How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace Countertops?
Typical Range:
$1,865 - $4,415
Typical Range:
$1,865 - $4,415
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 10,760 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data
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Updated January 16, 2023
Reviewed by Andy Kilborn, Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor.A new countertop can completely transform your kitchen or bathroom, whether you’re looking for a simple refresh or a top-to-bottom renovation. The average homeowner spends $3,132 on the cost of replacing countertops, with a typical range between $1,865 and $4,415. Depending on the project, it could cost as little as $400 or as much as $8,000.
When you choose materials for your home, it’s important to consider what they’ll be up against on a daily basis. In a kitchen, they need to withstand scratches, nicks, and burns. In a bathroom, they will combat high moisture levels and frequent heat. Below, we’ll discuss factors contributing to the overall cost, including countertop removal, installation, cabinets, and sealing.
2022 Notice: Material Prices Are Surging
Demand for siding and other building materials has grown over the past year. And as a result, manufacturers are increasing materials prices. Prices have gone up 5% to 10% this year, and many parts of the country are experiencing long delivery times. If you're planning a building project, we recommend starting as early as possible in the season, preparing for potential price fluctuations, and allowing extra time to order materials.
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National Average | $3,132 |
Typical Range | $1,865 - $4,415 |
Low End - High End | $400 - $11,500 |
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 10,760 HomeAdvisor members.
Materials make up the largest cost factor, but depending on your countertop size, cutouts, tile, slab, and whether you choose custom or prefab countertops, labor prices may account for half of your allotted budget.
See the estimated average percentages your factors contribute to your total cost.
Most countertop materials cost between $1 and $190 per square foot, with an average price of $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.
The type of countertops you choose make up most of your cost and strongly influence labor costs. In general, the more you spend on countertops, the more you’ll pay for labor. More intricate installations, custom countertops, corner treatments, cutouts, and removal and disposal will add to your total, depending on your project specifics.
Homeowners spend an average of $3,132 to replace their kitchen or bathroom countertops.
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 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.
Material | Cost (per Square Foot) | Cost Including Labor (per Square Foot) |
---|---|---|
Granite | $40 – $100 | $50 – $130 |
Soapstone | $20 – $70 | $30 – $100 |
Slate | $20 – $70 | $50 – $150 |
Limestone | $10 – $70 | $20 – $100 |
Travertine | $5 – $50 | $15 – $80 |
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.
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.
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 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.
Material | Cost per Square Foot | Cost Including Labor |
---|---|---|
Engineered Stone Quartz | $50 – $200 | $60 – $230 |
Corian | $20 – $75 | $30 – $105 |
Acrylic | $13 – $30 | $23 – $60 |
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 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 is an affordable, non-porous, and highly-customizable option made from100% resin. Homeowners typically spend $1,300 to $3,300 to install resin 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.
Material | Cost per Square Foot | Cost Including Labor |
---|---|---|
Laminate | $10 – $40 | $40 – $80 |
Stainless Steel | $70 – $215 | $80 – $225 |
Ceramic or Porcelain | $1 – $100 | $11 – $130 |
Butcher Block | $20 – $70 | $40 – $100 |
Wood | $20 – $140 | $30 – $170 |
Concrete | $50 – $150 | $60 – $180 |
Copper | $70 – $100 | $100 – $175 |
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 countertops are uncommon, but they have a unique metallic finish. The cost of copper countertop installation is around $5,550 to $9,600.
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.
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.
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
Installing a new countertop costs less than replacing an old one, but there are multiple factors that impact the total price.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
If you’re looking to lower the cost of replacing countertops, choose budget-friendly materials like laminate or opt for prefab countertops instead of a custom design.
The cost to replace a kitchen island is anywhere from $100 to $10,000. The average kitchen island has about 22 square feet of counter space, which typically costs $550 to $2,640 to replace (plus the removal of the old countertop).
If you’re swapping out your old countertop for one that’s made from a heavier material, it’s likely that your existing cabinets won’t be able to support the weight without additional work. In this case, you may want to replace your cabinets, although it’s not always a requirement.
"When deciding on a new countertop, determine if you want to make any changes to your layout and cabinets,” says Kilborn. “It's a great opportunity to make these changes."