Countertop Cost in Memphis (2026 Pricing)
Countertop costs in Memphis range from $30 to $140 per square foot installed, depending on material, fabricator, and project scope. Memphis homeowners typically spend between $1,800 and $5,600 for a standard 35-square-foot kitchen countertop project in 2026.
TL;DR
- Countertop costs in Memphis range from $30 to $140+ per square foot installed
- Quartz is the most popular choice in Memphis at $45-$75/sq ft installed
- Granite countertops run $35-$55/sq ft installed in Memphis
- Average kitchen project costs $1,800-$5,600 for a standard 30-40 sq ft layout
- Compare Memphis pricing instantly with SlabWise's Quick Quote tool for fabricators
Memphis Countertop Pricing by Material
Memphis benefits from a lower cost of living compared to national averages, and that shows up in countertop pricing. Labor rates, shop rents, and installation costs are all more affordable than in major coastal markets.
| Material | Price Per Sq Ft (Installed) | 35 Sq Ft Kitchen | 50 Sq Ft Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $12-$35 | $420-$1,225 | $600-$1,750 |
| Butcher Block | $20-$60 | $700-$2,100 | $1,000-$3,000 |
| Tile | $18-$45 | $630-$1,575 | $900-$2,250 |
| Granite (Level 1-2) | $35-$55 | $1,225-$1,925 | $1,750-$2,750 |
| Granite (Level 3-5) | $55-$90 | $1,925-$3,150 | $2,750-$4,500 |
| Quartz (Standard) | $45-$75 | $1,575-$2,625 | $2,250-$3,750 |
| Quartz (Premium) | $75-$110 | $2,625-$3,850 | $3,750-$5,500 |
| Marble | $55-$140 | $1,925-$4,900 | $2,750-$7,000 |
| Quartzite | $65-$130 | $2,275-$4,550 | $3,250-$6,500 |
| Concrete | $55-$90 | $1,925-$3,150 | $2,750-$4,500 |
| Soapstone | $60-$110 | $2,100-$3,850 | $3,000-$5,500 |
What Affects Countertop Pricing in Memphis?
Material Grade and Origin
Natural stone costs vary dramatically based on where it's quarried and its visual characteristics. Commodity granites imported in high volume from Brazil or India cost far less than rare Italian marbles or one-of-a-kind quartzites. In Memphis, the most popular budget-friendly options are Level 1 granites like Santa Cecilia and New Venetian Gold.
Kitchen Layout and Size
A straightforward galley kitchen with two parallel runs of countertop costs less per square foot than a complex layout. Islands add seam work, additional cutouts, and more material waste. Expect to pay 10-15% more per square foot for kitchens with islands or U-shaped layouts compared to simple L-shapes.
Edge Profile Selection
Standard eased edges come included with most Memphis fabricators' pricing. Decorative edges add cost:
| Edge Profile | Additional Cost Per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Eased (flat) | Included |
| Half Bullnose | $6-$10 |
| Full Bullnose | $8-$14 |
| Ogee | $12-$22 |
| Dupont | $18-$28 |
| Waterfall | $22-$38 |
| Mitered | $28-$45 |
Cutouts and Special Features
- Sink cutout: $75-$200
- Cooktop cutout: $125-$275
- Faucet holes: $20-$40 each
- 4-inch backsplash: $12-$25/linear foot
- Full-height backsplash: $35-$60/sq ft
Demolition and Removal
Removing old countertops costs an additional $150-$500 in Memphis, depending on the existing material and how it was installed. Tile countertops bonded directly to the substrate take more labor to remove than a slab sitting on plywood.
Memphis Area Price Variations
Location within the Memphis metro influences pricing mainly through travel time and local demand.
| Area | Typical Price Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Midtown / East Memphis | Baseline pricing |
| Germantown | +3-5% (higher demand area) |
| Collierville | +3-5% (higher demand area) |
| Bartlett | Baseline pricing |
| Southaven, MS | Baseline pricing |
| Olive Branch, MS | Baseline pricing |
| West Memphis, AR | +5-8% (cross-state logistics) |
| Lakeland / Arlington | +3-5% (travel distance) |
How Memphis Compares to Regional Markets
Memphis pricing is among the most affordable in the Southeast for countertop work.
| City | Avg. Quartz Cost (Installed/Sq Ft) | Difference from Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis | $45-$75 | Baseline |
| Nashville | $55-$90 | +15-20% |
| Atlanta | $55-$95 | +18-25% |
| Birmingham | $45-$80 | +5-8% |
| Little Rock | $42-$72 | -3-5% |
| Jackson, MS | $40-$70 | -5-8% |
Tips for Saving on Countertops in Memphis
- Get at least 3 quotes. Memphis has enough fabricators to create healthy competition. Prices for the same material can vary by 25-30% between shops.
- Choose standard colors. The most commonly stocked quartz and granite colors cost less because fabricators buy them in volume and don't have to special-order slabs.
- Use remnants. Memphis fab shops accumulate leftover slab pieces. For bathroom vanities and small projects, remnants can save 40-50%.
- Pick an included edge. Sticking with an eased or simple half-bullnose edge avoids $200-$600 in upcharges on a typical kitchen.
- Time it right. Memphis fabricators are busiest in spring and summer (March through August). Fall and winter months often mean faster turnaround and room to negotiate.
- Skip the full-height backsplash. A 4-inch backsplash costs a fraction of a full-height stone backsplash. Tile is a more budget-friendly backsplash alternative.
- Bundle kitchen and bath. Doing both countertop projects at once saves on templating and installation trips.
Choosing a Memphis Fabricator
Questions to Ask
- Does the quoted price include tear-out of old countertops?
- Is the sink cutout and polish included?
- What edge profiles are included at no extra charge?
- Do you use digital or manual templating?
- Can I visit your shop to see the actual slab before fabrication?
- What is your warranty on fabrication and installation?
- How do you handle seam placement?
What to Expect in the Process
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Initial quotes and material selection | 1-2 weeks |
| Deposit and scheduling | 1-3 days |
| Template measurement | 1 day (scheduled 3-7 days out) |
| Fabrication | 5-8 business days |
| Installation | 1 day (3-5 hours typical) |
| Total | 2-3 weeks |
Climate Considerations for Memphis
Memphis's hot, humid summers (average highs of 90°F+) and mild winters create specific considerations for countertop materials:
- Marble is more prone to staining in humid climates if not properly sealed. Reseal annually.
- Butcher block can swell and contract with humidity changes. Proper oil sealing is essential.
- Quartz handles Memphis humidity well with no sealing required.
- Granite performs well year-round with annual sealing.
If your kitchen has south-facing windows, be aware that direct UV exposure can cause some quartz colors to yellow over time. This is a manufacturer warranty issue worth asking about.
For Memphis-Area Fabricators
Running a fabrication shop in the Memphis market means competing on both price and speed. Material costs are your biggest expense, and every wasted square foot of slab eats directly into your margin. The average fabrication shop spends $40-$120 per square foot on slab material and loses $1,500-$4,000 every time a remake is needed.
SlabWise helps Memphis fabricators cut slab waste by 10-15% through AI-powered nesting optimization, generate quotes in 3 minutes instead of 20, and reduce daily customer phone calls by 70% with an automated tracking portal. Start a 14-day free trial at $199/month.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a granite countertop cost in Memphis?
Granite countertops in Memphis cost $35-$90 per square foot installed. Entry-level granites like Uba Tuba and Caledonia start around $35/sq ft, while premium and exotic stones reach $90/sq ft or more.
How much does quartz cost in Memphis?
Quartz countertops in Memphis range from $45-$110 per square foot installed. Standard designs from Cambria, Silestone, and Caesarstone fall in the $45-$75 range, with premium patterns costing more.
Is Memphis cheaper than Nashville for countertops?
Yes. Memphis countertop prices run about 15-20% lower than Nashville due to lower labor costs, shop rents, and overall cost of living. The same quartz countertop project that costs $4,500 in Nashville might cost $3,700 in Memphis.
How long does countertop installation take in Memphis?
Expect 2-3 weeks from deposit to completed installation. The actual install day takes 3-5 hours for a standard kitchen.
Do Memphis fabricators offer free estimates?
Most Memphis countertop fabricators offer free estimates based on measurements you provide or through a brief phone consultation. Some offer free in-home measurements; others charge $50-$75, credited toward the project.
What is the most popular countertop in Memphis?
Quartz and granite are the two most popular countertop materials in the Memphis market. Quartz has been gaining market share due to its low maintenance and consistent appearance.
Do I need to seal countertops in Memphis?
Granite and marble countertops require annual sealing, which is especially important in Memphis's humid climate. Quartz, quartzite, and laminate do not need sealing.
Can I install countertops myself in Memphis?
Laminate and butcher block countertops are reasonable DIY projects. Stone, quartz, and solid surface countertops require professional fabrication equipment and should be installed by a qualified fabricator.
What granite colors are cheapest in Memphis?
Level 1 granites are the most affordable. Popular budget-friendly options in Memphis include Uba Tuba, Santa Cecilia, New Venetian Gold, Caledonia, and Luna Pearl, all typically available at $35-$55/sq ft installed.
How much does it cost to replace kitchen countertops in Memphis?
A full kitchen countertop replacement in Memphis costs $1,800-$5,600 for a standard 35-square-foot project, including demolition of old countertops, new material, fabrication, and installation.
Prices reflect 2026 market conditions in the Memphis metropolitan area. Actual costs vary by fabricator, material selection, and project specifics. Get multiple quotes for the most accurate pricing.
Sources
- Natural Stone Institute 2025 Market Report
- IBIS World Stone Fabrication Industry Report 2025
- Marble Institute of America Cost Guidelines
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Regional Wage Data 2025
- Remodeling Magazine 2025 Cost vs. Value Report
- Freedonia Group Countertop Market Study 2025