Edge Treatment Costs
The average homeowner pays $5 per linear foot for edge treatment, though it can cost $20 or more per linear foot. A decorative edge, like an ogee or Dupont edge, carved into natural stone slabs can cost as much as $60 per linear foot. Types of edging include:
Eased: The standard edge that’s square but slightly rounded to dull the sharpness
No-Drip: A small, raised lip on the edge to prevent dripping
Waterfall: The countertop covers the side of your cabinetry and extends to the floor
Bullnose or Half Bullnose: A partially or completely rounded edge
Bevel: A straight 45-degree angle cut across the top edge
Ogee: A decorative S-curve
Dupont: A crescent curve, leading to a 90-degree angle and a quarter-rounded edge (or some variation)
Edging tile countertops is a little bit different. Edging tiles come in 3-, 6-, or 12-inch lengths and cost anywhere from $0.50 to $30 per piece. Otherwise, your contractor or manufacturer will cut the edge or attach a separate piece of edging with adhesive. The cost varies depending on the material and treatment.
Corner Treatments
Most countertops have 90-degree corners, but you can use a corner treatment to round it out. These cost anywhere from $55 to $135 per corner.
Cost to Replace Kitchen Countertops
The cost to replace kitchen countertops is typically $25 to $150 per square foot plus a $50 to $300 flat rate for the removal of the old countertop. That cost could quickly rise if you plan to change the placement of your countertops, use a heavier material, or add new features. In that case, you may have to do plumbing work or structural work on your cabinets to provide necessary support. Additional costs could include:
Countertop Installation Cost Factors
Installing a new countertop costs less than replacing an old one, but there are multiple factors that impact the total price.
Countertop Size
The cost for countertops is dependent on square footage. Most homeowners spend $25 to $120 per square foot, including labor and materials. The average kitchen has 30 to 55 square feet of countertop space, but there’s a huge range beyond that. Contemporary kitchens tend to be much larger, whereas bathrooms typically have less than 15 square feet of counter space.
Sometimes, a contractor will measure countertops in linear feet, with the typical linear foot being 25 inches deep. Use a Countertop Square Footage Calculator to get the most accurate quote from your contractor.
Custom vs. Prefab
Prefabricated countertops cost up to 50% less than custom countertops. This is especially true when it comes to natural stone. With a custom countertop, a pro will have to cut, edge, and polish the stone slabs prior to installation. Prefabricated countertops are crafted in standard sizes and ready to install.
Tile vs. Slab
You can typically cut down on new countertop costs by choosing tiles instead of slabs. Tile costs 30% to 50% less than a solid stone slab, but it does take longer to install, and labor is on the higher end of the average $10 to $30 per square foot. With tile installation, you’ll also have to budget for grout and sealant, depending on the material.
Cutouts
Cutouts in your countertop for features like a sink, faucet, soap dispenser, and cooktop typically come with an extra cost. You can expect to pay anywhere from $25 for an electrical outlet cutout to $110 for a cooktop cutout. That doesn’t include sink or cooktop installation and any plumbing or wiring required. A local sink installer can give you a more accurate quote.
Removal and Disposal
Part of the cost of replacing countertops includes removing the old countertop and disposing of the old materials. Your contractor may work this into your quote, but if not, you can expect to pay an additional $50 to $300 for the cost of junk removal (or more if you’re also removing plumbing fixtures or cabinets and paying by the truckload).
"Some reused or recycled building material suppliers will remove and haul away some countertops and cabinets for free or a minimal price," says Andy Kilborn, Expert Review Board member and owner of Andy's Handyman Service in Des Moines, IA.
DIY vs. Getting a Countertop Pro Quote
Labor for the average-sized kitchen costs $300 to $1,650, so you may want to save money by installing your own countertop. This is not an easy task, even though lighter materials like laminate are more manageable than stone slabs—which can weigh more than 200 pounds and are impossible to lift on your own. When plumbing and wiring get involved, it gets even more complicated and potentially dangerous.
Unless you have experience as a contractor, it’s best to hire a local countertop installer. The cost of correctly installed countertops is often much less than the cost of DIY countertops that need extensive repairs. To hire the most qualified contractor:
Ask at least three contractors for a written quote
Check your contractors’ references
Remember that a rock-bottom estimate may mean lower quality