Countertop Cost in Denver (2026 Pricing)
Countertop cost in Denver averages $52 to $130 per square foot installed in 2026, making the Denver metro 8-15% above the national average. A standard 40 sq ft kitchen runs $2,080-$5,200 total. Denver's combination of high housing values, strong remodel activity, and landlocked geography (which increases stone transportation costs) keeps prices elevated. The metro area has about 130 fabrication shops serving the Front Range.
TL;DR: Denver Countertop Costs at a Glance
- Countertop costs in Denver range from $52 to $130+ per square foot installed
- Quartz is the most popular choice in Denver at $56-$88/sq ft installed
- Granite countertops run $48-$72/sq ft installed in Denver
- Denver prices run 8-15% above national averages for most materials
- Compare Denver pricing instantly with SlabWise's Quick Quote tool for fabricators
Denver Countertop Prices by Material (2026)
| Material | Price per Sq Ft (Installed) | 30 Sq Ft Kitchen | 45 Sq Ft Kitchen | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $18-$40 | $540-$1,200 | $810-$1,800 | Budget remodels |
| Butcher Block | $42-$78 | $1,260-$2,340 | $1,890-$3,510 | Mountain modern |
| Granite (Level 1-2) | $48-$72 | $1,440-$2,160 | $2,160-$3,240 | Value natural stone |
| Granite (Level 3-5) | $72-$110 | $2,160-$3,300 | $3,240-$4,950 | Mid-range kitchens |
| Quartz (Standard) | $56-$88 | $1,680-$2,640 | $2,520-$3,960 | Family kitchens |
| Quartz (Premium) | $88-$130 | $2,640-$3,900 | $3,960-$5,850 | Designer homes |
| Marble (Carrara) | $70-$115 | $2,100-$3,450 | $3,150-$5,175 | Classic elegance |
| Marble (Calacatta) | $115-$175 | $3,450-$5,250 | $5,175-$7,875 | Luxury market |
| Quartzite | $74-$145 | $2,220-$4,350 | $3,330-$6,525 | Premium strength |
| Dekton/Sintered | $80-$148 | $2,400-$4,440 | $3,600-$6,660 | High performance |
Prices from 10+ Denver-area fabricators surveyed January 2026.
What Affects Denver Countertop Costs?
Transportation Adds to Material Costs
Denver is 600+ miles from the nearest major port. All imported stone arrives by truck from either the Port of Houston (Gulf) or West Coast ports (Long Beach, Oakland). This adds $3-$5/sq ft compared to coastal metros. Denver slab yards stock well, but exotic or rare materials may need to be special-ordered with 2-4 weeks additional lead time.
Strong Remodel Market
Denver's housing market has pushed home values up significantly over the past decade, driving demand for kitchen upgrades. The average Denver remodel budget is 15-20% higher than the national median, and homeowners tend to select mid-to-premium materials. This demand keeps fabricator schedules full, especially March through November.
Altitude and Climate Considerations
Denver's dry climate (averaging just 15 inches of annual precipitation and 10-25% indoor humidity in winter) affects wood countertops and can cause some sealers to cure differently. Butcher block requires extra care in Denver's low humidity, and fabricators use specific adhesive formulations rated for high altitude and dry conditions.
Edge Profile Pricing in Denver
| Edge Profile | Additional Cost (per linear ft) |
|---|---|
| Eased/Flat | Included |
| Half Bullnose | $9-$14 |
| Full Bullnose | $12-$18 |
| Ogee | $17-$27 |
| Dupont | $23-$34 |
| Mitered/Waterfall | $35-$55 |
Denver Metro Price Variations
| Area | Typical Price Range (per sq ft) | Market Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry Creek/Hilltop | $72-$165 | Premium |
| Cherry Hills Village | $78-$175 | Premium |
| Boulder | $68-$155 | Premium |
| Highlands Ranch | $58-$128 | Mid-Premium |
| Littleton | $54-$120 | Mid-Range |
| Aurora | $48-$110 | Mid-Range |
| Thornton/Westminster | $50-$115 | Mid-Range |
| Commerce City | $46-$105 | Value |
Where to Buy Countertops in Denver
Slab Yards
Denver has 25+ slab yards, with the biggest concentration along I-25 between downtown and the Denver Tech Center, and in the Commerce City/Brighton industrial corridor. Arizona Tile, MSI, and Daltile all have Denver distribution centers. Selection is solid for standard materials; exotic slabs may require a special order.
Local Fabricators vs. Big Box
Home Depot and Lowe's in Denver price quartz at $62-$100/sq ft and Level 1-2 granite at $52-$80/sq ft. Local fabricators typically beat big-box pricing by 10-15%, and many offer personal service like accompanying you to the slab yard to pick your stone.
What to Look For
- Colorado contractor's license (not required statewide, but some municipalities require registration)
- Insurance ($1M+ general liability)
- Digital templating (essential for Denver's many older homes with irregular layouts)
- NSI membership (indicates commitment to industry standards)
- References from similar projects in your neighborhood
Saving Money on Denver Countertops
- Shop in winter. December-February is the slowest season, with some fabricators discounting 8-12%.
- Look at remnants. Denver's active market generates great remnants for bathrooms and small islands.
- Consider Level 1-2 granite. It's $20-$40/sq ft cheaper than mid-range quartz while still offering natural beauty.
- Get 3-4 quotes. Denver pricing varies 15-25% between shops.
- Drive to Colorado Springs. Fabricators south of Denver occasionally offer 5-10% lower pricing due to lower overhead.
- Bundle rooms. Doing kitchen and bathrooms together typically saves 5-10%.
Denver Installation Specifics
Timeline
- Quote: 1-3 days
- Slab selection: 1 day
- Templating: 1-3 weeks out
- Fabrication: 7-12 business days
- Installation: 2-5 hours
Altitude and Climate Tips
Denver's low humidity means wood cabinetry can shift seasonally, potentially affecting countertop fit. Quality fabricators account for this during templating by building in slight tolerances. Winter installations should ensure the home is heated to at least 65F for proper adhesive curing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do countertops cost in Denver for a full kitchen?
A full kitchen countertop replacement in Denver (35-50 sq ft) costs $2,400-$6,500. Mid-range quartz projects average $3,000-$4,800.
What's the most popular countertop material in Denver?
Quartz leads at about 50% of new installations. Granite is second at approximately 26%. Quartzite has been gaining ground, especially in luxury mountain-style homes throughout the Front Range.
How do Denver countertop costs compare to Colorado Springs?
Denver runs about 10-15% higher than Colorado Springs due to higher labor rates and commercial rents. For a 40 sq ft quartz kitchen, you'd save $300-$700 by using a Colorado Springs fabricator.
Is there a best time to buy countertops in Denver?
December through February is the slow season for Denver fabricators. Some offer 8-12% discounts during this period. Avoid scheduling for May-September when demand peaks and lead times stretch.
Do Denver fabricators handle mountain home installations?
Many Denver fabricators serve the mountain communities (Vail, Breckenridge, Evergreen), but expect a delivery surcharge of $300-$800 depending on distance and road conditions. Some mountain communities also have local fabricators.
What countertop works best in Denver's dry climate?
All stone countertops (granite, quartz, marble, quartzite) perform well in Denver's climate. Butcher block requires extra maintenance due to low humidity. Quartz is especially popular because it doesn't need sealing in any climate.
How much does old countertop removal cost in Denver?
Countertop removal and disposal in Denver typically costs $200-$500, depending on the existing material. Laminate is cheapest to remove; granite and natural stone require more labor.
Do I need a permit for countertop replacement in Denver?
Simple countertop replacement doesn't require a building permit in the City and County of Denver. Plumbing modifications do require permits. Check with your municipality, as rules vary across the metro.
What edge profiles are most popular in Denver?
Eased and beveled edges are the most common in Denver, chosen for about 60% of projects. Half bullnose and ogee are the most popular upgrades. Waterfall edges are trending in Cherry Creek and LoHi modern kitchens.
Can I install countertops in my Denver basement kitchen?
Yes, but basement installations may require special considerations for moisture and access. Many Denver basements have egress window kitchens or wet bars. Quartz is the best choice for below-grade installations because it doesn't require sealing.
Get Your Denver Countertop Estimate
Ready to price out your Denver countertop project? SlabWise's Quick Quote tool gives you a ballpark estimate in about 3 minutes. Compare materials, edge profiles, and total costs side-by-side. It's free and gives you solid numbers before visiting Front Range slab yards.
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Sources
- Natural Stone Institute 2025 Market Report
- IBIS World Stone Fabrication Industry Report 2025
- Colorado Contractors Association
- Marble Institute of America Cost Guidelines
- Remodeling Magazine 2025 Cost vs. Value Report
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Denver Metro Wage Data