What Is Linear Foot Pricing? Definition & Guide
Quick Definition
Linear foot pricing is a countertop pricing method based on the length of the counter run (measured in linear feet) rather than the total surface area. A linear foot is 12 inches of counter length, typically assuming a standard depth of 25.5 inches. This model is most commonly used for straight-run countertops, prefabricated materials, and edge profile charges. While less common than square foot pricing for custom stone fabrication, linear foot pricing shows up frequently in big-box retail, prefab countertop sales, and as a component within broader quotes for edge work and backsplash.
TL;DR
- Linear foot pricing charges by the length of the countertop rather than the total area
- Assumes a standard counter depth (usually 25.5") - deeper counters cost more
- Most commonly used for prefab countertops, laminate, and big-box retail sales
- Custom stone fabricators primarily use it for edge profile and backsplash pricing, not full jobs
- Typical range: $40-$100/linear foot for prefab granite, $100-$250+/linear foot for custom stone
- Simpler than sqft pricing for basic layouts but fails with L-shapes, islands, and non-standard depths
- SlabWise supports both sqft and linear foot pricing models with automatic conversion
How Linear Foot Pricing Works
The concept is straightforward: measure the total length of countertop in feet, multiply by the per-linear-foot rate.
Example:
- Kitchen counter run: 14 linear feet
- Material: Prefab granite
- Rate: $65/linear foot (installed)
- Price: 14 x $65 = $910
The rate assumes a standard 25.5-inch depth. If the counter is deeper - a common scenario with islands or peninsula sections - the price goes up because more material is used.
Where Linear Foot Pricing Is Used
Prefabricated Countertops
Prefab granite and quartz slabs come in standard dimensions (typically 96" or 108" long by 25.5" deep). Since the depth is fixed, pricing by linear foot makes sense. Home Depot, Lowe's, and similar retailers commonly use this model.
Laminate Countertops
Post-formed laminate countertops are sold in standard lengths with fixed depths. Linear foot pricing is the industry standard for laminate.
Edge Profile Charges
Even shops that price the main countertop by the square foot often charge edge profiles by the linear foot. This makes sense because edge work is directly proportional to the length of the exposed edge, not the total counter area.
| Edge Type | Typical Linear Foot Price |
|---|---|
| Eased/flat | Often included in sqft rate |
| Small bevel | $5-$10/linear foot |
| Half bullnose | $10-$18/linear foot |
| Full bullnose | $15-$25/linear foot |
| Ogee | $18-$30/linear foot |
| Dupont | $20-$35/linear foot |
| Waterfall mitered | $40-$80/linear foot |
| Laminated (doubled) edge | $30-$60/linear foot |
Backsplash
Backsplash is frequently priced per linear foot at a given height (typically 4" or 6" standard). Full-height backsplash up to 18" may be priced per square foot instead.
Straight-Run Commercial Jobs
Commercial projects with long, straight counter runs - think break rooms, reception desks, or nurse stations - sometimes use linear foot pricing because the layouts are simple and depths are standard.
Linear Foot vs. Square Foot Pricing
| Factor | Linear Foot | Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Straight runs, standard depth | Any layout, any depth |
| Handles L-shapes | Poorly | Well |
| Handles islands | Poorly (non-standard depth) | Well |
| Industry standard for custom stone | No | Yes |
| Customer understanding | Moderate | High |
| Common in retail | Yes | Less common |
| Common in custom fabrication | For edges/backsplash only | For full quotes |
The Conversion Math
Converting between linear foot and square foot pricing is simple when the counter depth is standard:
- 1 linear foot at 25.5" depth = 2.125 square feet
- $75/sqft = approximately $159/linear foot
- $65/linear foot = approximately $30.59/sqft
This conversion becomes unreliable when counter depths vary - which they do on islands (often 36"-42" deep), peninsula sections, and commercial work.
Problems With Linear Foot Pricing for Custom Work
Non-Standard Depths Break the Model
A kitchen counter at 25.5" depth and an island at 42" depth have very different material requirements per linear foot. If you price both at the same per-linear-foot rate, you're losing money on the island.
L-Shapes and U-Shapes Create Confusion
Where an L-shaped counter meets at the corner, how do you measure the linear footage? Do you count the corner section once or twice? Different shops measure differently, which leads to inconsistent quotes and customer confusion.
Waste Isn't Proportional to Length
A 14-linear-foot straight run generates almost no waste. A 14-linear-foot L-shape with a 90-degree corner might waste 3-4 square feet at the joint. Linear foot pricing doesn't account for this.
Cutouts Have No Relation to Length
Sink and cooktop cutouts take the same labor whether the counter is 8 linear feet or 20 linear feet. Linear foot pricing spreads these costs unevenly.
Customer Expectations From Big-Box Retail
Homeowners who've seen $65/linear foot pricing at Home Depot expect that rate from custom fabricators. But big-box pricing reflects prefab material and simpler fabrication - not custom slab work with templating, precision cuts, and on-site installation.
When Linear Foot Pricing Makes Sense
Despite its limitations, linear foot pricing has legitimate applications:
Simple, Straight Countertop Runs
A laundry room counter, a straight bathroom vanity, or a utility room work surface with standard depth and no complex features - linear foot pricing works fine here.
Edge Pricing as a Line Item
Charging edges per linear foot within a sqft-based quote is standard practice and makes good sense. Edge labor is directly proportional to edge length.
Quick Preliminary Estimates
When a homeowner wants a rough budget number over the phone, a linear foot estimate gives them something useful in seconds. "Our Level 2 granite runs about $140-$175 per linear foot installed, and your kitchen is roughly 18 linear feet - so you're looking at $2,500-$3,150 as a starting point."
Prefab Sales
If your shop sells prefabricated countertops alongside custom work, linear foot pricing is appropriate for the prefab line.
How to Set Linear Foot Rates
Step 1: Start With Your Sqft Rate
If you already know your all-in sqft rate for a material, multiply by the standard depth in square feet (25.5" / 12 = 2.125 sqft per linear foot).
Example: $75/sqft x 2.125 = $159.38/linear foot
Step 2: Adjust for Included Features
Decide what the linear foot rate includes. Standard edge? Basic installation? One sink cutout per 10 linear feet? Document your inclusions clearly.
Step 3: Set Depth Surcharges
For counters deeper than standard, add a surcharge per additional inch of depth per linear foot. This prevents losses on island and peninsula sections.
Step 4: Establish Minimums
Small jobs need minimums. A 3-linear-foot bathroom vanity at $150/linear foot generates $450 - often not enough to cover the template, fabrication setup, and installation trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is linear foot pricing for countertops?
Linear foot pricing charges for countertops based on the total length of the counter run, typically assuming a standard depth of 25.5 inches. It's most common for prefabricated countertops and edge profile charges.
How much do countertops cost per linear foot?
Prefab granite typically runs $40-$100/linear foot installed. Custom granite is $100-$200/linear foot. Custom quartz ranges from $110-$250/linear foot. Premium marble and quartzite can exceed $300/linear foot.
How do I convert linear foot pricing to square foot pricing?
Multiply the linear foot price by 12, then divide by the counter depth in inches. Or more simply: divide the linear foot price by 2.125 (for standard 25.5" depth counters) to get an approximate sqft rate.
Why do custom fabricators prefer square foot pricing over linear foot?
Because square foot pricing accurately accounts for varying depths, irregular shapes, and different counter configurations. Linear foot pricing breaks down with islands, L-shapes, and non-standard depths.
When should a fabrication shop use linear foot pricing?
For edge profile charges, backsplash, prefabricated countertop sales, and quick preliminary estimates on simple straight-run counters.
Does linear foot pricing include installation?
It depends on the shop. Big-box retailers typically include basic installation in their linear foot rate. Custom fabricators may break out installation separately.
How do I measure my countertop in linear feet?
Measure the total length of each counter section along the front edge. Add all sections together. Don't include the depth measurement - that's assumed at standard (25.5").
Why are linear foot prices at Home Depot lower than custom fabricators?
Big-box retailers sell prefabricated countertops with limited material options, standard edges, and simpler installation. Custom fabricators template, cut, polish, and install from raw slabs with more options and precision.
Is linear foot pricing good for L-shaped kitchens?
Not ideal. The corner creates measurement confusion and material waste that linear foot pricing doesn't capture well. Square foot pricing handles L-shapes more accurately.
Can quoting software handle linear foot pricing?
Yes. Platforms like SlabWise support both sqft and linear foot pricing models, with automatic conversion between the two and adjustments for non-standard depths.
What's a standard countertop depth for linear foot pricing?
25.5 inches for standard counters over base cabinets. Islands are often 36"-42" deep and bar tops may be 12"-18" deep - both require adjusted linear foot rates.
Should I use linear foot or square foot pricing for my shop?
Most custom fabrication shops should use sqft pricing as their primary model. Linear foot pricing works well as a secondary model for edge profiles, backsplash, and prefab sales.
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Sources
- Natural Stone Institute - Countertop Pricing and Measurement Standards
- Kitchen & Bath Business - "Pricing Models in Countertop Retail vs. Custom" (2024)
- ISFA - Fabrication Estimating Guidelines
- Stone World Magazine - "Linear Foot vs. Square Foot: Which Pricing Model Works" (2024)
- National Kitchen & Bath Association - Consumer Pricing Transparency Report
- Remodeling Magazine - Cost vs. Value Report 2024