How much does it cost to install countertops?

The cost of countertop installation will depend on multiple factors. One of the most important is where you live and how much professionals in your area charge for their services. Whether you plan to add new quartz, granite or laminate countertops in your home, read this guide to learn how to estimate the cost of your new kitchen counters and contact countertop installation pros in your area to get a more accurate price estimate. 

Depending on the material you choose and the labor rates in your city, installing bathroom or kitchen countertops can cost anywhere from $11 to $200 per square foot. 

Whether you want high-grade granite or less expensive plastic laminate countertops, the cost of your installation will likely be calculated per square foot. This is the most effective way for professionals to measure because countertop materials will have a uniform thickness across the entire counter, allowing them to multiply the price of the material (whether it’s quartz countertops, a granite slab or other natural stone, or laminate) by the area.

The largest factor that impacts how much your new kitchen countertops will cost is the type of material you choose. New countertops made from strong materials like granite and natural stone will cost more than laminate countertops and other budget-friendly options. 

Countertop costs per square foot:

Sources: 2020 National Repair & Remodeling Estimator and Home Depot

Ceramic tile counters

Made from hardened clay, ceramic tile costs an estimated $11 to $18 per square foot to install. Generally, installing tile tends to be less expensive than other materials. 

Ceramic tiles provide a beautiful, Old World look for kitchen countertops. They’re also a popular backsplash option. With a mid-grade price, ceramic offers a lot of personality and are a great choice for do-it-yourselfers. 

However, there are some cons. For example, wide grout lines between tiles collect grime and can erode (which is why it’s important to stay on top of tile and grout maintenance). And although ceramic is heat-resistant, it isn't heat-proof and can chip.

Laminate or Formica countertops

Laminate or Formica countertops cost approximately $27 to $34 per square foot. It’s typically made of layers of plastics, resins and kraft paper. The layers are topped with decorated print and clear protective films. In the past, laminate countertops were seen as "cheap", but laminate has come a long way, offering nearly limitless color and design options and providing an economical choice for those on a budget.

While Formica and laminate countertops are easy to maintain, even higher-priced new laminate countertops will have a shorter lifespan than those made of more durable materials like marble, quartz and granite. Due to their softer texture and synthetic composition, laminate countertops are easier to damage and more difficult to repair. Still, laminate countertops are relatively easy to clean and maintain.

Wood counters

The look of authentic wood will never go out of style, and wooden butcher block countertops are no exception. Made from hardwoods with unique grains, butcher block counters bring warmth and personality to any kitchen. They cost $34 to $41 per square foot, but costs can vary widely depending on the type of wood you choose. 

Also, wooden countertops come with their own set of considerations. For example, they’re easy to stain, ding and scratch. And they can absorb liquids, which causes warping and discoloration. So if you opt for butcher block counters, make sure they last by staying on top of regular maintenance, such as refinishing and resurfacing.

Engineered stone counters

Engineered stone costs an estimated $35 to $77 per square foot to install. It’s an affordable alternative to natural stones like granite and marble. It’s made by combining crushed stone like quartz and marble with a resinous adhesive, creating a stone-like material with interesting textures. Because quartz is such a common material within them, engineered stone counters are often referred to as quartz counters.

Engineered stone counters are extremely predictable — you know exactly the look and feel of what you’re buying. It’s more resistant to stains and spills compared to natural stone, and you have a plethora of styles, colors and designs. However, it can be difficult to create curves and engineered stone countertops occasionally look “too perfect” and unnatural due to their high uniformity.

Granite countertops

Featuring large cuts from slabs of stone and costing about $40 to $200 per square foot, granite is one of the highest-quality options for countertops on the market. They provide a durable, heat-resistant, stunning surface that’s both scratch-resistant and stain-resistant when properly sealed by a pro. Plus, there are a number of different granite colors available to complement your decor. 

Still, accidents can cause cracking and chipping in granite countertops. Granite is porous, so it must be sealed to prevent stains. And keep in that it’s likely seams will be invisible, but you can talk to a contractor about ways to make them inconspicuous.

Concrete counters

Costing about $52 to $93 per square foot to install, concrete countertops are becoming increasingly popular in a number of styles, from farmhouse and contemporary to industrial and modern. Concrete is a great choice for those seeking a durable, custom and trendy countertop. 

If you’re considering this material, know that concrete is porous — it must be properly sealed to keep out water, oil and other liquids. And, prices can be high, so make sure you discuss your budget and options with a contractor before you commit.

Related article: How much does concrete cost?

Quartz countertops

Quartz countertops cost $74 to $99 per square foot to install. But did you know they’re actually not made of pure quartz? Nope, they’re simply another name for engineered stone. 

Quartz countertops cost less than pure stone and provide a clean, uniform look throughout the kitchen. They’re pretty durable and stain-resistant, too. 

Stainless steel counters

If you’re looking for a material that countertop contractors install in industrial kitchens and restaurants worldwide, choose stainless steel. It’s sturdy, looks elegant and high-end, and has reflective properties that give your kitchen a larger look.

However, stainless steel is also the most expensive option at $175 to $200 per square foot. Although it’s resistant to rust and stains, it’s possible to scratch and dent stainless steel counters. And you might need to wipe down the surface regularly to get rid of fingerprints and smudges.

Pros calculate the cost of installing a countertop by square footage and by the type of material, but there are additional factors that may be factored into the price. 

Removing existing counters

If you’re replacing your countertops — that is, removing one countertop and installing a new one — the existing material will have to be removed and hauled away, which can add around $9 per square foot.

Edge treatments

The edge profile of your countertop will add to the cost of your project. It’s often calculated by the linear foot. The type of edge you choose will affect the total countertop installation process and will include some of the following choices: 

• No-drip edge. Typically used for laminate countertops and features a slight rise along the edge to prevent spills.
• Eased edge. A smoothed corner or rounded edges that gives a gentler appearance.
• Beveled edge: Instead of a sharp 90-degree edge, an intermediate 45-degree angle softens the appearance and feel.
• Bullnose edge: Typically used with granite countertops for a classic look, a bullnose edge is also rounded.

Buff and polishing

Buffing and polishing stone countertops may cost extra but it depends on the material. Aged countertops can also be buffed and repolished to restore them to like-new condition.

Backsplash

The kitchen’s backsplash may not contain the same material as your countertop, but it should complement it in some way. Dark countertops may look nice with a light backsplash, neutral countertops with a colorful one, glass countertops with a tile one, and so on. The type of material and square footage will determine your total cost.

Sink cut-outs

The type of sink you choose can affect the type of sink cut-out you need. An undermount sink requires mounting the sink from underneath and is the most expensive kind to install. It works best with a waterproof countertop material because the edge will be exposed to splashes. A top-mount (or drop-in) sink drops into the countertop cut-out from the top

Material grade

Most countertop materials come in a range of different grades. Granite and marble have different veining and coloration; engineered stone has different resins and stone content; laminate Formica has different grades of plastics. Generally, you get what you pay for with material grades, with higher grades often having greater heat or scratch resistance.

Complexity

More complex shapes require more work to form and install. If your countertop cannot fit in easily or has multiple complex cutouts, it might be more expensive.

Countertops may be complex, but hiring a high-quality countertop contractor isn’t. Search online for countertop pros in your neighborhood so you can quickly read their reviews and ratings as you browse through photos of counters they’ve installed in the past. 

Once you have a few companies or contractors who seem like a good fit, contact three to five different pros and ask them important questions about your project, such as:

• How soon could they complete it?
• What types of edging do they offer?
• What would they need from you to estimate the cost of the project?
• What kind of material do you recommend for my budget and needs?

Make sure you give them the dimensions of your countertop, the material (granite, laminate, quartz, etc.) you want, the number and size of the cut-outs, the type of edge treatment you want and whether you’ll want a backsplash from them. Ask for a free estimate, and keep these for reference before making your decision. 

Read our Smart Hiring guide on Thumbtack for more information on how to look up credentials.

Countertop installation is a precise job that has a dramatic effect on the look, feel and function of your kitchen or bathroom. Find the best professionals in your area by searching for pros on Thumbtack today.