Countertop Cost in Kansas City (2026 Pricing)
Countertop costs in Kansas City range from $28 to $172+ per square foot installed depending on material, fabricator, and project scope. Kansas City sits 3-8% below the national average for most countertop materials, benefiting from Midwest labor rates, affordable fabrication shop space, and a metro area that straddles two states - giving homeowners access to fabricators on both the Missouri and Kansas sides.
TL;DR: Kansas City Countertop Costs at a Glance
- Countertop costs in Kansas City range from $28 to $172+ per square foot installed
- Quartz is the most popular choice in Kansas City (53% of installations) at $50-$82/sq ft installed
- Granite countertops run $40-$68/sq ft installed in Kansas City
- Kansas City prices run 3-8% below national averages for most materials
- Compare Kansas City pricing instantly with SlabWise's Quick Quote tool for fabricators
Average Countertop Prices in Kansas City by Material
| Material | Price Per Sq Ft (Installed) | 30 Sq Ft Countertop | 50 Sq Ft Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $11-$38 | $330-$1,140 | $550-$1,900 |
| Butcher Block | $28-$60 | $840-$1,800 | $1,400-$3,000 |
| Granite (Level 1-2) | $40-$68 | $1,200-$2,040 | $2,000-$3,400 |
| Granite (Level 3-5) | $68-$108 | $2,040-$3,240 | $3,400-$5,400 |
| Quartz (Standard) | $50-$82 | $1,500-$2,460 | $2,500-$4,100 |
| Quartz (Premium) | $82-$128 | $2,460-$3,840 | $4,100-$6,400 |
| Marble (Carrara) | $68-$120 | $2,040-$3,600 | $3,400-$6,000 |
| Marble (Calacatta) | $120-$172+ | $3,600-$5,160+ | $6,000-$8,600+ |
| Quartzite | $75-$138 | $2,250-$4,140 | $3,750-$6,900 |
| Soapstone | $65-$112 | $1,950-$3,360 | $3,250-$5,600 |
| Concrete | $58-$122 | $1,740-$3,660 | $2,900-$6,100 |
Prices include template, fabrication, eased edge, one sink cutout, and installation.
What Affects KC Countertop Pricing?
Midwest Labor Rates
KC fabrication labor runs $22-$40/hour - moderate by national standards and well below coastal metros. The two-state metro means fabricators on the Kansas side and Missouri side compete for the same customers, keeping labor pricing competitive.
Two-State Advantage
Kansas City's metro spans Missouri and Kansas, creating a natural competitive dynamic. Homeowners in Overland Park can get quotes from KCK fabricators and KCMO shops. This cross-border competition benefits consumers with broader options and better pricing.
Central US Supply Chain
KC's I-70/I-35 location puts it at a major transportation crossroads, but imported stone still requires longer trucking from East or West Coast ports. Material transit adds $4-$10/sq ft compared to coastal cities. Local slab distributors operate yards along I-35 and in the industrial areas of Lenexa, Grandview, and North Kansas City.
Seasonal Patterns
| Season | Demand Level | Price Impact | Wait Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| January-March | Low | 5-10% below average | 1-2 weeks |
| April-June | High | At or above average | 3-5 weeks |
| July-September | Peak | 5-10% above average | 3-5 weeks |
| October-November | Moderate | At average | 2-3 weeks |
| December | Low | Year-end promotions | 1-2 weeks |
KC follows the standard Midwest pattern: spring and summer are busiest, while winter offers the best deals.
KC Countertop Costs by Area
| Area | Price Adjustment vs. Metro Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mission Hills / Prairie Village | +10-15% | Luxury homes, premium materials |
| Overland Park (south) | +5-10% | Premium suburban, larger kitchens |
| Brookside / Waldo (KCMO) | +5% | Renovation-heavy older homes |
| Liberty / Gladstone | At average | North of the river, competitive pricing |
| Lee's Summit | At average to +5% | Growing suburban, mix of new and renovation |
| Lenexa / Olathe | At average | Near distributors, good competition |
| Independence | -5% | More affordable market |
| Grandview / Belton | -5-8% | Lower demand for premium materials |
| Lawrence, KS | +5% | University town, limited local fabricators |
Mission Hills and south Overland Park command the highest pricing, with larger kitchens and preference for premium quartz and quartzite.
How to Save on Countertops in Kansas City
1. Get Quotes from Both Sides of the State Line
Including fabricators from both KS and MO sides doubles your options. Some shops in Lenexa and Olathe offer lower overhead pricing than shops closer to downtown.
2. Visit Slab Yards in Lenexa and North KC
Distributors in these areas stock extensive inventories. Remnant slabs sell at 30-50% off and work well for bathrooms and compact kitchens.
3. Schedule January Through March
Winter is KC's clear slow season. Fabricators run promotions and offer shorter lead times.
4. Choose Builder-Grade Granite
Level 1-2 granites at $40-$68/sq ft installed are widely available and well-priced in the KC market.
5. Keep Edges Standard
Eased edges are included free. Upgrading adds $12-$28/linear foot - $480-$1,120 on a typical kitchen.
Popular Materials in KC
Quartz (Market Leader)
Quartz holds about 50-53% of the KC residential market. Cambria, Silestone, and MSI are the top brands at local distributors.
Granite (Solid Second)
Granite accounts for about 28-32% of the KC market. Entry-level and mid-range granites remain popular for their value proposition.
Quartzite (Growing Premium)
Quartzite demand is rising in KC's premium communities, particularly Mission Hills, south Overland Park, and the newer Lee's Summit developments.
Standard KC Installation Scope
A typical installation includes:
- Digital template: Laser measurement (30-45 minutes)
- Fabrication: CNC cutting, edge profiling, polishing (3-7 business days)
- Delivery and installation: Two-person crew (3-5 hours)
- One sink cutout and seaming
Not included: plumbing ($110-$250), old countertop removal ($125-$350), backsplash, cooktop cutout ($110-$200), edge upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a quartz countertop cost in Kansas City?
Quartz costs $50-$128 per square foot installed. A 40 sq ft kitchen runs $2,000-$5,120. MSI and Silestone offer mid-range value at $50-$82/sq ft, while Cambria runs $82-$128/sq ft.
Is Kansas City affordable for countertops?
Yes. KC ranks among the more affordable major metro areas, running 3-8% below national averages. The two-state metro creates extra competition that benefits consumers.
What is the cheapest countertop in Kansas City?
Laminate at $11-$38/sq ft is the most affordable. A 40 sq ft kitchen costs $440-$1,520. Level 1-2 granite at $40-$68/sq ft is the cheapest natural stone.
How long does installation take in KC?
Template to completion runs 1-2 weeks in winter and 3-5 weeks during peak summer. Installation takes 3-5 hours.
Do I need a permit for countertop work in KC?
A simple countertop replacement does not require a permit on either the Missouri or Kansas side. Plumbing or electrical changes require permits from your local jurisdiction - requirements differ between KCMO, KCK, and suburban municipalities.
When is the best time for countertop work in KC?
January through March offers the best pricing and availability. Winter is the clear slow season for KC fabricators.
How does KC compare to St. Louis for pricing?
KC and St. Louis have very similar countertop pricing, typically within 2-4% of each other. Both benefit from Midwest labor rates and a competitive fabrication market.
Are remnant slabs available in KC?
Yes. KC distributors maintain good remnant inventory. Check yards in Lenexa and North Kansas City for the best selection at 30-50% off regular pricing.
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Sources
- National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), 2025 Kitchen Cost Data
- HomeAdvisor, Countertop Installation Cost Guide, Kansas City Metro Area, 2025-2026
- Natural Stone Institute, 2025 Industry Report
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kansas City MSA Construction Wages, 2025
- City of Kansas City, MO, Residential Permit Requirements
- Cambria USA, 2026 Regional Pricing Data
- Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors, 2025 Housing Trends