How Much Do New Countertops Cost?
$2,000 to $5,000 is the typical cost for new kitchen countertops, with the national average sitting around $3,500 installed. On the low end, laminate countertops for a small kitchen run $500 to $1,500. On the high end, marble or quartzite countertops in a large kitchen with premium edge profiles can reach $8,000 to $12,000 or more.
Countertops are one of the highest-impact upgrades you can make in a kitchen or bathroom. The material you choose drives most of the cost, but square footage, edge detailing, backsplash additions, and old countertop removal all factor into the final price. A basic laminate swap is a weekend project, while quartz countertops or granite slabs require professional templating, fabrication, and installation over several weeks.
Countertop Cost by Material
$10 to $150 per square foot installed depending on the material. The table below shows what each countertop material costs for a typical 30 to 40 square foot kitchen.
| Material | Per Sq Ft (installed) | Typical Kitchen Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $10 - $30 | $500 - $1,500 |
| Butcher block | $40 - $70 | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Solid surface (Corian) | $40 - $80 | $1,500 - $3,500 |
| Granite | $40 - $100 | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Quartz | $50 - $100 | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Quartzite | $60 - $120 | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Concrete | $65 - $135 | $3,000 - $6,500 |
| Marble | $75 - $150 | $4,000 - $8,000 |
Material prices include fabrication and professional installation. DIY installation is possible with laminate and butcher block but not recommended for stone slabs, which weigh 15 to 20 pounds per square foot and require specialized cutting equipment.
How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost?
$50 to $100 per square foot installed, or $2,500 to $5,000 for a typical kitchen with 30 to 40 square feet of counter space. Quartz countertops have become the most popular countertop material in the U.S. over the past decade, overtaking granite in both new construction and remodeling projects.
Quartz is an engineered stone made from roughly 90% ground quartz crystals bound with resin. Unlike granite, quartz is non-porous and never needs sealing. It resists stains, scratches, and bacteria, making it one of the lowest-maintenance countertop options available. Popular quartz brands include Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and MSI. Premium brands and patterns that mimic marble veining tend to cost $75 to $100 per square foot, while mid-range quartz options start around $50 per square foot.
One thing to know: quartz is not heat-resistant. Placing a hot pan directly on a quartz surface can cause discoloration or cracking. If heat resistance matters to you, granite or quartzite are better choices.
Cost Factors That Affect Your Countertop Price
$1,500 to $10,000+ is the range for most countertop projects, and several factors push your price up or down within that window.
Material
Material is the single biggest cost driver. Laminate at $10 to $30 per square foot costs a fraction of marble at $75 to $150 per square foot. The material you pick determines roughly 60-70% of your total project cost. Within each material category, there is also a wide range. Entry-level granite runs $40 per square foot while exotic granite slabs can hit $100 per square foot.
Square Footage
Most kitchens have 25 to 50 square feet of countertop surface. An L-shaped kitchen with an island might have 50 to 70 square feet. Every additional square foot adds the per-square-foot rate of your chosen material, so larger kitchens pay proportionally more.
Edge Profile
Edge detailing adds $5 to $30 per linear foot on top of base material costs. A standard eased edge (slightly rounded) is typically included in the base price. Beveled edges add $5 to $10 per linear foot. Bullnose edges run $10 to $15 per linear foot. Ogee and other decorative profiles cost $15 to $30 per linear foot. Waterfall edges, where the countertop wraps down to the floor on an island, add $1,000 to $3,000 per side.
Backsplash
A matching stone backsplash adds to the total. A 4-inch standard backsplash adds $10 to $20 per linear foot. A full-height backsplash (from counter to upper cabinets) adds $25 to $60 per linear foot. Many homeowners skip the stone backsplash and use tile instead to save $500 to $2,000. If you are planning a full kitchen remodel ($15,000 to $50,000), the backsplash is usually included in the overall project bid.
Sink Cutouts and Seams
Each sink cutout costs $100 to $300. Cooktop cutouts run $150 to $400. Seams between slabs cost $100 to $250 each. Simple rectangular kitchens with one sink cutout keep costs low. Kitchens with double sinks, islands, and multiple seams add up quickly.
Old Countertop Removal
Removing and disposing of existing countertops costs $300 to $500 for most kitchens. Laminate is the easiest to remove. Stone countertops are heavier and may cost slightly more. Some contractors include removal in their installation quote, so ask upfront.
How to Save Money on New Countertops
$500 to $3,000 in potential savings by making smart choices on material and extras.
- Choose a mid-range material. Quartz and granite offer the best balance of looks, durability, and price. Marble looks stunning but costs 30-50% more and stains easily.
- Keep a simple edge. Standard eased edges are usually free. Upgrading to ogee or waterfall edges adds $500 to $3,000 with no functional benefit.
- Skip the full-height backsplash. A tile backsplash costs $300 to $800 versus $1,500 to $3,000 for full-height stone. Tile also lets you add color and pattern.
- Buy remnant slabs. Stone yards sell leftover pieces from larger jobs at 30-50% off. If your kitchen is small enough to fit on a remnant, you can get granite or quartz at laminate prices.
- Get 3 quotes minimum. Countertop pricing varies widely between fabricators. Three bids help you understand the real market rate in your area.
- Time your project right. Late fall and winter are slower seasons for countertop installers. You may get better pricing and faster turnaround from November through February.
If countertops are part of a larger project, you may save by bundling. A bathroom remodel ($6,000 to $25,000) that includes a new vanity top can often be quoted alongside kitchen countertops for a volume discount from the same fabricator.
Protect your investment: Keep new countertops looking great with the right cleaners and sealers.
Shop on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
How much do new countertops cost?
New countertops cost $2,000 to $5,000 for most kitchens, with the national average around $3,500 installed. Laminate countertops start at $10 to $30 per square foot, while premium materials like marble run $75 to $150 per square foot. The total depends on material, square footage, edge profile, and whether you need old countertop removal.
How much do quartz countertops cost?
Quartz countertops cost $50 to $100 per square foot installed, or $2,500 to $5,000 for a typical 30-40 square foot kitchen. Quartz is an engineered stone that is non-porous, stain-resistant, and requires no sealing. Premium quartz brands like Cambria and Caesarstone run $75 to $100 per square foot, while mid-range options start around $50 per square foot.
What is the cheapest countertop material?
Laminate is the cheapest countertop material at $10 to $30 per square foot installed, or $500 to $1,500 for a typical kitchen. Modern laminate options from brands like Formica and Wilsonart look much better than older versions and come in hundreds of patterns including realistic stone and wood looks. Laminate is a solid choice for budget-friendly kitchen updates.
Is granite or quartz cheaper?
Granite and quartz are similarly priced overall. Granite costs $40 to $100 per square foot installed, while quartz costs $50 to $100 per square foot. Entry-level granite slabs can be slightly cheaper than entry-level quartz. However, quartz requires no sealing and less maintenance over time, which makes the long-term cost difference minimal.
How long does countertop installation take?
Countertop installation takes 1 to 3 days for most kitchens. Templating happens first and takes 1 to 2 hours, then fabrication takes 1 to 3 weeks depending on the material. The actual installation day usually takes 2 to 6 hours. Laminate and butcher block can often be installed same-day, while stone countertops require templating, fabrication, and a separate install visit.