How Much Does It Cost To Change Kitchen Countertops? Price Guide

The average cost to change kitchen countertops ranges from $2,000 to $8,000, but this can change a lot. Your new countertops price will depend on the material you pick, how big your kitchen is, and who you hire to do the work. This guide will help you budget for kitchen countertops so you can make a smart choice.

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Deciphering Kitchen Countertop Replacement Cost

The cost to replace kitchen worktops isn’t just one simple number. Several things come together to decide the final price. To get a good idea of your kitchen remodel countertop expenses, you need to think about all these parts.

Key Cost Factors

• Countertop Material Costs: Different materials have very different prices.
• Kitchen Size: More countertop space means more material and more work.
• Labor Costs: How much the installer charges can vary.
• Removal and Disposal: Getting rid of the old countertops can add to the cost.
• Edge Detailing: Fancy edges cost extra.
• Sink and Cooktop Cutouts: Cutting holes for these also adds to the price.
• Geographic Location: Prices are different depending on where you live.

New Countertops Price: A Breakdown

Let’s look closer at each of these factors.

1. Countertop Material Costs

This is usually the biggest part of the kitchen countertop replacement cost. Here’s a look at common materials and their prices per square foot (installed):

Material	Price per Square Foot (Installed)	Pros	Cons
Laminate	$20 – $50	Cheap, many colors and styles, easy to clean.	Can be scratched or burned easily, looks less high-end.
Tile	$25 – $80	Many colors and patterns, heat resistant.	Grout can be hard to clean, can chip.
Butcher Block	$35 – $100	Warm look, can be sanded and refinished.	Needs regular oiling, can stain or scratch.
Solid Surface	$40 – $120	Seamless look, repairable, non-porous.	Can be scratched or burned, limited color options compared to some materials.
Quartz	$50 – $200	Very durable, stain-resistant, many colors and patterns.	More expensive than some options.
Granite	$50 – $200	Natural stone, unique look, heat resistant.	Needs sealing, can stain if not sealed, can be expensive.
Marble	$75 – $250	Elegant look, cool surface for baking.	Soft and scratches easily, stains easily, very expensive.
Soapstone	$70 – $150	Natural stone, heat resistant, develops a patina over time.	Can scratch easily, needs regular oiling, limited color options.
Stainless Steel	$70 – $200	Durable, heat resistant, easy to clean, modern look.	Can be noisy, shows fingerprints easily, can be expensive.
Concrete	$75 – $150	Can be custom made, unique look, very durable.	Can crack, needs sealing, can be expensive, may require professional install.
Recycled Glass	$75 – $250	Eco-friendly, unique look, durable.	Can be expensive.
Porcelain Slab	$60 – $140	Heat, stain, and scratch resistant, large format for seamless look.	Can be expensive, requires skilled installation.

2. Kitchen Size

The bigger your kitchen, the more countertop you’ll need. To figure out how much you need, measure the length and width of your current countertops (or where you want them to be). Then, multiply those numbers to get the square footage. Don’t forget to add extra for overhangs or islands.

3. Labor Costs

Countertop installation cost depends on the installer’s rates and the complexity of the job. Some installers charge by the hour, while others charge by the square foot. Expect to pay anywhere from $35 to $100 per hour, or $10 to $30 per square foot, for labor.

4. Removal and Disposal

Getting rid of your old countertops can cost $50 to $500, depending on how hard they are to remove and how much the disposal company charges. Some installers include this in their price.

5. Edge Detailing

The edge of your countertop can be simple or fancy. A simple, straight edge is usually included in the base price. But, if you want a bullnose, ogee, or other decorative edge, it will cost extra, usually $10 to $50 per linear foot.

6. Sink and Cooktop Cutouts

Cutting holes for your sink and cooktop also adds to the cost. Expect to pay $100 to $400 for each cutout.

7. Geographic Location

Labor and material costs change depending on where you live. Big cities usually have higher prices than smaller towns.

Examples of Total Project Costs

To give you a better idea, here are some examples of total project costs for different kitchen sizes and materials:

• Small Kitchen (30 sq ft):
  • Laminate: $600 – $1,500
  • Quartz: $1,500 – $6,000
  • Granite: $1,500 – $6,000
• Medium Kitchen (40 sq ft):
  • Laminate: $800 – $2,000
  • Quartz: $2,000 – $8,000
  • Granite: $2,000 – $8,000
• Large Kitchen (60 sq ft):
  • Laminate: $1,200 – $3,000
  • Quartz: $3,000 – $12,000
  • Granite: $3,000 – $12,000

These are just examples. Your actual cost may be different. It’s always best to get quotes from several installers to get a more accurate idea.

Saving Money on Countertops

If you’re on a tight budget, there are ways to save money on your countertop replacement:

• Choose an Affordable Countertop Option: Laminate, tile, and butcher block are generally cheaper than quartz, granite, or marble.
• Do Some of the Work Yourself: You can save money by removing the old countertops yourself, but be careful not to damage anything.
• Shop Around: Get quotes from several installers to compare prices.
• Look for Sales and Discounts: Many stores offer sales or discounts on countertops at certain times of the year.
• Keep it Simple: A simple edge and a standard sink cutout will save you money.

Affordable Countertop Options Explored

Let’s delve deeper into affordable options:

• Laminate: Laminate is made of layers of plastic bonded to a particleboard core. It’s cheap, comes in many colors and patterns, and is easy to clean. But it can be scratched or burned easily.
• Tile: Tile is another affordable option. It comes in many colors, shapes, and sizes, and is heat resistant. But the grout can be hard to clean, and the tile can chip.
• Butcher Block: Butcher block is made of strips of wood glued together. It has a warm look and can be sanded and refinished. But it needs regular oiling and can stain or scratch.

Fathoming Installation: DIY vs. Professional

Can I install countertops myself? The answer is yes, but it depends on your skill level and the material you choose.

DIY Installation

• Pros: Save money on labor costs.
• Cons: Requires skills, time, and tools. Mistakes can be costly. Warranty may be voided. Best suited for laminate, tile, or butcher block.

Professional Installation

• Pros: Ensures proper installation. Reduces risk of mistakes. Includes warranty. Best suited for quartz, granite, marble, or solid surface.
• Cons: Higher cost. Requires scheduling.

Factors Affecting Countertop Price: A Deeper Look

Let’s examine specific elements influencing your kitchen countertop replacement cost:

• Material Thickness: Thicker slabs of granite or quartz will be more expensive.
• Slab Quality: Natural stone varies in quality. Higher-grade slabs with fewer imperfections cost more.
• Veining and Pattern: Complex patterns in granite or marble can increase the price.
• Backsplash: Adding a backsplash will increase the overall cost.
• Sink Type: Undermount sinks require more labor and can increase the countertop cost.
• Cooktop Type: Downdraft cooktops may require special countertop modifications.
• Countertop Shape: Unusual shapes or angles can increase material waste and labor costs.
• Accessibility: Difficult access to the kitchen can increase labor costs.

Budget for Kitchen Countertops: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Measure Your Countertop Space: Accurately measure the length and width of your existing countertops (or the space where you plan to install them).
2. Choose Your Material: Research different countertop materials and select one that fits your budget and style.
3. Get Quotes: Contact several countertop installers and get written quotes.
4. Factor in Additional Costs: Don’t forget to include the cost of removal and disposal, edge detailing, sink and cooktop cutouts, and plumbing or electrical work.
5. Add a Contingency: It’s always a good idea to add a 10-15% contingency to your budget to cover unexpected costs.

Finding Reputable Countertop Installers

Who is best to install countertops? Finding a reliable installer is key. Here’s how:

• Get Referrals: Ask friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations.
• Read Online Reviews: Check online review sites like Yelp, Google, and Angie’s List.
• Check Licensing and Insurance: Make sure the installer is licensed and insured.
• Get Multiple Quotes: Get written quotes from several installers.
• Ask Questions: Ask the installer about their experience, warranty, and installation process.
• Review Their Portfolio: Look at photos of their previous work.

Countertop Material Comparison Table

Feature	Granite	Quartz	Laminate	Butcher Block	Solid Surface
Durability	Very Good	Excellent	Fair	Good	Good
Stain Resistance	Good (Requires Sealing)	Excellent	Good	Fair (Requires Sealing)	Excellent
Heat Resistance	Excellent	Good	Fair	Good	Fair
Scratch Resistance	Good	Excellent	Fair	Fair	Fair
Maintenance	Requires Sealing	Low	Low	Requires Oiling	Low
Cost	Mid to High	Mid to High	Low	Mid	Mid
Appearance	Natural, Unique	Engineered, Consistent	Many Patterns and Colors	Warm, Natural	Seamless, Repairable
Environmental	Natural Stone	Engineered with Natural Stone	Synthetic Materials	Renewable Resource	Synthetic Materials

Interpreting Countertop Trends

Keep an eye on the latest countertop trends. Right now, we’re seeing a lot of:

• Light Colors: White, gray, and beige are popular choices.
• Minimalist Designs: Clean lines and simple edges are in style.
• Large Format Slabs: Porcelain slabs create a seamless look.
• Eco-Friendly Materials: Recycled glass and reclaimed wood are gaining popularity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How long does countertop installation take?
  • Installation can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the size of the kitchen and the complexity of the job.
• Can I install a new countertop on top of my old one?
  • Generally, it’s not recommended to install a new countertop on top of an old one, as it can cause problems with the structural integrity and height.
• What is the best countertop material for resale value?
  • Granite and quartz are generally considered the best countertop materials for resale value.
• How do I care for my new countertops?
  • Care instructions vary depending on the material. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• What if my countertops have seams?
  • Seams are unavoidable in most countertop installations. A good installer will make the seams as inconspicuous as possible.
• Are there countertop alternatives besides stone or manufactured materials?
  • Yes! Wood, concrete, and even poured epoxy are gaining popularity.
• Can I get countertops in custom shapes or sizes?
  • Yes, especially with materials like solid surface or concrete, customization is very common. Expect this to add to the cost.
    By thinking about these factors and doing your homework, you can make sure your kitchen countertop replacement is a success!