Countertop Cost in Nashville (2026 Pricing)
Countertop costs in Nashville range from $30 to $180+ per square foot installed depending on material, edge profile, and fabricator. Nashville sits at or slightly above the national average for most countertop materials - a shift from just five years ago when the city was well below average. Rapid population growth, a booming construction market, and rising labor demand have pushed Nashville pricing closer to national norms.
TL;DR: Nashville Countertop Costs at a Glance
- Countertop costs in Nashville range from $30 to $180+ per square foot installed
- Quartz is the most popular choice in Nashville (55% of installations) at $52-$88/sq ft installed
- Granite countertops run $42-$72/sq ft installed in Nashville
- 100+ fabrication shops serve the Nashville area
- Compare Nashville pricing instantly with SlabWise's Quick Quote tool for fabricators
Average Countertop Prices in Nashville by Material
Nashville's countertop market has evolved rapidly alongside the city's growth. Here is the current 2026 installed pricing picture.
| Material | Price Per Sq Ft (Installed) | 30 Sq Ft Countertop | 50 Sq Ft Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $12-$42 | $360-$1,260 | $600-$2,100 |
| Butcher Block | $30-$62 | $900-$1,860 | $1,500-$3,100 |
| Granite (Level 1-2) | $42-$72 | $1,260-$2,160 | $2,100-$3,600 |
| Granite (Level 3-5) | $72-$115 | $2,160-$3,450 | $3,600-$5,750 |
| Quartz (Standard) | $52-$88 | $1,560-$2,640 | $2,600-$4,400 |
| Quartz (Premium) | $88-$135 | $2,640-$4,050 | $4,400-$6,750 |
| Marble (Carrara) | $72-$125 | $2,160-$3,750 | $3,600-$6,250 |
| Marble (Calacatta) | $125-$180+ | $3,750-$5,400+ | $6,250-$9,000+ |
| Quartzite | $78-$145 | $2,340-$4,350 | $3,900-$7,250 |
| Soapstone | $68-$118 | $2,040-$3,540 | $3,400-$5,900 |
| Concrete | $62-$128 | $1,860-$3,840 | $3,100-$6,400 |
Prices include template, fabrication, standard eased edge, one sink cutout, and installation.
What Drives Nashville Countertop Pricing?
Rapid Growth and Labor Demand
Nashville's population has grown over 20% in the past decade, and the construction labor market has tightened significantly. Fabrication and installation labor runs $24-$44/hour - up from $18-$32 just five years ago. The city's hospitality and commercial construction sectors compete for the same skilled stone workers, pushing residential rates higher.
New Construction Volume
Nashville's aggressive residential development means a large share of countertop work goes to builders. This creates two price tiers:
- Builder/new construction: $38-$75/sq ft for standard materials (volume pricing)
- Individual renovation: $50-$135/sq ft for the same materials (one-off pricing)
If you are renovating, your per-square-foot cost will be higher than what builders pay. This is normal - builders commit to dozens or hundreds of kitchens per year.
Material Access
Major slab distributors serving Nashville operate along I-24 and I-40, with concentrations in the Antioch, La Vergne, and Lebanon areas. The city's central Southeast location puts it within reasonable trucking distance of Savannah, GA port (for imported stone) and multiple domestic quarry operations. Transportation adds roughly $3-$8/sq ft compared to coastal distribution hubs.
Seasonal Patterns
| Season | Demand Level | Price Impact | Wait Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| January-March | Moderate | At or below average | 2-3 weeks |
| April-June | High | 5% above average | 3-5 weeks |
| July-August | High | 5-10% above average | 3-6 weeks |
| September-November | Moderate-High | At average | 2-4 weeks |
| December | Low | 5-8% below average | 1-2 weeks |
Nashville's mild winters mean renovation activity does not drop off as sharply as in Northern cities. Summer is the peak period, driven by families wanting projects done before the school year starts.
Nashville Countertop Costs by Area
| Area | Price Adjustment vs. Metro Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green Hills / Belle Meade | +10-20% | Luxury market, larger kitchens, premium materials |
| 12 South / Belmont | +5-10% | Trendy renovation market |
| East Nashville | +5% | Active flip and renovation market |
| The Gulch / Germantown | +5-15% | Condo and new-build market |
| Brentwood / Franklin | +5-10% | Premium suburban, large homes |
| Hendersonville / Gallatin | At average | Suburban pricing, new construction mix |
| Murfreesboro | -5% to at average | Growing market, lower labor costs |
| Mt. Juliet / Lebanon | At average | New construction heavy |
| Antioch / La Vergne | -5% | Near distributors, lower demand for premium |
| Spring Hill / Columbia | -5-8% | Outer suburbs, lower overhead |
Belle Meade and Brentwood see the highest per-project costs due to larger kitchen footprints (often 55-75 sq ft) and strong preference for quartzite and premium quartz.
How to Save on Countertops in Nashville
1. Get at Least 4 Quotes
Nashville's fabrication market has grown rapidly - the metro now has over 100 shops. Pricing varies by 20-35% for the same material and scope. Always compare quotes with identical line items.
2. Visit Slab Yards in Antioch and La Vergne
Nashville's slab distributors cluster along I-24 south of the city. Walk-in visits let you hand-select stone, check remnant inventory, and sometimes negotiate. Remnants sell at 30-50% discounts and work well for bathrooms and smaller kitchens.
3. Time Your Project for December
December is Nashville's slowest countertop month. Fabricators offer competitive pricing, shorter lead times, and sometimes free upgrades to keep production moving through the holidays.
4. Consider Builder-Grade Options
Nashville's massive new-construction market means Level 1-2 granites and standard quartz colors are always in stock at high volume. These builder-favorite materials offer the best value at $42-$72/sq ft installed.
5. Skip Premium Edges
An eased edge comes included with most Nashville quotes. Upgrading to ogee, bullnose, or waterfall adds $12-$30/linear foot - $480-$1,200 on a typical kitchen perimeter.
Popular Materials in Nashville
Quartz (Leading Choice)
Quartz holds about 50-55% of the Nashville residential market. Its practical, low-maintenance qualities appeal to both new homeowners moving to the city and long-time residents upgrading their kitchens. MSI, Silestone, and Cambria are the most commonly stocked brands.
Granite (Volume Leader for Builders)
Granite accounts for roughly 28-33% of the Nashville market, with much of that volume coming from new-construction builder projects. Level 1-2 granites are the default builder-grade countertop material in many Nashville-area developments.
Quartzite (Growing Fast)
Quartzite demand in Nashville has grown significantly, especially in the premium suburbs. Brentwood, Franklin, and Belle Meade homeowners increasingly choose quartzite for its marble-like aesthetics and superior durability. Expect $78-$145/sq ft installed.
Standard Nashville Installation Scope
A typical installation from a Nashville-area fabricator includes:
- Digital template: Laser measurement (30-45 minutes)
- Fabrication: CNC cutting, edge work, polishing (3-7 business days)
- Delivery and installation: Two-person crew, slab setting, leveling, adhesive (3-5 hours)
- One sink cutout: Standard undermount or drop-in
- Seaming: Color-matched epoxy joints
Not included: plumbing disconnect/reconnect ($125-$275), old countertop removal ($150-$375), backsplash, cooktop cutout ($125-$225), and edge upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a quartz countertop cost in Nashville?
Quartz countertops cost $52-$135 per square foot installed in the Nashville metro. A standard 40 sq ft kitchen runs $2,080-$5,400 depending on brand and edge choice. MSI and Silestone offer mid-range value at $52-$88/sq ft, while Cambria runs $88-$135/sq ft.
Are Nashville countertop prices going up?
Yes. Nashville countertop prices have increased 15-25% over the past five years, driven by rising labor costs and strong demand from both new construction and renovation. The city has shifted from a below-average market to a near-average one compared to national pricing.
How much do granite countertops cost in Nashville?
Granite runs $42-$115 per square foot installed. Level 1-2 granites cost $42-$72/sq ft, while premium exotics reach $115/sq ft or more. A 40 sq ft granite kitchen costs $1,680-$4,600.
What is the cheapest countertop option in Nashville?
Laminate is the most affordable at $12-$42/sq ft installed - $480-$1,680 for a 40 sq ft kitchen. Butcher block is the cheapest natural material at $30-$62/sq ft.
How long does installation take in Nashville?
Template to completion takes 2-3 weeks during slower months and 3-6 weeks during peak summer. Installation day runs 3-5 hours for a standard kitchen.
Do I need a permit for countertop work in Nashville?
A direct countertop replacement without plumbing or electrical changes does not require a permit in Davidson County. Projects involving plumbing, electrical, or structural work need permits from Metro Nashville Codes Department.
When is the best time for countertop installation in Nashville?
December offers the best pricing and shortest lead times. January through March is also a good window. Avoid June through August for the most competitive pricing.
How does Nashville compare to Atlanta for countertop pricing?
Nashville and Atlanta have similar countertop pricing, typically within 3-5% of each other. Atlanta's larger market sometimes offers marginally better pricing on premium materials due to more fabricator competition, while Nashville's pricing on builder-grade materials is very competitive.
Are remnant slabs available in Nashville?
Yes. Nashville's active new-construction market produces a consistent supply of remnant slabs at 30-50% discounts. Distributors along I-24 in Antioch and La Vergne are the best places to check.
How much does a kitchen island cost in Nashville?
A 30 sq ft island countertop costs $1,260-$5,400+ depending on material. Granite islands average $1,560-$2,700, quartz runs $1,800-$4,050, and marble starts at $2,160. Waterfall edges add $600-$1,500.
Get an Instant Countertop Estimate
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Sources
- National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), 2025 Kitchen Cost Benchmark Data
- HomeAdvisor, Countertop Installation Cost Guide, Nashville Metro Area, 2025-2026
- Natural Stone Institute, 2025 Industry Pricing Report
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro MSA Construction Wages, 2025
- Metro Nashville Codes Department, Residential Permit Requirements
- Cambria USA, 2026 Regional Pricing Data
- Greater Nashville Association of Realtors, 2025 Housing and Renovation Trends