitchen. You can even consider a countertop material that's simple to install as a DIY job, such as butcher block countertops.

Here, we will list some of the most affordable countertop options available on the market.

• Laminate countertops

  These countertops can be made to mimic the look of granite countertops, marble countertops, or butcher block countertops. Laminate countertops are fairly easy to install and easy to maintain. However, the lightweight countertop material is susceptible to scratches, burns, and stains. Moreover, too much moisture or wear and tear may peel off the layers.

• Butcher-block countertops

  Butcher block countertops blend well with kitchens and bathrooms with farmhouse and cottage influences. Or, give a surprising contrast to a modern setting. Keep in mind that higher-quality butcher block countertops may cost as much as slab granite countertops.

  Do remember that butcher block countertops require regular upkeep. You need to clean any spills right away and use trivets for hot pans. That's because such a countertop is not heat resistant and may crack under excessive heat or dryness. Moreover, butcher-block countertops require regular oiling, disinfecting to keep bacteria at bay, and maintenance.

• Tile countertops

  A tile countertop is another cost-effective option. You could choose between ceramic or porcelain tiles. Both come in a wide range of colors, designs, and patterns. Additionally, tiles make excellent DIY-friendly products that can help you save money on professional installation costs. Such countertops are easy to clean, heat- and stain-resistant, durable, and easily replaceable if found cracked. The only downside is that the tile grout may stain or collect dirt and bacteria if not sealed properly.

• Concrete countertops

  Concrete countertops are perfect for an industrial look - working well in both modern as well as rustic kitchens. The durable material is resistant to heat and stains. Moreover, it can be easily customized.

  However, since concrete is heavy, its installation is slightly difficult and may cause damage or injury if not properly handled. And keep in mind that it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water damage.

Granite countertops and quartz countertops are almost comparable in cost. Sometimes, granite countertops can be more expensive based on the availability of certain colors and patterns. Other times, quartz countertops can be more expensive owing to their treatments and customization during the manufacturing process. However, when you compare granite countertops with quartz countertops in terms of the cost of countertops per square foot, the latter may usually cost more.

The average countertop cost of quartz countertops is maybe 20 to 40 percent more than that of granite countertops.

If you're on a really tight home improvement budget, and want to save more money, you may purchase granite slabs from a wholesaler and install the countertop yourself.

Granite countertops are still in high demand. Apart from the look and durability of granite countertops, their color and design options have increased substantially in the past few years.

Having said that, the year 2023 has also seen many homeowners shifting their preferences when it comes to countertops. About 73% of experts predict that quartz countertops would be the next most popular countertops for homeowners this year.

Despite several types of countertops available on the market, granite countertops continue to be a preferred choice for most homeowners. The reason is that granite countertops are natural, have a stunning appearance, and are available in different patterns as well as designs.

Quartz countertops are a close second because of their beautiful clean look, high durability, non-porous nature, and seamless blending. What's more, they don't require any sealing.

Countertop materials can range from as little as $5 per square foot to as much as $500. The countertop cost depends on the availability, rarity, and color of the material selected. Look at the table below to explore 14 popular types of countertops and the cost of countertops:

The exact labor cost of countertops will vary depending on the type of countertop you choose and how easy or complex it is to install. If you're opting for a custom-made countertop, your labor costs will go up.

In such cases, a template is created according to your size specifications. It is made by gluing thin strips of balsa wood together in the exact size and shape of your counter.

This template is then transferred onto the material before it's cut. The process leaves no room for error in the final countertop size.

You can expect your countertop installation to take anywhere between 2 to 5 hours to complete once the measurements and templating are over.

If you're remodeling your old countertop, it needs to be removed first. Installers may charge you an additional fee to remove an old counter. This amount can range from $50 to $200. Moreover, you may also need to reinforce the existing cabinets before the new countertop is installed. Your labor costs will increase accordingly.

The way your countertop is installed or presented can also have an impact on the countertop cost and its installation. It could be a single-piece slab, precast, modular, a two-tone countertop, one with wrapped or curved corners (more expensive installation), or a cast-in-place kind of a countertop.

Countertops are used to cover base cabinets - giving you a smooth work surface. They also add a decorative element along with their functionality. Countertops are a great way to enhance the decor in your home. And a well-installed countertop will add value to your home, too.

Once you decide to remodel your countertops, you need to know how much of an investment you require for this home renovation.

An estimate helps you organize your home improvement project and effectively manage milestones and the cost of countertops.

Acquiring a free estimate for your countertop remodeling will help you create a realistic budget - getting you quality work at a fair price. It's also the best way to ensure that you don't stumble across any unwelcome surprises during the execution of your project.

Getting an estimate through Kukun's countertop installation cost estimator is easy. Just follow the steps below to get your confidential address-based estimate in minutes!

1. Choose the countertop material you want from all the options:

• Laminate
• Granite
• Marble
• Quartz
• Concrete
• Tile

2. Select the finish for your countertops from the two options:

• Standard
• Premium

3. Enter the linear footage of your countertop

4. Mention if you have an island, peninsula, or both and enter the dimensions of them.

5. Enter your property details.

Enter the full address and you'll also get the return on investment (ROI)/recoup value of your project or just your zip code to get the renovation cost estimate.

You can rest assured, we do not share this information. It just helps us give you a better cost estimate because labor and material prices vary widely by geography.

And there you go - an estimate for your countertop installation is ready!

With this free estimate, you can analyze your finance options or hire a professional to get started on the work right away. You can explore each contractor's profile, check out their online reviews and view all their previous permit details.

It's very important that you plan your countertop remodel well in advance. Here are some tips to make the process easy and quick:

• Set a realistic budget. Always include leeway for some surprise costs. According to experts, you should add 20% extra to your existing budget.
• Check your local building code for permit requirements.
• Work with expert countertop installers you can trust. A professional finish (as compared to a DIY project) goes a long way in adding to the beauty and value of your home.
• Keep in mind that heavy countertop materials such as concrete and stone surfaces may require bracing.
• Decide early on if you want to opt for eco-friendly countertop alternatives such as recycled glass, paper composite, and bamboo. These are not as readily available as other countertops and may require extra days for shipping or procurement.
• Get a countertop sample from your local store and test it in your home for color and how it reacts to stains and cleansers.
• Do your research before determining the right countertop material for your needs.
• Always ask your installer if edging, installation, and sealing costs are included in the total countertop price per square foot.
• Get all the information on how to care for your new countertop before finalizing your choice of material.
• Get a written contract from your contractor with a warranty or guarantee that details the payment process.
• Though you can install countertops any time of the year, it's more economical to avoid the spring and summer rush.

These steps will help you avoid unexpected hassles and issues, and make your countertop installation project run smoothly.