Countertop Cost in Salt Lake City (2026 Pricing)
Countertop costs in Salt Lake City range from $30 to $178+ per square foot installed depending on material, edge profile, and fabricator. Salt Lake City sits near the national average for most countertop materials - slightly above average for labor but offset by Utah's strong new-construction market and growing fabricator competition. SLC pricing has risen faster than the national rate over the past five years due to rapid population growth and a tight construction labor market.
TL;DR: Salt Lake City Countertop Costs at a Glance
- Countertop costs in Salt Lake City range from $30 to $178+ per square foot installed
- Quartz is the most popular choice in Salt Lake City (58% of installations) at $52-$85/sq ft installed
- Granite countertops run $42-$72/sq ft installed in Salt Lake City
- Salt Lake City prices run 15-25% above national averages for most materials
- Compare Salt Lake City pricing instantly with SlabWise's Quick Quote tool for fabricators
Average Countertop Prices in Salt Lake City by Material
SLC's pricing reflects a market in transition - moving from below-average to at-or-above-average as rapid growth drives up costs.
| 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-$65 | $900-$1,950 | $1,500-$3,250 |
| Granite (Level 1-2) | $42-$72 | $1,260-$2,160 | $2,100-$3,600 |
| Granite (Level 3-5) | $72-$112 | $2,160-$3,360 | $3,600-$5,600 |
| Quartz (Standard) | $52-$85 | $1,560-$2,550 | $2,600-$4,250 |
| Quartz (Premium) | $85-$132 | $2,550-$3,960 | $4,250-$6,600 |
| Marble (Carrara) | $72-$125 | $2,160-$3,750 | $3,600-$6,250 |
| Marble (Calacatta) | $125-$178+ | $3,750-$5,340+ | $6,250-$8,900+ |
| Quartzite | $78-$142 | $2,340-$4,260 | $3,900-$7,100 |
| Soapstone | $68-$115 | $2,040-$3,450 | $3,400-$5,750 |
| Concrete | $62-$128 | $1,860-$3,840 | $3,100-$6,400 |
Prices include template, fabrication, eased edge, one sink cutout, and installation.
What Affects SLC Countertop Pricing?
Rapidly Tightening Labor Market
SLC fabrication labor runs $24-$44/hour and has been rising faster than inflation. Utah's explosive population growth has created strong competition for skilled construction labor across all trades. Countertop fabricators compete with residential builders, commercial developers, and infrastructure projects for the same workers.
Growth-Driven Demand
The Wasatch Front (Salt Lake City to Provo) has been among the fastest-growing US regions for over a decade. New residential construction keeps fabricators busy, but the volume also attracts new shops to the market, maintaining competition.
Material Supply
SLC is farther from major ports than coastal cities, adding $5-$12/sq ft in transportation costs for imported stone. Slab distributors operate yards along I-15 in the SLC metro, particularly in West Jordan, Draper, and North Salt Lake. Some fabricators also source from distributors in Denver and Phoenix.
Utah's Large Household Sizes
Utah has the largest average household size in the US. This translates to larger kitchens with more countertop area (often 50-70 sq ft) and higher total project costs, even when per-square-foot pricing is moderate.
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 | 3-6 weeks |
| October-November | Moderate | At average | 2-3 weeks |
| December | Low | Year-end deals | 1-2 weeks |
Utah's cold winters create a clear slow season in January through March, offering the best pricing window.
SLC Countertop Costs by Area
| Area | Price Adjustment vs. Metro Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Heights / Avenues | +5-10% | Premium older homes, renovation focus |
| Millcreek / Holladay | +5-10% | Established suburban, premium demand |
| Draper / South Jordan | +5% | New construction premium, larger homes |
| Sandy / Cottonwood Heights | At average to +5% | Strong suburban market |
| West Jordan / West Valley | At average | Good fabricator access |
| Bountiful / Centerville | At average | Davis County suburban |
| Lehi / Saratoga Springs | At average | Rapid growth, new construction |
| Provo / Orem | -5% to at average | Utah County market, strong competition |
| Park City | +15-25% | Resort premium, limited local fabricators |
| Tooele | -5-8% | Outer suburbs, lower demand |
Park City commands the steepest premium in the region due to resort-area pricing, limited local fabrication shops, and high-end material preferences in vacation and second homes.
How to Save on Countertops in Salt Lake City
1. Get 4-5 Quotes
SLC has about 65 fabrication shops along the Wasatch Front. Pricing varies by 20-35%. Include shops in West Jordan, Draper, and even Utah County for the best range.
2. Visit Slab Distributors Along I-15
Distributors in West Jordan, Draper, and North Salt Lake maintain large inventories. Hand-selecting slabs and checking remnant availability saves money. Remnants sell at 30-50% off.
3. Schedule January Through March
Winter is SLC's clear slow season. Fabricators offer their best pricing, shortest lead times, and most scheduling flexibility during these months.
4. Consider Builder-Grade Granite
Utah's active new-construction market keeps Level 1-2 granites well-stocked and competitively priced at $42-$72/sq ft installed.
5. Stick with Standard Edges
Eased edges are included free. Upgrading adds $12-$30/linear foot - $480-$1,200 on a typical kitchen.
Popular Materials in SLC
Quartz (Clear Market Leader)
Quartz dominates the SLC market at about 54-58% market share - slightly above the national average. Utah homeowners favor quartz's practical, low-maintenance qualities, and the material's wide design options suit both modern and traditional Utah homes.
Granite (Reliable Value)
Granite holds about 25-30% of the SLC market. It is especially popular in builder-grade new construction and mid-range renovations along the Wasatch Front.
Quartzite (Premium Growth)
Quartzite demand is rising in SLC's premium communities - Federal Heights, Holladay, and Draper's upper neighborhoods. At $78-$142/sq ft, it serves the growing luxury renovation market.
Standard SLC 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 ($125-$275), old countertop removal ($150-$375), backsplash, cooktop cutout ($125-$225), edge upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a quartz countertop cost in Salt Lake City?
Quartz costs $52-$132 per square foot installed. A 40 sq ft kitchen runs $2,080-$5,280. Standard brands like MSI fall in the $52-$85 range, while Cambria runs $85-$132/sq ft.
Are SLC countertop prices going up?
Yes. SLC countertop prices have increased 12-20% over the past five years due to rapid population growth, rising labor costs, and strong demand from both new construction and renovation.
How much do granite countertops cost in SLC?
Granite runs $42-$112 per square foot installed. Level 1-2 granites cost $42-$72/sq ft. A 40 sq ft granite kitchen costs $1,680-$4,480.
What is the cheapest countertop in Salt Lake City?
Laminate at $12-$42/sq ft is the most affordable. A 40 sq ft kitchen costs $480-$1,680. Entry-level granite at $42-$72/sq ft is the cheapest natural stone.
How long does installation take in SLC?
Template to completion runs 1-2 weeks in winter and 3-6 weeks during peak summer. Installation takes 3-5 hours.
Do I need a permit for countertop work in SLC?
A simple countertop replacement does not require a permit. Plumbing or electrical work requires permits from Salt Lake City Building Services or your local jurisdiction. Utah requires contractors to hold a valid license through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).
When is the best time for countertop work in SLC?
January through March offers the best pricing and shortest lead times. Utah's cold winters keep renovation demand low during these months.
How does SLC compare to Denver for countertop pricing?
SLC and Denver have similar pricing, typically within 3-5% of each other. Denver's larger market sometimes offers marginally more fabricator competition, while SLC benefits from slightly lower labor costs.
How much do Park City countertops cost?
Park City pricing runs 15-25% above SLC metro averages. A quartz kitchen that costs $3,000 in SLC might run $3,500-$3,750 in Park City. Limited local fabricator access and the resort-town premium drive the difference.
Are remnant slabs available in SLC?
Yes. SLC distributors along I-15 maintain good remnant inventory from the region's active new-construction market. Expect 30-50% off standard pricing.
Get an Instant Countertop Estimate
Use our free countertop pricing calculator for a localized SLC estimate in under 3 minutes.
Try the Countertop Pricing Calculator →
Sources
- National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), 2025 Kitchen Cost Data
- HomeAdvisor, Countertop Installation Cost Guide, Salt Lake City Metro Area, 2025-2026
- Natural Stone Institute, 2025 Industry Report
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Salt Lake City MSA Construction Wages, 2025
- Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Contractor Requirements
- Salt Lake City Building Services, Residential Permit Guidelines
- Utah Association of Realtors, 2025 Housing and Renovation Trends