Countertop Cost in Raleigh (2026 Pricing)
Countertop costs in Raleigh range from $33 to $145 per square foot installed, depending on material type, fabricator, and project complexity. Raleigh homeowners typically pay between $2,000 and $6,200 for a standard 35-square-foot kitchen countertop installation in 2026.
TL;DR
- Countertop costs in Raleigh range from $33 to $145+ per square foot installed
- Quartz is the most popular choice in Raleigh at $50-$80/sq ft installed
- Granite countertops run $40-$60/sq ft installed in Raleigh
- Raleigh pricing sits close to national averages for most materials
- Compare Raleigh pricing instantly with SlabWise's Quick Quote tool for fabricators
Raleigh Countertop Pricing by Material
Raleigh sits in one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country, and the countertop market reflects that growth. Strong demand from both new construction and remodels means fabricators stay busy, but the influx of new shops setting up in the Triangle has helped keep pricing competitive.
| Material | Price Per Sq Ft (Installed) | 35 Sq Ft Kitchen | 50 Sq Ft Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $14-$38 | $490-$1,330 | $700-$1,900 |
| Butcher Block | $25-$62 | $875-$2,170 | $1,250-$3,100 |
| Tile | $20-$48 | $700-$1,680 | $1,000-$2,400 |
| Granite (Level 1-2) | $40-$60 | $1,400-$2,100 | $2,000-$3,000 |
| Granite (Level 3-5) | $60-$95 | $2,100-$3,325 | $3,000-$4,750 |
| Quartz (Standard) | $50-$80 | $1,750-$2,800 | $2,500-$4,000 |
| Quartz (Premium) | $80-$115 | $2,800-$4,025 | $4,000-$5,750 |
| Marble | $60-$145 | $2,100-$5,075 | $3,000-$7,250 |
| Quartzite | $70-$135 | $2,450-$4,725 | $3,500-$6,750 |
| Concrete | $60-$95 | $2,100-$3,325 | $3,000-$4,750 |
| Soapstone | $65-$112 | $2,275-$3,920 | $3,250-$5,600 |
Key Cost Factors in Raleigh
New Construction vs. Remodel Pricing
Raleigh's booming new-build market creates a two-tier pricing dynamic. Builders who order countertops in volume negotiate lower per-unit prices with fabricators. Homeowners doing individual remodel projects typically pay 10-20% more per square foot than what builders pay for the same material.
However, you can sometimes benefit from builder pricing by asking your fabricator about "builder-grade" quartz or granite they have in stock at bulk pricing.
The Triangle Effect
Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill form the Research Triangle, and countertop pricing varies across all three markets:
| Area | Avg. Quartz (Installed/Sq Ft) |
|---|---|
| Raleigh | $50-$80 |
| Durham | $48-$78 |
| Chapel Hill / Carrboro | $55-$90 |
| Cary | $52-$85 |
Chapel Hill runs a premium due to its smaller market and higher cost of living. Durham is slightly more affordable than Raleigh.
Edge Profile Costs
| Edge Profile | Additional Cost Per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Eased (flat) | Included |
| Half Bullnose | $7-$12 |
| Full Bullnose | $10-$15 |
| Ogee | $14-$24 |
| Dupont | $20-$30 |
| Waterfall | $24-$40 |
| Mitered | $30-$48 |
Cutouts and Extras
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Sink cutout | $85-$250 |
| Cooktop cutout | $135-$300 |
| Faucet holes (each) | $25-$45 |
| 4-inch backsplash | $14-$26/linear foot |
| Full-height backsplash | $35-$60/sq ft |
| Old countertop removal | $150-$500 |
| Plumbing disconnect/reconnect | $150-$350 |
Raleigh Metro Area Price Variations
| Area | Typical Price Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Downtown Raleigh | +3-5% |
| North Raleigh | Baseline pricing |
| Cary / Morrisville | +3-5% (high demand) |
| Apex | +3-5% (high demand) |
| Wake Forest / Rolesville | Baseline pricing |
| Garner / Clayton | -3-5% |
| Holly Springs / Fuquay-Varina | Baseline pricing |
| Knightdale / Wendell | -3-5% |
| Pittsboro / Chatham County | +5-8% (travel) |
| Sanford | +5-8% (travel) |
How Raleigh Compares Regionally
| City | Avg. Quartz Cost (Installed/Sq Ft) | Difference from Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | $50-$80 | Baseline |
| Charlotte | $50-$85 | +3-5% |
| Washington, DC | $65-$100 | +25-30% |
| Richmond | $48-$78 | -3-5% |
| Wilmington, NC | $50-$82 | +3-5% |
| Greensboro | $45-$75 | -8-10% |
Climate and Material Performance in Raleigh
Raleigh's humid subtropical climate (average annual humidity around 70%) with hot summers and mild winters affects countertop material choice:
- Quartz is ideal for Raleigh's indoor kitchens. No sealing needed, and it handles humidity well.
- Granite performs well with annual sealing. The humidity means staying on top of your sealing schedule.
- Marble requires extra vigilance with sealing in Raleigh's humid environment. Reseal every 6-12 months.
- Butcher block needs regular oil treatment to prevent moisture issues in humid months (June through September).
- Outdoor kitchens are popular. Stick with granite or porcelain surfaces. Avoid quartz outdoors.
Saving Money on Countertops in Raleigh
- Get quotes from 4-5 fabricators. Raleigh's growing fabricator market means good competition.
- Ask about builder-grade stock. Fabricators supplying new developments often have high-volume quartz and granite colors at lower prices.
- Use remnants for secondary spaces. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and wet bars rarely need full slabs.
- Choose stocked colors. Locally available colors skip the wait and expense of special orders.
- Schedule in slower months. January through March and August through September tend to be slower for remodel countertop work.
- Keep edges basic. Eased edges are free and suit modern kitchen designs.
- Compare across the Triangle. Fabricators in Durham or Garner may offer better rates than Cary or downtown Raleigh shops.
Project Timeline in Raleigh
| Phase | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Getting quotes | 1-2 weeks |
| Material selection and deposit | 1-3 days |
| Templating | 1 day (scheduled 5-10 days out) |
| Fabrication | 5-10 business days |
| Installation | 1 day (4-6 hours typical) |
| Total from deposit to done | 2-4 weeks |
During peak periods (April through July), add 1-2 weeks.
For Raleigh-Area Fabricators
Raleigh's growth is great for business, but it also means more competition. Winning in this market requires fast quotes, minimal waste, and strong customer communication. The average remake costs $1,500-$4,000, and slab waste adds up fast when you're running 10+ jobs per week.
SlabWise helps Raleigh fabricators quote in 3 minutes instead of 20, reduce slab waste by 10-15% through AI-powered nesting, and cut customer phone calls by 70% with an automated tracking portal. Plans start at $199/month with a 14-day free trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a granite countertop cost in Raleigh?
Granite countertops in Raleigh cost $40-$95 per square foot installed. Entry-level granites start around $40/sq ft, while exotic stones can reach $95/sq ft or higher.
How much does quartz cost in Raleigh?
Quartz countertops in Raleigh range from $50-$115 per square foot installed. Standard colors run $50-$80/sq ft, with premium designs from Cambria, Silestone, and Caesarstone at the higher end.
Is Raleigh more expensive than Charlotte for countertops?
Pricing is very similar. Raleigh runs about 3-5% below Charlotte on average, though individual fabricator pricing varies more than the city-level difference.
How do Raleigh prices compare to the national average?
Raleigh countertop prices track close to national averages, running about 0-5% above depending on the material. The city's rapid growth and strong demand offset some of the cost-of-living advantages.
How long does countertop installation take in Raleigh?
Plan for 2-4 weeks from deposit to completed installation. The install itself takes 4-6 hours for a typical kitchen.
What is the most popular countertop in Raleigh?
Quartz dominates the Raleigh market, especially in new construction. It's followed by granite, particularly for homeowners seeking natural stone at a lower price point.
Do Raleigh fabricators serve Durham and Chapel Hill?
Yes. Most Raleigh-based fabricators serve the entire Triangle area, including Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Apex, and surrounding communities.
Can I use quartz outdoors in Raleigh?
No. Quartz manufacturers void their warranty for outdoor installations. Raleigh's UV exposure and humidity will damage quartz surfaces over time. Use granite or Dekton for outdoor kitchens.
How much does countertop replacement cost in Raleigh?
A complete kitchen countertop replacement in Raleigh costs $2,000-$6,200 for a standard 35-square-foot project, including removal, material, fabrication, and installation.
Should I buy countertops before or after cabinets?
Select your countertop material early in the design phase, but wait to template and fabricate until cabinets are fully installed and level. Fabricators need the final cabinet layout for accurate measurements.
Prices reflect 2026 market conditions in the Raleigh-Durham 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