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Find our top-rated kitchen contractors and kitchen remodelers focused on quality kitchen renovation. Check out the top rated experts.How much does it cost to replace kitchen countertops? Let’s figure it out! A countertop is one of the first things you see when entering a kitchen. The raised, flat surface on which you cut vegetables, prepare food, or keep your dishes is called a countertop.
There are countless materials out there that are used to create countertops. Some of these materials are affordable, whereas the other materials can be hard on your wallet.
Installing a new countertop or replacing a previous one can cost a lot. But with the right materials and methods, you can get the most durable countertops according to your budget. In this article, we have discussed the best countertop materials and their costs.
Key Points for Countertop Replacement
I’m thrilled to share with you these key points that will guide you through the process of replacing kitchen countertops:
- Countertop replacement costs vary depending on the material and size of your kitchen, ranging from less than $700 to as much as $6500.
- Natural stone countertops, such as granite, marble, and quartzite, offer durability and heat resistance, with costs varying from $15 to $250 per square foot.
- Stainless steel countertops, resistant to water and heat, typically cost between $70 and $150 per square foot.
- Solid surface countertops are a budget-friendly option, costing around $20-$90 per square foot.
- Concrete countertops, durable and heat resistant, range from $60 to $135 per square foot.
- Laminate countertops are an extremely affordable option, costing only $10-$45 per square foot, but they can be easily damaged by scratches and heat.
- The overall charge of replacing an existing countertop can be between $800-$5500, depending on material and labor costs.
Average Price of Kitchen Countertops
Not all countertops cost the same. There are different cost estimations for different types of kitchen counters. For example, some materials used for countertops can be more expensive than others. Moreover, the square feet of your kitchen also affect the cost.
Considering all these factors, installing a countertop in your kitchen can cost less than $700 and as much as $6500. So, normally a countertop can cost you between $15 and $250 per sq. ft. Considering the additional costs, the average cost of installing new countertops is around $2000.
| Countertop Material | Cost per Square Foot | Average Installation Cost | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granite | $50 – $200 | $2,250 – $4,500 | Durable, heat-resistant, and visually appealing |
| Marble | $75 – $250 | $2,500 – $4,600 | High-end aesthetic, but requires regular maintenance |
| Limestone | $50 – $200 | $1,100 – $5,500 | Offers a unique, rustic look |
| Stainless Steel | $70 – $150 | $2,000 – $4,700 | Resistant to water and heat, easy to clean |
| Solid Surface | $35 – $100 | $2,000 – $4,800 | Non-porous, resistant to stains and scratches |
| Concrete | $70 – $150 | $2,500 – $5,000 | Offers a modern, industrial look |
| Recycled Glass | $50 – $125 | $1,800 – $9,200 | Eco-friendly and offers a unique aesthetic |
| Laminate | $20 – $60 | $600 – $2,400 | Affordable and offers a wide range of colors and patterns |
Kitchen Countertops Cost by Material
The cost of changing countertops depends on different factors. The type of your material and the countertop dimensions all affect the cost of the process. You may be unable to decide which countertop material is best for your kitchen and wallet. So, here’s a list of all the different countertops materials and their costs.
Natural Stone Countertops
Natural stones are formed under the immense heat and pressure of the earth’s crust. These beautiful stones are highly durable and withstand intense heat and weather conditions. This is what makes them a great option for countertops. Depending on the different types, these stones can vary from $15 to $250 per square foot. You can find several natural stones in the market, such as granite, marble, quartzite, etc.
Granite Countertops
Granite is the most popular countertop material if you want a strong and sturdy countertop for your kitchen. The best part about granite countertops is that they are available in various colors. So, you can match them with any theme or color of your kitchen.
The cost of your granite countertops depends on how you install them in your kitchen. Installing it as a slab will cost more than granite tiles. As we know, installing countertops is estimated according to the cost per square footage. A granite slab can cost around $40-$100. On the other hand, if you wish to install granite tiles, they can cost as little as $5-$20 per square foot.
Moreover, the cost of granite countertops varies according to the type of granite you are installing. For accurate cost estimation, you must be aware of the different types of granite in the market, some of which are as follows:
- Black Galaxy Granite $70-$90
- Uba Tuba Granite $30-$80
- Solarius $45-$60
- Black Pearl $25-$50
- Alaska White $40-$80
Marble Countertops
Marble countertops are the most elegant and decent countertops that you can install. Their bright and luminous surface can bring your kitchen space to life and make it appear bigger. While installing these kitchen countertops, different factors will affect the cost.
These factors include the type, color, quality, edge treatment, and thickness of your slab or tile countertops. This is why these kitchen countertops can cost from $40 to $150, depending on the different factors. Some marble types tend to be more expensive than others. However, some more expensive marble options can also go up to $200-$250.
Limestone
Limestone is considered one of the most preferred natural stone materials for countertops. It is commonly available in beautiful light tones, such as white, off-white, and brown colors. Along with being an attractive choice for a kitchen countertop, limestone is a sturdy and long-lasting material for your kitchen and bathrooms. However, proper maintenance is required to keep the limestone durable and perfect-looking.
Usually, the cost of an average limestone can range from $10 to $70 per square foot. On the other hand, if you are going for more expensive limestone countertops, the prices can go up to $70-$200. So, including the additional charges such as the labor costs and affordable material prices, the average cost can range between $2000 and $5500.
Solid Surface Countertops Cost
Solid surface countertops can be considered an affordable and budget-friendly option for your kitchen countertops. They are a great option if you want affordable non-porous solid surfaces for your kitchen countertops.
Although it is not a natural stone, it does have some resemblance to a stone. These countertops cost only around $20-$90 per square foot. Considering the installation kitchen countertop costs, you can complete your solid surface countertops for $700-$4000. So, this is a great material if you cannot afford the pricier options for your countertops.
Stainless Steel Countertops Cost
Stainless steel is one of the most resistant materials to use as a countertop, and this is because stainless steel is resistant to water and heat. As the other natural materials are porous, bacteria can easily penetrate them.
However, thanks to its smooth and non-porous surface, stainless steel prevents bacteria or grime from getting into it. So, it is much easy to clean them. For cost considerations, stainless steel countertops usually cost between $70 and $150 per square foot.
Concrete Countertops Cost
Well-managed and maintained concrete countertops can be extremely durable and long-lasting. One of the major benefits of this material is that it is heat resistant. Therefore, little damage will occur to it as you work in the kitchen; installing these new countertops ranges from $60 to $135 per square foot. A basic mid-quality countertop typically costs around $60-$100. Moreover, high-quality concrete counter space would cost between $100-$135. So, these countertops are not only durable but also affordable.
Quartz vs. Quartzite Countertops
It is important to understand the difference between quartz countertops and quartzite countertops. Although both are great options for installing new countertops, quartz and quartzite are two different materials.
Quartz Countertops
In contrast to quartzite, quartz is made from natural silicon dioxide. It is then formulated with other additives such as polyester resin. Moreover, quartz can provide more patterns as it is made with synthetic materials. These quartz countertops cost around $50-$165 per square foot. So, it is also not a very expensive option.
Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite is a natural rock and a metamorphic substance. It is formed under excessive heat and pressure of the earth’s crust. This natural rock is then converted and cut into beautiful countertops. Quartzite is usually available in lighter hues, such as off-white and gray. Quartzite is also much harder and more durable than quartz. So, it will also be more heat resistant. Quartzite countertops cost you between $70 and $200 per square foot.
Cost of Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops are an extremely affordable option for your countertops. They can cost you only $10-$45 per square foot. If you count installation labor costs, you can expect to pay less than $80 per square foot. However, as laminate is a cheap kitchen countertop material, it can easily be damaged by scratches and heat. It can also be prone to water damage.
So, if you want something budget-friendly, laminate countertops are the best option. However, if you seek durability and better heat resistance, you should also consider the other options.
Cost of Butcher Block Countertops
If you want the aesthetic appearance of wood in your kitchen, the butcher block is the best countertop material for you. Wood countertops are not very common in our homes. However, when done right, these countertops can give your kitchen a more upgraded or farmhouse-style look.
One benefit of this material is that it is available in many browns and wooden patterns. These wood countertops are easy to clean, durable, and versatile. However, it is not very heat resistant and can get scratched easily. Moreover, including the labor costs, this wood countertop installation costs $30 to $250, depending on the quality, color, and other factors.
Soapstone Countertops Cost
These natural stone slabs can add a rustic appearance to your kitchen. Although it is not as common as other popular materials, it can still be a good option for your kitchen countertop. It is an eco-friendly option as it is not formulated with synthetic materials. It is also a durable kitchen countertop material. These countertops can give your kitchen a versatile look due to their available colors. Moreover, this environmentally friendly option costs around $55-$150 per square foot.
Ceramic or Porcelain Countertops
Ceramic is a result of combining two materials: China stone powder and China clay. These two are mixed at an extremely high temperature, I.e., nearly at 1450oC. Although ceramic is very different from natural stone materials, it is coated with a pigmented polish that gives it a beautiful appearance like the other natural materials.
After going through such high temperatures, it gains its heat resistance. So, ceramic tile countertops are great for the kitchen. An average ceramic tile can cost around $50-$65 per square foot. On the other hand, a high-quality ceramic tile can cost between $100-$130 per square foot.
Which Countertop Material is Best for My Budget?
There are countless countertop options, so choosing the right one for your budget can be difficult. Selecting any cheap material for countertops is not preferred as you cannot compromise on quality. However, some great affordable options are almost as durable as the pricier options. Some of these options are as follows:
Recycled Glass Countertops
Recycled glass countertops are not only great for the budget but are also unique countertop materials. They are available in a variety of designs and colors. What makes them more special is that they are beneficial to the environment. They can cost around $30-$100 per square foot.
Laminate Countertops
As mentioned above, this is it if you are looking for a great budget-friendly countertops material. With laminate countertops, you will not have to pay more than $80 per square foot.
Acrylic Countertops
Acrylic countertops are no doubt the most affordable option for your countertops. They cost around $15-$55 per square foot only. These strong and resilient countertops will not let you suffer in the long run.
Slate Countertops
The cost of slate countertops depends on whether you are installing them as slabs or tiles. Installing slate slabs can cost you around $70-$100 per square foot. On the other hand, installing them as tiles can cost you less, between $50 and $70 per square foot.
Travertine Countertops
Travertine is a highly reflective material that can make your kitchen and countertop space brighter and open. It has a beautiful shiny solid surface that is not only great for aesthetic purposes but also for durability. It is a highly durable material that will protect your counter space from kitchen stains, heat, and water. With professional installation, travertine countertop costs around $25-$100 per square foot. Travertine countertops are quite popular for kitchen countertop installation.
Copper Countertops
Although copper countertops are not as cheap as the other options, they can bring a rustic charm to your kitchen. Normally varying from $80-$175 per square foot, these countertops can provide you with a unique and beautiful appearance.
How Much Does it Cost to Change Counters?
As mentioned above, the cost to change and install new countertops depends on multiple factors. For instance, the choice of your material, square feet, and labor cost will affect the overall cost. To replace a countertop, you will need to count the charges for countertop removal, installation, and labor cost. Including the labor charges, countertop removal can cost around $40-$70 per countertop.
Usually, the rate of installing a countertop depends on the cost of material per square foot. No two materials cost the same. However, the average material cost per square foot can be as low as $15 and up to $250. So, the overall charge of replacing an existing countertop can be between $800-$5500.
What Is The Cheapest Way to Replace Countertops?
You can follow some basic tips if you find a budget-friendly way to replace countertops without breaking your bank.
- Buy affordable countertop materials, such as laminate, acrylic, and recycled glass.
- You can try to DIY them if you are skilled in this area. This will also save you the cost of labor.
- If you cannot change countertops, you can invest in a paint kit for countertops. This will give your countertop an upgraded look without changing it.
- Try to find companies that are providing discounted or free countertop installation.
Is It Worth Replacing Countertops?
If your previous countertops look fine and well-maintained, then it might not be best to replace them. However, replacing countertops becomes necessary when the previous ones are chipped, broken, or stained.
In that case, installing new countertops can transform your kitchen’s appearance. Moreover, replacing damaged countertops can be beneficial if you sell your house. New countertops can attract more potential buys and increase your resale value. So, if you do not wish to have a negative impact on potential buyers, replacing them is a good option. And when you’re remodeling your kitchen I think it’s worth upgrading your countertops as well.
Conclusion
Replacing most countertops can give an upgraded look to your kitchen, and this is a great option, especially if you are planning to sell your house. However, the cost to install kitchen countertops can differ drastically. Factors like square feet and materials can affect the costs. So, if you know the right type of materials for you, you can install the best countertop without breaking your bank.
