How Much Does It Cost To Change Kitchen Countertops? Find Out

Want new kitchen counters? The cost can differ a lot. To change kitchen countertops, you might pay from around $15 to over $200 per square foot. This range is the average cost to replace kitchen countertops. It depends a lot on the material you pick and how complex the job is. Replacing kitchen countertops is a big part of many kitchen renovation cost countertops projects. This article will help you figure out what you might pay when you cost to install new kitchen counters.

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Looking at the Price Tag

Changing kitchen countertops involves more than just buying a slab. You pay for materials, the work to put them in, and sometimes extra things. The total cost changes based on many things. Think about what type of counter you want. Also, think about the size of your kitchen counters and how tricky the job is.

What Makes the Price Go Up?

Many things can affect how much you pay to replace kitchen countertops cost. It’s not just the counter material itself. Here are the main drivers:

Material Pick

This is usually the biggest cost difference. Some materials are cheap. Some are very expensive. The cost to install new kitchen counters is tied closely to the material price. We will look at specific countertop materials cost later.

Size and Shape

More counter space means more material is needed. This costs more. Also, if your counters have many angles or curves, they are harder to make and install. This adds to the labor cost to replace countertops. A simple, straight run of counter is the least costly.

Edge Styles

Countertops can have different edges. A simple straight edge is standard. It costs little or nothing extra. Fancy edges like bullnose (round), bevel (sloped), or ogee (S-shaped) need more work. This raises the cost.

Sink and Cooktop Holes

Cutting holes for sinks, cooktops, or even special outlets adds cost. These cuts must be very precise. They need skilled work. Undermount sinks (where the sink sits below the counter edge) are more costly than drop-in sinks (where the sink edge sits on top). This is because the edge around an undermount sink needs extra polishing.

Getting Rid of Old Counters

You need to take out your old countertops first. This is called demolition. The cost to remove old countertops is usually part of the total labor price. But some quotes might list it separately. Removing heavy stone counters costs more than removing laminate. This is because they are harder to handle and might need more workers.

The Work Itself

Putting in new counters needs skilled workers. This is the labor cost to replace countertops. Labor includes measuring your kitchen, cutting the material to size (fabrication), bringing it to your home, and installing it. The complexity of your kitchen layout directly affects the labor cost.

Where You Live

Costs for materials and labor change from place to place. Cities usually have higher costs than smaller towns. This is true for many home projects, including replacing kitchen countertops.

Extra Project Needs

Sometimes, changing counters leads to other work. You might need a plumber to disconnect and reconnect your sink. You might need an electrician for cooktops or outlets. You might want a new backsplash or sink. These are extra costs to think about as part of your overall kitchen renovation cost countertops.

Looking at Different Materials

The type of material you choose is key to the total price. Here are common options and their typical countertop materials cost per square foot (material only). Keep in mind, these are rough numbers. They can change based on quality, color, and where you buy them.

Material Type	Typical Material Cost Per Square Foot	Notes
Laminate	$15 – $40	Very affordable. Many looks. Can scratch or chip.
Butcher Block (Wood)	$30 – $70	Warm feel. Needs regular oiling. Can scratch or burn.
Tile	$20 – $60	Many design choices. Grout can stain. Not a smooth surface.
Solid Surface (Acrylic)	$50 – $100	Seamless look. Can scratch. Can be repaired.
Granite	$40 – $100	Natural stone. Unique look. Needs sealing. Durable.
Quartz (Engineered)	$50 – $120	Man-made. Durable. Doesn’t need sealing. Consistent look.
Marble	$70 – $250+	Natural stone. Very elegant. Soft, can stain and etch.
Soapstone	$70 – $120+	Natural stone. Dark color. Gets better with age. Soft.
Stainless Steel	$80 – $200+	Modern look. Durable. Can dent or scratch.
Concrete	$60 – $150+	Can be shaped. Custom look. Needs sealing. Can crack.

Let’s look closer at some popular choices:

Laminate

Laminate is the cheapest choice for most people. The laminate countertop replacement cost is low.

What it is:

It’s layers of paper or fabric printed with a design. This is glued onto particleboard or MDF. A clear layer protects the surface.

Good points:

• Very low cost.
• Huge range of colors, patterns, and styles. Can look like stone or wood.
• Easy to clean.
• Lightweight.

Bad points:

• Can scratch, chip, or burn easily.
• Damage is hard to fix.
• Seams are often visible.
• Not as fancy as stone or quartz.

Price details:

Material is cheap, $15-$40 per square foot. Installation is also less complex than stone. Total laminate countertop replacement cost is often $20-$50 per square foot installed.

Granite

Granite is a popular natural stone choice. The granite countertop installation cost can be moderate to high.

What it is:

It’s a natural stone cut from quarries. Each slab is unique.

Good points:

• Very durable. Resists scratches and heat.
• Beautiful, natural look.
• Adds value to your home.
• Many colors and patterns are available.

Bad points:

• Can stain if not sealed well. Needs resealing every year or two.
• Can chip on edges.
• Heavy. Needs strong cabinets to support it.
• Can be expensive, especially rare colors.

Price details:

The granite countertop installation cost often includes the material, measuring, cutting, sealing, and install. Prices vary greatly by color and slab quality. Common granite might cost $40-$60 per square foot (material). More exotic colors can be $80-$150+ per square foot. Total installed granite countertop installation cost is typically $50-$150+ per square foot.

Quartz

Quartz is a man-made option that looks like stone. quartz countertop cost is similar to or higher than granite.

What it is:

It’s made from about 90-95% ground natural quartz stone. This is mixed with resins and pigments.

Good points:

• Very durable. Resists scratches, stains, and heat well.
• Non-porous. Doesn’t need sealing. Very hygienic.
• Color and pattern are consistent (unlike natural stone).
• Wide range of colors and patterns.

Bad points:

• Can be damaged by very high heat (like a hot pot directly on it).
• Edges can chip.
• Heavy. Needs strong cabinets.
• Can be more expensive than granite.

Price details:

quartz countertop cost is often higher than average granite. Material cost is typically $50-$120+ per square foot. Total installed quartz countertop cost is often $60-$150+ per square foot. High-end quartz can cost $200+ per square foot installed.

Solid Surface

Solid surface is made from acrylic or polyester blends.

What it is:

A blend of acrylic or polyester resins, stone fillers, and pigments. It’s non-porous.

Good points:

• Seamless look, especially with integrated sinks.
• Non-porous. Resists stains and bacteria.
• Damage like scratches can often be sanded out.
• Many colors and patterns available.

Bad points:

• Can scratch or dent more easily than stone.
• Can be damaged by heat.
• Not as heat-resistant as granite or quartz.

Price details:

Material cost is about $50-$100 per square foot. Total installed cost is typically $60-$130 per square foot.

Wood or Butcher Block

Wood offers a warm, natural look.

What it is:

Made from strips of hardwood (like maple, oak, cherry) glued together.

Good points:

• Warm, classic look.
• Can be sanded and refinished if scratched or damaged.
• Can be used as a cutting surface (with proper care).
• Lighter than stone.

Bad points:

• Needs regular oiling or sealing.
• Can scratch, dent, or burn.
• Can be damaged by water if not sealed well.
• Needs maintenance.

Price details:

Material cost is about $30-$70 per square foot. Installation can be simpler than stone. Total installed cost is typically $40-$100 per square foot.

Tile

Tile is versatile and allows for DIY.

What it is:

Individual tiles (ceramic, porcelain, stone) are set onto a base.

Good points:

• Wide range of colors, sizes, and patterns. Very custom look.
• Can be a budget-friendly option, especially ceramic tile.
• DIY-friendly for some people.
• Durable depending on tile type.

Bad points:

• Uneven surface due to grout lines.
• Grout can stain and is hard to clean.
• Tiles can chip or crack.
• Installation can be labor-intensive.

Price details:

Material cost is $20-$60 per square foot (some fancy tiles cost much more). Installation can be $10-$40+ per square foot depending on tile size and complexity. Total installed cost is typically $30-$100 per square foot.

Breaking Down the Price

When you replace kitchen countertops cost, the final bill has a few main parts. Knowing these helps you see where your money goes.

Material Price Again

As we saw, the type of material is a big part of the cost. The price per square foot for the material itself sets a base.

Paying for the Work

The labor cost to replace countertops covers the work needed from start to finish. This includes:

• Templating/Measuring: Making exact patterns of your current counters and layout. This is critical for stone and quartz. It needs precision.
• Fabrication: Cutting the material (stone, quartz, solid surface) to fit the patterns. Polishing edges. Cutting sink/cooktop holes. This happens in a workshop.
• Removal of Old Counters: Carefully taking out the old ones. This is the cost to remove old countertops. It includes hauling away the old material.
• Installation: Bringing the new counters to your home. Lifting and setting them in place. Seaming pieces together (if needed). Securing them. Making sure everything fits right. This is the main cost to install new kitchen counters.

Labor cost can range from $30 to $100+ per square foot. It depends on the material (stone takes more skill and effort than laminate), the complexity of the layout, and the rates of the installers in your area.

Taking Out the Old

The cost to remove old countertops is often bundled into the labor cost. But it’s good to know it’s part of the job you are paying for. Removal might cost $5 to $20 per linear foot, or a flat fee of $150 to $500+ depending on the material and how hard it is to remove. Stone removal is usually at the higher end of this range.

Extra Costs

Remember these potential added costs:

• Plumbing: Disconnecting and reconnecting your sink and faucet. This is needed when you change the sink. A plumber might charge $200-$500+.
• Sink: The cost of a new sink. This varies widely, from $100 for a basic stainless steel sink to $1000+ for high-end or farmhouse sinks.
• Faucet: The cost of a new faucet. $100 to $500+ depending on style and features.
• Electrical: Moving outlets or working with a new cooktop. An electrician might be needed. $150-$400+.
• Backsplash: Many people update the backsplash when they change counters. This is an added material and labor cost ($10-$50+ per square foot installed).
• Disposal: Getting rid of the old counters and packing materials. The installers usually handle this cost, but ask to be sure.

Adding these up gives you the full picture of your kitchen renovation cost countertops.

How the Job Gets Done

Getting new counters involves a few steps.

1. Measure: A pro measures your kitchen precisely. They make a template if you choose stone or quartz.
2. Quote: You get a price based on measurements, material choice, edge style, and other options.
3. Choose: You pick the exact slab (for natural stone) or confirm the material/color.
4. Fabricate: The material is cut and finished in a workshop based on the template. This takes time, often 1-3 weeks for stone or quartz.
5. Remove Old: The old counters are taken out.
6. Install New: The new counters are brought in and set in place. Seams are joined. Sink/cooktop holes are checked.
7. Finish Up: Sink and faucet are installed and hooked up (often by a plumber you hire or that the installer works with). Backsplash is added if planned.

This process highlights why the labor cost to replace countertops is a significant part of the cost to install new kitchen counters.

Saving Money Tips

Want to lower the cost to change kitchen countertops? Here are some ideas:

• Pick a Cheaper Material: Laminate, tile, or butcher block cost much less than stone or quartz.
• Choose a Common Material/Color: Basic granite colors are cheaper than rare ones. Standard quartz patterns cost less than custom ones.
• Keep the Layout Simple: Avoid complex shapes, curves, or lots of angles. A simple straight counter is cheapest to make and install.
• Choose Simple Edges: A basic straight or slightly eased edge costs nothing extra. Fancy edges add $10-$30+ per linear foot.
• Look for Remnants: For small areas like an island or a bathroom vanity, ask suppliers if they have leftover pieces (remnants) from bigger jobs. These are often sold at a discount.
• Get Several Quotes: Prices vary between companies. Get quotes from 3 different installers to compare costs. Make sure quotes include everything (material, fabrication, removal, install).
• Ask About Package Deals: Sometimes places offer a deal on a limited number of colors or materials.
• Consider Doing Some Work Yourself: Only if you are skilled and comfortable. You might save money on the cost to remove old countertops if you do it yourself. But be careful not to damage cabinets or walls. Removing heavy stone requires care and muscle. DIY installation is generally NOT recommended for stone or quartz.

Does It Add Value?

Is the kitchen renovation cost countertops worth it? Yes, new countertops are one of the best ways to update your kitchen.

• Better Look: New counters can totally change the style and feel of your kitchen.
• More Use: Some materials are more durable or easier to care for than old ones.
• Home Value: Updated kitchens are attractive to buyers. Changing counters often gives a good return on investment if you sell your home.

The amount of value added depends on the material and how it fits the home. High-end stone in a modest home might be too much. A simple, clean counter in an older kitchen can make a big difference.

Can You Do It Alone?

The cost to install new kitchen counters might seem high for labor, but for most materials, it’s worth paying a pro.

• Laminate: Some handy homeowners can install laminate counters themselves. It’s lighter and easier to cut. But getting seams right can be tricky.
• Tile: Many people tile counters themselves. It takes time and patience to set the tiles and grout properly.
• Stone, Quartz, Solid Surface: These materials are heavy, require special tools for cutting and handling, and need precise measurements and leveling for installation. Seaming needs skill to be nearly invisible. DIY for these is not recommended. You could easily break expensive material or injure yourself.

Paying the labor cost to replace countertops for stone, quartz, or solid surface ensures the job is done right and comes with a warranty.

How to Get a Quote

To find out your specific replace kitchen countertops cost, you need quotes from companies.

1. Measure Your Counters: Measure the length and width of all counter sections. Note any angles or curves. A simple sketch helps.
2. Note Details: Mark where your sink and cooktop are. Note the type of sink (drop-in or undermount). Count how many outlets are in the counter or backsplash.
3. Visit Showrooms: Look at materials. Get names of materials you like. Ask about edge options.
4. Get Quotes: Provide your measurements and material choices to several suppliers/installers. They will give you an estimate. Ask if the cost to remove old countertops is included. Ask about extra costs like sink hookup or tax.

Quotes might be given as a total price or broken down by material, fabrication, and installation costs. Compare them carefully. Make sure they are for the same material quality and services.

Pulling It All Together

Changing kitchen countertops is a significant project. The replace kitchen countertops cost varies a lot, from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The average cost to replace kitchen countertops falls somewhere in the middle, but your price depends on your choices.

Key cost drivers include the countertop materials cost, the size and shape of your counters, the edge style, cuts for sinks and cooktops, the cost to remove old countertops, and the labor cost to replace countertops. Materials like laminate are budget-friendly (laminate countertop replacement cost is low). Materials like granite (granite countertop installation cost) and quartz (quartz countertop cost) are more durable and cost more.

Choosing new counters is a major part of your kitchen renovation cost countertops. It can make your kitchen look new and improve your home’s value. Think about your budget, your style, and how you use your kitchen to choose the best counters for you. Getting quotes from pros is the best way to know your exact cost.

Common Questions Asked

How long does it take to change kitchen countertops?

Removing old counters takes a few hours. Installing new ones can take a few hours to a full day, depending on the material and complexity. However, if you choose stone or quartz, the time from getting measured to installation can be 1-3 weeks because the material must be cut and prepared in a workshop.

Is the cost to remove old countertops included in the installation price?

Often, yes. But always ask for a clear quote. Some installers might list it separately or charge extra for difficult removals (like very thick or heavy counters).

Can I keep my old sink and faucet?

Maybe. If your old sink fits the hole size needed for the new counter material, you might reuse it. However, many people choose to get a new sink and faucet when they change counters for a fresh look. If you have an undermount sink, it must be installed at the same time as the counter.

What is the cheapest countertop material?

Laminate is generally the most budget-friendly option.

What countertop material offers the best value?

This depends on what “value” means to you. Laminate offers value in its low upfront cost. Quartz and granite offer value in durability, beauty, and adding home value over time.

Will new countertops work with my old cabinets?

Yes, usually. New countertops are made to fit standard cabinet sizes. However, if your cabinets are very old, uneven, or weak, they might need work or replacing before new, heavy counters like granite or quartz can be installed safely.

Do I need a plumber or electrician?

You will likely need a plumber to disconnect and reconnect your sink and faucet. If you have a cooktop in the counter or need new outlets, you might need an electrician. Some countertop installers work with these pros, or you might need to hire them yourself.