When it comes to the kitchen, we all know that this space can be the heart of our homes. Whether your kitchen (or ideal kitchen) is bright and airy or takes design notes from classic blue and white patterns, a beautifully functional kitchen is a welcoming space for all to cook and dwell.
For many home cooks, the recipe to success depends on having reliable and functional kitchen countertops, ideally adding to the overall aesthetic as well. Now the question arises: If you're looking to give your kitchen a face-lift with new countertops, how much does it cost to update?
We tapped Home Care Expert, Bailey Carson, at Angi to give us the lowdown on kitchen counter renovations.
Laurey W. Glenn
Cost of Updating Kitchen Counters
Modern home renovations have varying costs depending on the material, square footage, layout, and location. However, Carson shares that installing countertops tends to range from $1,860 to $4,340. However, estimates can be as low as $400 or clock in well over $8,000 depending on the factors above.
Homeowners looking to update their kitchen counters should note that countertops are typically priced by square foot, ranging from $10 to $70 per square foot.
Just as the cost of living fluctuates from state to state, the cost of home renovations varies as well. Carson says that the average cost of countertops in Charlotte, North Carolina, is $1,627 to $3,309. The price in Dallas, Texas, ranges from $1,565 to $3,560. To update counter space in Austin, Texas, the price point is likely between $2,124 and $4,874.
Cost of Natural Stone / Quartz Countertops
Whether your personal home décor taste leans toward marble or granite, tile or porcelain, there are a number of countertop materials to select from when refreshing the heart of your home. Just as there is a variety of materials to choose from, each has its own pros, cons, and price ranges.
Carson shares that while natural stone materials (quartz, granite, marble, etc.) are on-trend, they tend to be more costly than synthetic materials (acrylic and laminate).
"[Quartz] is a beautiful, strong, and durable option for countertops," Carson says. "Because of the high quality of the stone, quartz is expensive, but it's also long-lasting." The average cost for quartz countertops ranges from $50 to $200 per square foot, contingent on the stone and kitchen layout.
Cost of Granite Countertops
According to Carson, granite is similar to quartz as it is durable and similarly priced, ranging from $80 to $180 per square foot. Unlike quartz, which does not need resealing, "granite needs annual resealing, because it's relatively porous and can stain from water or certain cleaning products, so it requires a bit more maintenance than some alternatives. Granite is easy to install, as it can be added to existing countertops for a visual and protective boost."
Marble, popular on Instagram as well as Pinterest boards, can be priced from $15 to $190 per square foot depending on the quality. When opting for marble countertops, note the potential increase in the installation price. Our expert shares that the cost of labor ranges greatly from $35 to $45 per hour or $25 to $220 per square foot, contingent on the contractor and the level of difficulty.
Copper countertops are on the rise and Carson believes it's because they're both antimicrobial and easy to clean. They can set you back between $5,500 and $9,625 on average for a 55-square foot countertop.
Cost of Synthetic Countertop Materials
If you're looking for budget-friendly options for your countertop update, there are some lower cost per-square-foot varieties to keep in mind. Synthetic materials are typically less expensive than natural stone, with laminate and acrylic being the most cost-effective choices. "Soapstone and tile are also lower-cost options for countertop materials, but they come with some weaknesses like low durability and limited color options," says Carson.
Solid surfaces, comprised of a combination of mineral dust and plastic resins, are least pricey compared to natural stones of quartz or granite, but still have a fresh aesthetic. Laminate surfaces come in an array of colors as well as styles and, according to Carson, are more cost-effective. But with that comes a con: Laminate countertops damage easily. Thankfully they can be protected with the right care, lasting up to 20 to 30 years. When damaged, they can't be repaired, but can easily be replaced and reinstalled.
Soapstone is a fresh, modern, and affordable option as it's low-maintenance as well as simple to clean. Soapstone countertops can cost around $20 to $70 per square foot (not including installation). Soapstone has a high heat resistance and is not easily stained, though it does scratch easily.
Cost of Tile Countertops
Lastly, tile is another budget-friendly option to consider. Ceramic tile varies from $1 to $15 per square foot and porcelain tiles range in price from $3 to $28 per square foot. Homeowners looking at tile should note that tile isn't a traditional option for countertops as it can break, chip, and scratch easily. Carson shares that tile is a better fit for kitchen backsplashes as opposed to countertops. Duly noted!
Is granite or quartz less expensive to use for countertops?
Granite and quartz are expensive countertops options. According to Consumer Reports, both granite and quartz cost about $40 to $100 per square foot. However, when selling your home, quartz is more valuable as it is a buyer's preference.
What is the most budget-friendly countertop option?
Several budget-friendly countertop options are durable while remaining affordable. Laminate is generally considered one of the least expensive options. Tile, acrylic-based, and polyester-based materials are also inexpensive countertop materials.
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You might think that the most important part of your kitchen is your appliances. When it comes to preparing food, you might be right. But when it comes to creating the vibe that attracts eyes and makes you want to spend time in your kitchen — then it’s all about your countertops.
New countertops are a widely popular component in a kitchen remodel. They remain the most common upgraded or updated feature, chosen by 90 percent of renovating homeowners in the 2023 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study. The report also found that the top three reasons for picking new countertop materials include look and feel (chosen by 69 percent of surveyed homeowners), durability (57 percent) and easy to clean and sanitize (38 percent).
The cost of kitchen counters can vary significantly, most typically anywhere from $15 to $70 per square foot, according to HomeAdvisor estimates. The contractor search service places the national average cost to install new countertops at $3,102, with prices ranging typically between $1,859 and $4,346.
That’s why it’s smart to research the subject before committing to a kitchen redo. Let’s go beneath the surface to see how much it costs to install or replace kitchen countertops, and what influences the prices.
Countertops come in a variety of types at various prices. In general, the material represents about half the total cost of installing the countertop.
Quartz countertops are engineered out of quartz particles, bound together by resin and other materials. The result is a beautiful, uniform substance that can provide the aesthetic of marble veining, but at a substantially lower price — the reason quartz remains the most popular countertop material (chosen by 36 percent of homeowners polled), according to the 2023 Houzz study. Engineered stone quartz has many different color and style options available, and costs $50-$200 a square foot.
Granite countertops are the second most popular option (selected by 23 percent of homeowners surveyed), according to Houzz. They have a reputation for being stylish and elegant, the type of material that often stands out in a kitchen and helps add home value. They can be quite expensive, though, costing $40 to $100 a square foot, HomeAdvisor says.
Concrete may sound unappealing, strictly for those who are into an industrial-chic look, but these polished slabs actually come in a variety of colors and appealing stains. They are heavy, heat resistant and nearly impossible to damage — provided you cover with a good sealant. They are also very expensive, priced at about $50-$150 a square foot, according to HomeAdvisor.
Marble always connotes luxury, partially because no two slabs are ever the same — and partially because its upkeep is high. But some swear nothing can match its elegant veining and range of hues. Expect to pay between $40 to $100 per square foot, HomeAdvisor reports.
Tile countertops provide a traditional, old-fashioned-kitchen look. Usually made of porcelain or ceramic, tiles can come in many shapes, forms and colors, making them one of the most versatile materials available — ranging in price from $1 to $100 per square foot, per HomeAdvisor. (Of the most popular tile materials, ceramic runs $1 to $15 per square foot and porcelain $3 to $28 per square foot, according to Angi). You can also install a tile countertop yourself to save on labor expenses. But they’re fragile and tough to clean.
Wood countertops can provide a country feel to your kitchen and serve as chopping boards. These range in price from $20-$140 — the price can climb considerably depending on the type of hardwood, its finish and how much countertop space you have.
Laminate countertops could be the simplest and cheapest option available. You can install them yourself and have an easy-to-clean surface ready to go in your kitchen. Laminate might not provide the standout look of other options, but it gets the job done and is affordable, starting at as little as $10 a square foot and topping out at $40.
Solid surface is a generic name for countertops made of acrylics and other artificial materials; Corian is one of the better-known and better-quality brands. Nonporous and highly durable, these countertops can mimic the look of almost any natural stone for a fraction of the cost, making them the best of both worlds for budgeteers. They run about $20 to $40 a square foot, though Corian can be as high as $75.
Countertops made from stainless steel or copper are having a moment: It’s that whole industrial-chic look, plus copper is anti-bacterial. They’re durable and low maintenance, though sometimes steel can scratch. Both are pricey, running from $70 to $215 a square foot.
On average, count on setting aside $15 to $70 per square foot to replace your kitchen countertops, HomeAdvisor says. But you could pay as little as $1 per square foot to $190 or more for every square foot, depending on the countertop materials you choose.
Star AltKeep in mind: Natural stones often carry the highest price tag, while synthetic materials like laminate run cheaper — though also may produce a cheaper look.
The materials cost is only roughly half the bill. Experts estimate that 50 percent of your expense will go toward labor. Averaged-sized kitchen countertop replacements tally around $300 to $1,650 in labor, per HomeAdvisor. Materials like concrete or granite are heavy, with slabs for larger countertops weighing over 200 pounds. Installing such countertops typically requires multiple workers and sometimes specialized equipment for trimming, sanding, and sealing. Therefore, it is necessary to hire a professional for the job. On the other hand, you can DIY materials like tiles and laminates, although accurately placing tiles can be challenging.
The dimensions of the countertop are also a factor to consider, as they affect the amount of material required: the larger, the pricier. Unconventional shapes can add extra costs as well. If you need to customize the countertop by cutting it into a unique shape to fit your space, you will have to pay an additional fee for that customization.
The way your counter is finished at the edges and corners plays a role in its price. On average, homeowners pay $5 per linear foot, according to Home Advisor, but it can go as high as $20 or even more per linear foot. For intricate and decorative edges carved into natural stone slabs, that price tag can reach up to $60 per linear foot. There are several types of edging options available, including:
While the majority of countertops typically feature sharp 90-degree corners, there is an option to add a corner treatment to give them a rounded appearance. The cost of such corner treatments varies and can range, Home Advisor reports, from $55 to $135 per corner.
The backsplash completes the look of a kitchen and, of course, protects the walls. Expect to pay around $11 per square foot to $310 or more per square foot, with installation included, Home Advisor indicates. Backsplash materials include cheaper options like beadboard or ceramic, vinyl, porcelain or slate tile to more expensive choices like marble, granite, stainless steel or glass tile.
While many contractors will include the cost of removing your older countertops in their quote, you may be charged extra or see the expense itemized on your work order. Anticipate forking over an extra $50 to $300 to remove old materials, including countertops.
What you pay for countertops will also depend on the location of your kitchen. For example, if you plan to create an outdoor kitchen, the cost per square foot to have countertops installed could range from $10 to $100. While the labor isn’t all that different, you might be limited to more expensive materials, like natural stone or stainless steel. Most synthetic or engineered materials aren’t suitable for the outdoors.
Countertops are one part fashion and one part function, and you’ll want to pick a countertop that will fit your lifestyle and kitchen’s functionality. You’ll also need it to fit your budget, though. Consider the cost of the material, which will make up probably 50 percent of your final price. It could be the single biggest cost influencer in your countertop installation.
Materials in turn influence labor costs. A contractor likely will account for around 50 percent of your overall countertop installation bill. Though you can save to some extent by installing the countertop yourself, bear in mind that heavy metal or natural stone materials won’t be an option if you choose the DIY route.
You might try to keep your costs down by choosing a cheaper material, but remember, that can impact the value of your home if it ever goes on the market. A snazzy kitchen can really sell a home.
So installing quality countertops can be an investment, even though doing so kicks a kitchen remodel into the major leagues. Given the amount of time you’ll see and use them, though, it is worth it to spend on a look that you love.