How Much Do Countertops Cost?
What Determines Countertop Pricing?
Countertop costs depend on your material choice, project size, edge profile, number of cutouts, and local labor rates. A standard kitchen countertop project typically runs between $2,000 and $10,000 installed, with most homeowners spending $3,500 to $6,500. The material you choose accounts for roughly 60-70% of the total cost, while fabrication and installation make up the rest.
TL;DR
- Average kitchen countertop project: $3,500-$6,500 installed for 30-50 square feet
- Material costs per square foot (installed): Laminate $15-$40, Granite $40-$100, Quartz $50-$120, Marble $60-$150, Quartzite $70-$150
- Fabrication and installation add $20-$40/sq ft on top of material costs
- Edge profiles, sink cutouts, and backsplashes each add $200-$1,000+ to the total
- Get 3 quotes from local fabricators to compare - prices vary significantly by region
- The cheapest quote is not always the best value - ask about material quality, warranty, and included services
- Budget an extra 10-15% beyond your estimate for unexpected adjustments
Countertop Costs by Material (2026 Pricing)
All prices below reflect typical installed costs including material, fabrication, and basic installation. Prices vary by region, project complexity, and specific stone or brand selection.
Natural Stone Countertops
| Material | Cost Per Sq Ft (Installed) | 30 Sq Ft Kitchen | 50 Sq Ft Kitchen | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granite | $40-$100 | $1,200-$3,000 | $2,000-$5,000 | Very High |
| Marble | $60-$150 | $1,800-$4,500 | $3,000-$7,500 | Medium (porous) |
| Quartzite | $70-$150 | $2,100-$4,500 | $3,500-$7,500 | Very High |
| Soapstone | $70-$120 | $2,100-$3,600 | $3,500-$6,000 | High |
Engineered and Manufactured Countertops
| Material | Cost Per Sq Ft (Installed) | 30 Sq Ft Kitchen | 50 Sq Ft Kitchen | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $15-$40 | $450-$1,200 | $750-$2,000 | Low-Medium |
| Solid Surface (Corian) | $40-$80 | $1,200-$2,400 | $2,000-$4,000 | Medium |
| Quartz (Engineered) | $50-$120 | $1,500-$3,600 | $2,500-$6,000 | Very High |
| Porcelain | $50-$100 | $1,500-$3,000 | $2,500-$5,000 | Very High |
| Dekton/Sintered Stone | $60-$130 | $1,800-$3,900 | $3,000-$6,500 | Very High |
Other Countertop Materials
| Material | Cost Per Sq Ft (Installed) | 30 Sq Ft Kitchen | 50 Sq Ft Kitchen | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butcher Block | $40-$80 | $1,200-$2,400 | $2,000-$4,000 | Medium |
| Concrete | $65-$135 | $1,950-$4,050 | $3,250-$6,750 | High |
| Stainless Steel | $80-$150 | $2,400-$4,500 | $4,000-$7,500 | Very High |
| Recycled Glass | $50-$100 | $1,500-$3,000 | $2,500-$5,000 | Medium-High |
What Is Included in the Price?
Understanding what goes into a countertop quote helps you compare prices accurately.
Typical Inclusions
| Component | Usually Included | Sometimes Extra |
|---|---|---|
| Material (slab) | Yes | - |
| Fabrication (cutting, shaping) | Yes | - |
| Basic edge profile | Yes (eased or flat) | Upgraded edges |
| Standard installation | Yes | - |
| Sink cutout | Sometimes | $150-$400 |
| Cooktop cutout | Sometimes | $150-$300 |
| Faucet holes | Usually | - |
| Template/measure | Usually | $150-$300 if separate |
| Sealing (natural stone) | Usually first application | - |
| Removal of old countertops | Sometimes | $200-$500 |
| Plumbing disconnect/reconnect | Rarely | $150-$400 (usually your plumber) |
Common Add-On Costs
| Add-On | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Upgraded edge profile (ogee, bullnose, mitered) | $10-$30/linear foot |
| Backsplash (4" standard) | $15-$40/linear foot |
| Full-height backsplash | $30-$60/sq ft |
| Waterfall edge (island sides) | $500-$2,000 per side |
| Extra sink cutout | $150-$400 |
| Undermount sink installation | $150-$300 |
| Seam placement/matching | Included but complex layouts cost more |
| Old countertop removal and disposal | $200-$500 |
Factors That Affect Your Final Price
1. Material Grade and Color
Within any material type, prices range widely based on color and rarity:
- Granite: Level 1 (basic colors) starts at $40/sq ft installed. Exotic granites (Blue Bahia, Van Gogh) can exceed $200/sq ft.
- Quartz: Standard colors (solid whites, basic patterns) start at $50/sq ft. Premium collections from Cambria or Silestone can reach $120+/sq ft.
- Marble: Carrara starts around $60/sq ft. Calacatta Gold can exceed $200/sq ft.
2. Project Size and Layout
Larger projects have lower per-square-foot costs because fabrication setup costs are spread across more material. However, complex layouts with many corners, angles, and cutouts increase labor time and cost.
| Project Size | Approximate Per-Sq-Ft Impact |
|---|---|
| Under 20 sq ft | Higher per-sq-ft (minimum charges apply) |
| 20-40 sq ft | Standard pricing |
| 40-60 sq ft | Slight per-sq-ft discount |
| 60+ sq ft | Best per-sq-ft pricing, potential volume discount |
3. Edge Profiles
| Edge Profile | Added Cost | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Eased/Flat | Included in most quotes | Simple, modern |
| Beveled | $5-$10/linear foot | Subtle angle |
| Half Bullnose | $8-$15/linear foot | Rounded top edge |
| Full Bullnose | $10-$20/linear foot | Fully rounded |
| Ogee | $15-$25/linear foot | Traditional S-curve |
| Dupont | $15-$25/linear foot | Stepped profile |
| Mitered | $20-$40/linear foot | Thick, modern look |
| Waterfall | $500-$2,000/side | Flows down sides |
4. Number of Seams
Every slab has a maximum size (typically 55" x 120"). Kitchens with long runs or L-shapes require seams where pieces join. Seams are included in standard pricing, but complex matching (bookmatch, vein matching) costs more.
5. Geographic Location
Countertop prices vary significantly by region:
| Region | Price Factor |
|---|---|
| Northeast (NYC, Boston) | 20-40% above national average |
| West Coast (LA, SF, Seattle) | 15-30% above average |
| Southeast (Atlanta, Charlotte) | Near average |
| Midwest (Chicago, Minneapolis) | Near average |
| Southwest (Phoenix, Dallas) | 5-10% below average |
| Rural areas | Can be higher (fewer fabricators) or lower (lower overhead) |
6. Fabricator Expertise and Equipment
Shops with CNC machinery produce more precise cuts and can charge premium prices for the quality. A shop using templates and manual cutting may charge less but the fit may not be as precise.
How to Budget for Your Countertop Project
Step 1: Measure Your Countertops
Rough-measure your existing countertops to get a ballpark square footage. Measure the length and depth of each section in inches, multiply to get square inches, then divide by 144 to get square feet. Add all sections together.
Typical kitchen sizes:
- Small kitchen (galley or L-shape): 20-30 sq ft
- Average kitchen (L-shape with island): 30-50 sq ft
- Large kitchen (U-shape with island): 50-70 sq ft
- High-end/large kitchen: 70-100+ sq ft
Step 2: Pick Your Material Range
Based on your budget, narrow down to 2-3 material categories. Use the pricing tables above as a starting point.
Step 3: Get 3 Quotes
Contact 3 local fabricators for quotes. Make sure each quote includes:
- Material cost (specific color and brand)
- Fabrication
- Edge profile
- Sink cutout(s)
- Installation
- Template/measurement visit
- Any exclusions clearly listed
Step 4: Compare Apples to Apples
Quotes can look different even for the same project. Check:
- Is the material the same quality/grade?
- Are the same services included?
- What is the warranty?
- What is the timeline?
- Are there hidden fees (template fee, delivery charge, minimum order)?
Step 5: Budget for Extras
Add 10-15% to your expected cost for:
- Edge profile upgrades (many homeowners upgrade once they see options)
- Template adjustments (if walls are not perfectly square)
- Backsplash addition
- Plumbing costs (disconnect/reconnect is often separate)
Cost-Saving Tips (Without Sacrificing Quality)
- Choose a Level 1 or 2 granite instead of exotic colors - the durability is the same
- Stick with a standard edge profile - eased or beveled is included in most quotes and looks clean and modern
- Minimize seams by choosing a layout that fits standard slab sizes - your fabricator can advise
- Buy material during supplier sales - ask your fabricator about remnant pricing or promotional slabs
- Use remnants for bathroom vanities - leftover pieces from kitchen slabs can cover smaller projects at reduced cost
- Skip the full-height backsplash - a standard 4" backsplash costs a fraction of full-height
- Get your quote fast - some fabricators offer tools like SlabWise's Quick Quote that produce accurate estimates in minutes, letting you compare options quickly without long waits
When to Spend More (and Why It Is Worth It)
| Upgrade | Cost Premium | Why It Is Worth It |
|---|---|---|
| Better material grade | 20-50% more | More unique patterns, better resale value |
| CNC-fabricated shop | 10-20% more | Tighter seams, better fit, fewer issues |
| Premium edge profile | $300-$1,000 more | Transforms the look of the kitchen |
| Waterfall island sides | $1,000-$4,000 more | Dramatic visual impact, high resale value |
| Professional sealing | $200-$500 more | Protects natural stone for years |
FAQ
What is the most affordable countertop material?
Laminate is the most affordable at $15-$40 per square foot installed. For natural stone, basic granite (Level 1) starts around $40 per square foot installed and offers excellent durability.
What is the most popular countertop material in 2026?
Quartz remains the most popular material for kitchen countertops, chosen for its low maintenance and wide range of colors and patterns. Quartzite has grown significantly in popularity for homeowners wanting the look of marble with better durability.
How much do quartz countertops cost for an average kitchen?
For a typical 35-45 square foot kitchen, expect $2,500-$5,500 installed for mid-range quartz brands. Premium brands like Cambria or high-end Silestone collections can push this to $4,000-$7,000+.
Are granite countertops cheaper than quartz?
It depends on the specific color and brand. Basic granite (Level 1-2) is generally cheaper than mid-range quartz. However, exotic or rare granites can cost more than premium quartz. The installed price ranges overlap significantly.
How much does it cost to install countertops in a bathroom?
Bathroom vanity countertops are smaller (typically 6-20 square feet) and cost $500-$2,500 installed depending on material. Many fabricators have minimum project charges of $800-$1,500, so small vanity tops may have a higher effective per-square-foot cost.
Do countertop prices include installation?
Most fabricator quotes include installation. Verify this before comparing. Big-box store prices often list material only, with installation as an additional charge.
How much extra do upgraded edge profiles cost?
Basic upgraded edges (half bullnose, bevel) add $5-$15 per linear foot. Decorative edges (ogee, dupont) add $15-$25. Mitered edges (thick look) add $20-$40. For a typical kitchen with 15-20 linear feet of exposed edge, expect $75-$800 in edge upgrade costs.
Is it cheaper to buy my own slab and have it fabricated?
Sometimes, but not always. Fabricators often get better pricing from suppliers due to volume. Buying your own slab also means you assume the risk if it breaks during transport or fabrication. Most fabricators prefer to source material themselves for quality control reasons.
How long does it take to get a countertop price quote?
Traditional quoting can take 3-7 days after a fabricator measures your space. Some shops use automated quoting tools that produce estimates in minutes. SlabWise's Quick Quote feature, for example, lets fabricators generate estimates in about 3 minutes compared to the typical 20-minute manual process.
Do countertop costs include removing old countertops?
Usually not. Old countertop removal and disposal typically costs $200-$500 extra. Some fabricators include it as part of the job; always ask.
What is a reasonable deposit for countertop work?
Most fabricators require a 50% deposit at contract signing, with the balance due at installation completion. Some require payment in thirds: deposit, at template, and at install. Be wary of shops asking for 100% upfront.
How much do countertops affect home resale value?
Kitchen renovations typically return 50-80% of their cost at resale, with countertops being one of the highest-impact upgrades. Granite and quartz countertops are consistently cited as top features by real estate agents.
Get an Accurate Estimate for Your Project
Every countertop project is unique, and the best way to know your exact cost is to get quotes from local fabricators who can see your space and discuss your material preferences.
Start your 14-day free trial of SlabWise - the platform that helps fabricators deliver Quick Quote estimates in 3 minutes, so homeowners get accurate pricing faster and shops close more business.
Sources
- HomeAdvisor Countertop Cost Guide - national average pricing data
- Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report - kitchen renovation ROI data
- National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) - material trend and pricing data
- Marble Institute of America - natural stone pricing benchmarks
- Cambria, Silestone, and Caesarstone - published pricing guidelines
- Angi (formerly Angie's List) - regional countertop pricing data
- Consumer Reports - countertop material comparison and value analysis
- U.S. Census Bureau - regional construction cost variations