Countertop Cost in Los Angeles (2026 Pricing)
Countertop cost in Los Angeles averages $58 to $145 per square foot installed in 2026, making LA one of the priciest metros in the country for countertop work. A typical 40 sq ft kitchen in Los Angeles runs $2,320 to $5,800 total. High labor rates, expensive commercial rents, and premium material preferences push LA prices 15-25% above the national average. The silver lining: LA's 300+ fabrication shops and proximity to West Coast ports provide excellent material selection.
TL;DR: Los Angeles Countertop Costs at a Glance
- Countertop costs in Los Angeles range from $58 to $145+ per square foot installed
- Quartz is the most popular choice in Los Angeles (50% of installations) at $60-$95/sq ft installed
- Granite countertops run $50-$75/sq ft installed in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles prices run 15-25% above national averages for most materials
- Compare Los Angeles pricing instantly with SlabWise's Quick Quote tool for fabricators
Los Angeles Countertop Prices by Material (2026)
Installed pricing from LA-area fabricators, including material, fabrication, standard eased edge, and installation with up to 3 cutouts.
| Material | Price per Sq Ft (Installed) | 30 Sq Ft Kitchen | 45 Sq Ft Kitchen | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $22-$45 | $660-$1,350 | $990-$2,025 | Budget kitchens |
| Butcher Block | $45-$82 | $1,350-$2,460 | $2,025-$3,690 | Organic modern |
| Granite (Level 1-2) | $50-$75 | $1,500-$2,250 | $2,250-$3,375 | Value natural stone |
| Granite (Level 3-5) | $75-$118 | $2,250-$3,540 | $3,375-$5,310 | Upscale remodels |
| Quartz (Standard) | $60-$95 | $1,800-$2,850 | $2,700-$4,275 | Modern kitchens |
| Quartz (Premium) | $95-$140 | $2,850-$4,200 | $4,275-$6,300 | Designer homes |
| Marble (Carrara) | $75-$120 | $2,250-$3,600 | $3,375-$5,400 | LA classic style |
| Marble (Calacatta) | $120-$200 | $3,600-$6,000 | $5,400-$9,000 | Luxury residences |
| Quartzite | $80-$155 | $2,400-$4,650 | $3,600-$6,975 | Premium durability |
| Dekton/Sintered | $85-$155 | $2,550-$4,650 | $3,825-$6,975 | Indoor/outdoor |
Pricing from 15+ LA-area fabricators surveyed January 2026.
Why LA Countertop Prices Are Higher
Labor Is the Primary Driver
Los Angeles fabrication labor runs $25-$40/sq ft, the highest of any major U.S. metro. California's higher minimum wage, workers' comp rates, and cost of living all contribute. A skilled CNC operator in LA earns $28-$42/hour, compared to $22-$32/hour in Dallas or Phoenix. Labor alone can account for 35-40% of your total countertop cost in LA.
California Regulations Add Cost
California's stricter environmental and safety regulations affect fabrication costs. Silicosis prevention rules (Cal/OSHA) require additional dust control equipment. California's AB-685 workplace safety reporting requirements increase administrative overhead. The state's Proposition 65 labeling requirements add compliance costs for materials containing certain chemicals. These factors add roughly $3-$5/sq ft to fabrication costs compared to states like Texas or Florida.
Material Availability and Port Access
On the plus side, LA's proximity to the Port of Long Beach (the nation's second-busiest container port) means imported stone from China, Brazil, India, and Italy arrives with lower inland freight costs. This partially offsets LA's higher labor rates. Quartz from Chinese manufacturers and marble from Italian quarries often costs 5-10% less in LA than in landlocked cities like Denver or Phoenix.
Edge Profile Pricing in LA
| Edge Profile | Additional Cost (per linear ft) |
|---|---|
| Eased/Flat | Included |
| Half Bullnose | $10-$16 |
| Full Bullnose | $14-$22 |
| Ogee | $20-$32 |
| Dupont | $28-$40 |
| Mitered/Waterfall | $40-$65 |
LA Neighborhood Price Variations
| Area | Typical Price Range (per sq ft) | Market Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Beverly Hills/Bel Air | $95-$200+ | Ultra-Premium |
| Santa Monica/Malibu | $85-$180 | Premium |
| West Hollywood | $75-$160 | Premium |
| Pasadena | $60-$135 | Mid-Premium |
| Burbank/Glendale | $58-$125 | Mid-Range |
| Long Beach | $55-$120 | Mid-Range |
| Van Nuys/North Hollywood | $52-$115 | Mid-Range |
| Compton/Inglewood | $48-$105 | Value |
Where to Buy Countertops in LA
Slab Yards and Distributors
LA has 60+ slab yards, with major concentrations in the downtown/Vernon industrial district and along the I-5 corridor in the San Fernando Valley. MSI, Arizona Tile, and Cosentino all operate large LA showrooms. The downtown area is especially known for marble and exotic stone importers serving the luxury market.
Big-Box vs. Independent Fabricators
Home Depot and Lowe's pricing in LA runs $65-$105/sq ft for quartz and $55-$85/sq ft for Level 1-2 granite. Independent fabricators price 10-15% lower on average but can go much higher for luxury work. Some LA fabricators specialize exclusively in high-end residential projects ($100K+ kitchens) and won't take smaller jobs.
What to Look For
- CSLB license (California State License Board, required for jobs over $500)
- Workers' comp insurance (California requirement)
- Cal/OSHA compliance (silicosis dust control measures)
- Digital templating (especially important in LA's older homes with irregular walls)
- Clear contract (California consumer protection law requires written contracts for home improvement over $500)
Saving Money on LA Countertops
- Go to the Valley. Fabricators in the San Fernando Valley average 10-20% less than Westside shops due to lower rent.
- Choose Level 1-2 granite. At $50-$75/sq ft, it's 30-40% less than premium quartz and offers natural stone beauty.
- Get 4-5 quotes. LA's huge market means significant price variation. Don't assume the first quote is the best.
- Buy remnants for small areas. LA's high-volume shops generate excellent remnants. A bathroom vanity remnant might cost $250-$500.
- Consider prefab. Prefabricated quartz and granite countertops cost 25-35% less than custom slab work, starting at $35-$55/sq ft.
- Time your project. October-January is slightly slower in LA, though the city doesn't have as dramatic a seasonal swing as colder markets.
LA Installation Process
Timeline
- Quote/consultation: 1-5 days
- Slab selection: 1-2 days
- Templating: 2-3 weeks out (longer than most markets)
- Fabrication: 7-14 business days
- Installation: 3-6 hours for average kitchen
LA-Specific Considerations
Parking and access are genuine concerns in LA. Street parking limitations, narrow driveways, and apartment building access can add $100-$300 in delivery surcharges. Seismic considerations also matter: LA building codes require countertops to be secured against earthquake movement, which adds a small cost but significant safety benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do countertops cost in Los Angeles for a full kitchen?
Full kitchen countertop replacement in LA (35-50 sq ft) typically runs $2,500-$7,500, including removal, material, fabrication, and installation. High-end projects in the Westside and Beverly Hills regularly exceed $10,000.
Why are countertops more expensive in LA than other cities?
LA's higher costs stem from elevated labor rates ($25-$40/sq ft vs. $18-$28 nationally), California regulatory compliance costs, expensive commercial rents for fabrication shops, and a market that trends toward premium materials.
What's the most popular countertop material in Los Angeles?
Quartz holds about 48% of the LA market, but marble's share is notably higher than the national average at about 12% (vs. 8% nationally). LA homeowners tend to prefer marble's aesthetic, especially in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Pasadena.
Do I need a contractor's license for countertop work in California?
California requires a CSLB (Contractors State License Board) license for any home improvement work exceeding $500 in combined labor and materials. Since virtually all countertop projects exceed this, verify your fabricator holds a valid CSLB license.
How long is the wait for countertop installation in LA?
LA has longer lead times than most markets. Expect 3-5 weeks from order to installation during normal periods, and 5-8 weeks during peak season (spring and summer). Popular quartz colors sometimes have additional wait times for material availability.
Can I save money by buying my slab in a cheaper area?
Technically yes, but the logistics are tricky. Some LA homeowners buy slabs in the Inland Empire (15-20% cheaper) and have them delivered to their LA fabricator. However, shipping a slab costs $200-$500, and some fabricators add a surcharge for customer-supplied material.
What's the cheapest way to get stone countertops in LA?
Prefabricated granite or quartz countertops offer the lowest entry point for stone at $35-$55/sq ft installed. They come in standard sizes with pre-cut sink openings and limited edge options. Remnant pieces from slab yards are another budget option at 30-50% off.
Are there eco-friendly countertop options in Los Angeles?
LA has a strong market for sustainable options. Recycled glass countertops ($70-$125/sq ft), recycled paper composite ($60-$90/sq ft), and sustainably quarried stone are available through multiple fabricators. Some LA shops specialize exclusively in eco-friendly materials.
How do earthquakes affect countertops in LA?
Properly installed countertops include seismic brackets and adhesive to prevent shifting during earthquakes. LA building codes account for this. Stone countertops can crack during major seismic events, but this is rare with correct installation. Your fabricator should follow local code for seismic securing.
Is it cheaper to do countertops during a full kitchen remodel?
Usually, yes. Bundling countertops into a full kitchen remodel saves on demo costs (your GC handles removal) and potentially gets you contractor pricing from the fabricator. Savings of 8-15% on the countertop portion are common when part of a larger project.
Get Your LA Countertop Estimate
Ready to budget your LA countertop project? SlabWise's Quick Quote tool generates a fast cost estimate in about 3 minutes, customized for your material preference, square footage, and edge style. Compare options side-by-side and bring confident numbers to your slab yard visits.
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Sources
- Natural Stone Institute 2025 Market Report
- IBIS World Stone Fabrication Industry Report 2025
- California State License Board
- Cal/OSHA Silicosis Prevention Guidelines
- Remodeling Magazine 2025 Cost vs. Value Report
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics LA Metro Wage Data