Kitchen Countertops Cost and Installation Guide

Key Takeaways

1. Quartz, granite, and marble kitchen countertops are most popular amongst homeowners. But they are expensive options to choose from. However, laminate and tile countertops offer economical alternatives.
2. The size of the kitchen, labor cost, and customization requirements in kitchen countertop installation determine the overall bill of the project. Even the availability of labor and how quickly you want the job to be done impacts the cost of kitchen countertop installation.
3. DIY installation is cheap, but the precision of the work done is compromised when you carry out the process all by yourself. Whereas professional installation of the kitchen countertops is carried out with care and precision, the overall process is expensive.

Apart from being a functional space in your kitchen, a kitchen countertop lends style to it and determines its overall value. Whenever a homeowner decides to revamp their kitchen space, the first question that comes to their mind is What is the cost to replace a kitchen countertop?

In addition to this, they also need to decide whether they are going to make the new installation all by themselves or hire a professional to do it. However, if they opt for doing it themselves, they have to learn how to install kitchen countertops.

This guide will give you an idea of the cost to replace kitchen countertops based on the material they are made of and the factors that have a direct impact on these costs. Then it will guide you through the whole replacement process so that you can learn how to install kitchen countertops.

Average Price of Kitchen Countertops By Materials

Whichever kitchen countertop you choose for your kitchen, the price of it depends on the material it is made of. Let’s delve into the average installation costs of these countertops in the U.S. in 2025.

1. Laminate Kitchen Countertops

Laminate kitchen countertops are an economical countertop option for homeowners. Their average costs range between $20 $80 per square foot.

2. Granite Kitchen Countertops

Granite kitchen countertops are more expensive than laminate kitchen countertops. Their price falls in the range of $80-$150 per square foot.

3. Quartz Kitchen Countertops

Quartz kitchen countertops are very popular in the U.S. Their prices vary from $50 to $200 per square foot.

4. Marble Kitchen Countertops

The elegant marble kitchen countertops are available at mid-range prices. They can be purchased for $40 to $150 per square foot.

5. Concrete Kitchen Countertops

Concrete kitchen countertops can be customised according to the requirements of the homeowners. This can cost them $50 to $150 per square foot.

6. Butcher Block Kitchen Countertops

Butcher block kitchen countertops are available in the market at a price range similar to that of concrete kitchen countertops. You can buy them for $50 to $150 per square foot.

7. Stainless Steel Kitchen Countertops

Stainless steel kitchen countertops are the most expensive among all kinds of kitchen countertops. They can be bought for $80 to $200 per square foot.

8. Tile Kitchen Countertops

Tile kitchen countertops are the cheapest countertop options available in the market. They lie in the price range of $20 to $60 per square foot.

Type of Kitchen Countertop	Price Range (US$/ sq ft.)
Laminate Kitchen Countertop	20-80
Granite Kitchen Countertop	80-150
Quartz Kitchen Countertop	50-200
Marble Kitchen Countertop	40-150
Concrete Kitchen Countertop	50-150
Butcher Block Kitchen Countertop	50-150
Stainless Steel Kitchen Countertop	80-200

Tile Kitchen Countertop

20-60

Factors that Affect Countertop Costs

There are several factors that affect the cost to replace the kitchen countertops. Some of these are discussed below:

1. Size of The Kitchen

Firstly, the biggest factor that affects the cost to replace a kitchen countertop is the size of the kitchen under renovation. The bigger the kitchen space, the more material it requires for its countertop to be built, and it will bloat the labor bill as well, and vice versa.

2. Quality of Material Used

Second, the type of kitchen countertop that is going to replace the older one determines the overall cost of the kitchen countertop project. If you are choosing a tile kitchen countertop, then you have to pay less. Whereas opting for a stainless steel kitchen countertop will cost you more.

Moreover, premium marble or exotic granite significantly raises costs.

3. Edge Style

Then, the cost to replace a kitchen countertop depends on the style of edges a homeowner wants. For instance, simple square edges are inexpensive. While waterfall edges send the bills soaring.

4. Cost of Labor

Moreover, the labor cost to replace a kitchen countertop amounts to almost 20% to 40% of the overall expenses. Second, the labor cost depends on the state you are located in and the availability of labor in that area.

Also, if you want to get your project done on an urgent basis, then you will have to pay more.

5. Customisation According to the Requirements

If you want to customise your kitchen space according to your desires, then you will have to expend your money accordingly. Stylish cutouts, backsplashes, and detailed touches add to the cost to replace a kitchen countertop.

DIY Installation vs Professional Installation

When it comes to replacing a kitchen countertop, another question arises in the mind of the homeowner: Should I install the countertop by myself or hire a professional for it? Let’s delve into the pros and cons of both options.

DIY Installation

If you know how to install a kitchen countertop, then you should do the process all by yourself. Because it will save you money, which would otherwise swell your professional installation bill. According to some estimates, you could save up $10 to $30 per square foot on labor when choosing to do the job by yourself.

However, DIY installation requires careful measuring and cutting. And it is hard to achieve precision when the installation is carried out by a professional.

Secondly, some kitchen countertops, such as concrete countertops, weigh heavily. So carrying them can be difficult without professional help. So you might still have to seek it.

Professional Installation

If you don’t know how to install a kitchen countertop, then you must seek professional installation services.

Experts can carry out countertop installation with care and precision, with fewer mistakes. They are more likely to achieve precise cutting and polished seams, which might not be possible with DIY installation.

Moreover, professional installation includes lifting heavy material by the laborer. So there is reduced risk of falling objects, saving them from cracking, and making the whole installation process safe and smooth.

Nevertheless, professional installation involves expending money by the homeowners. Their overall kitchen countertop installation project cost can eventually go up significantly.

Secondly, for professional installation of kitchen countertops, you have to check the availability of labor with the company you are hiring the staff from. Hence, you might face delays in your installation.

Quartz Countertops: A Closer Look

Quartz countertops are an appropriate choice to opt for if a homeowner is looking for elegance with durability, which is also reasonable in price.

Average Cost

Quartz countertops are available at an average price of $50-$200. This justifies the way these countertops perform in the kitchen and the style they lend to your space.

Pros

1. Quartz countertops are durable and long-lasting.
2. They are non-porous, so the stains do not remain on them for a long time.
3. These countertops are stain-resistant.

Cons

1. Quartz countertops are expensive.
2. They usually require professional installation for good detailing and finishes.

How to Install Kitchen Countertops: A Step-By-Step Guide

For those who want to learn how to install a kitchen countertop, here is a detailed guide to the process of this installation:

1. Careful Measurements Made

First things first. Carefully make the measurements of the place where you are going to fit the countertop in the kitchen. You also have to measure the material you are going to use to cut according to the size of the spot. Use a measuring tape for it.

2. Check Cabinet Levels

Make sure that the foundation where the installation of the countertop is to be made is solid.

3. Material Cutting

For cutting, use appropriate tools. The tools must be sharp enough to make sharp cuts for fine finishes.

4. Fit in the Place

In order to apply the countertop in the required spot in your kitchen, you have to use screws or adhesive, depending on the material the kitchen countertop is made of.

5. Final Touches

Then, finally, you have to inspect countertops in the kitchen and give them the final touches for a refined and elegant look.

Conclusion

In order to lend your kitchen an elegant look with a functional space that is also budget-friendly, it is important to choose an appropriate kitchen countertop. To make a wise decision on which countertop to choose, you have to get a better understanding of the cost to replace the kitchen countertop.

Furthermore, it is also important to know how to install kitchen countertops if you are looking to make the installation yourself. Even if you seek professional help for installation, you should be aware of the process of kitchen countertop installation to ensure the work done is according to your desires.

If you’re planning a remodel, CabinetCorp is here to help with expert resources, design ideas, and professional guidance.Contact CabinetCorp today and start creating your dream kitchen with confidence.