Countertop materials cost $2,200 on average, ranging from $825 to $3,850 for a 55 square-foot kitchen. This translates into a typical price of $15 to $70 per square foot. Ceramic can run as low as $1 per square foot, compared to $190 per square foot for specialty marble.
Updated February 22, 2022
Written by HomeAdvisor.Countertops are the ambassador to the rest of your kitchen’s décor. Your flooring, backsplash, cabinets, wall color and appliances are all accented and introduced by this choice. So, how do you tie your design together with the perfect material? You need to know exactly which kind works best for your home. Here’s a quick guide to the costs and designs that will help you make the perfect decision.
| Material | Price Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Laminate | $8-$27 |
| Porcelain | $3-$28 |
| Ceramic | $1-$15 |
| Granite | $15-$140 |
| Marble | $15-$190 |
| Limestone | $10-$70 |
| Travertine | $11-$35 |
| Slate | $20-$60 |
| Engineered Stone Quartz | $15-$70 |
| Solid Surface/Corian | $20-$75 |
| Paper Composite | $45-$70 |
| Glass | $10-$135 |
| Wood or Butcher Block | $10-$38 |
| Stainless Steel | $60-$100 |
| Concrete | $50-$100 |
| Acrylic | $13-$30 |
Buying precut stone or engineered countertops can run as low as $10 to $15 per square foot. That price may be similar whether you buy 12 by 12 inch tiles or a standard 24 by 108 inch slab. Raw, uncut pieces of natural materials like marble cost the most, up to $190 per square foot.
Laminate countertops cost $8 to $27 per square foot. Today’s styles aren’t like what you had growing up. There’s an almost endless supply of attractive options from brands like Formica that mimic more expensive materials for a lower price.
The price of porcelain tile ranges from $3 to $28 per square foot. This classic look is hard-wearing and easy to clean. Thin slab porcelain comes in sizes around 5 foot by 10 foot and tend to run more, while smaller tiles are less. Compact stone products like Neolith feature a similar design and process, costing $17 to $70 per square foot.
Ceramic countertops cost $1 to $15 per square foot, depending on size and quality. It’s widely available and one of the cheapest products on the market. Homeowners prefer this material for its easy maintenance.
Granite countertops run $15 to $140 per square foot. This material is still highly popular because it offers these benefits:
looks great
doesn’t require a massive amount of upkeep
often costs less than other stone products
The cost of marble countertops ranges from $15 to $190 per square foot, although most run $25 to $60 per square foot. It’s a classic, high-end choice with gorgeous color variability. This material is highly susceptible to stains and etching if you compare marble to granite.
The expense to buy limestone countertops is $10 to $70 per square foot, or $15 to $35 per square foot on average. The neutral colors can suit almost any room décor. Unlike harder stones, it is softer and more prone to scratches. Periodic sealing helps to protect it.
Travertine countertops average $11 to $35 per square foot. It's softer than limestone with deeper colors. With careful maintenance, it is an ideal surface for kitchens and bathrooms.
Buying slate countertops costs $20 to $60 per square foot. Representing the darker side of materials, it's best known for the common deep gray and green tones. It is moisture-resistant and hides spots well, depending on the shade of the stone.
The price of engineered quartz countertops ranges from $15 to $70 per square foot. This material is the “plug-and-play” alternative to natural stone like marble, with several major brands. Silestone and Caesarstone countertops cost $1,250 on average. The expense is similar to other stones. In a quartz vs granite comparison, it doesn’t require sealing or the same level of regular maintenance.
Corian countertops cost $20 to $75 per square foot. Solid surface has been popular in the past for its durability, minimal upkeep and 100+ great-looking style options. But, it can scratch and absorb moisture easily.
The price of paper composite countertops runs $45 to $70 per square foot. These products are made from materials like recycled paper. Richlite and PaperStone offer the largest selections of colors and styles.
The surface feels like soft stone and resists bacteria, stains, heat and scratching. Highly durable, this type is food-safe, free of VOCs and doesn’t emit radon gas. It does require sealing and specialized maintenance.
Recycled glass countertops cost $10 to $135 per square foot, depending on the size and color. Tiles range from $10 to $40 per square foot, compared to $45 to $135 per square foot for slabs. The material offers heat resistance and unlimited design options, but scratches easily and shows debris.
The price of wood countertops ranges from $10 to $38 per square foot, related to the style. Butcher block counters cost $10 to $35 per square foot, compared to $18 to $38 per square foot for solid wood pieces. Oiling the surface every six months is a must, but the investment-to-impact ratio makes it extremely attractive to many homeowners.
Buying stainless steel countertops runs $60 to $100 per square foot. If you’re a serious cook who loves the sleek look, it’s a great choice. While it’s practically indestructible, avoiding scratches and smears can be difficult.
Concrete countertops cost $50 to $100 per square foot. This material:
is strong and durable
comes thicker than other types
offers a modern look with lots of customization
It is prone to chips or cracking. Plan to seal it regularly and schedule repairs as needed.
Acrylic countertop prices average $13 to $30 per square foot. This affordable option features 100% resin, presenting plenty of opportunity for custom designs. Similar to other composite choices, it is non-porous and easy to maintain. If you’re looking for Calacatta marble without the expense, this can be a decent alternative.
With an average range of $15 to $70 per square foot, the size of the space makes a big difference in cost. A bathroom vanity is smaller than kitchen countertops, which can help you save money on materials. This may allow you to buy one with higher quality.
| Room | Avg. Square Footage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Average Kitchen | 55 | $825 - $3,850 |
| Luxury Kitchen | 75 | $1,125 - $5,250 |
| Small Bathroom | 6.25 | $95 - $440 |
| Large Full Bath | 13.5 | $205 - $950 |
Getting the best price for countertops takes more than just choosing the cheapest material. You can select many attractive options around $8 to $15 per square foot, from laminate to marble. For a good investment of your money, follow these steps to help you make a calculated decision:
Figure out how much you can spend
Remember additional cost factors like installation or cabinet repairs
Consider doing several rooms at once to save on supplies and labor
Plan to buy the best quality you can afford
Real estate experts say countertop upgrades could increase the resale value of your home by about 25% of what you paid, depending on the material. Popular types, like quartz or granite, tend to attract more people. Loud, trendy and eclectic options can turn away potential buyers.
If you’re not sure what to choose, it’s a good idea to ask a professional for help. A local kitchen contractor, interior decorator/designer or even a realtor can help you select one that complements your home’s décor and value.
Installing a countertop costs $10 to $30 per square foot on top of material prices. It is a difficult and time-consuming job. Certain types require specialized installation and treatments before they’re safe to use. Unless you have experience with it, you should consider hiring a professional.
If you have a smaller budget, tackling the demolition and removal of the old one can be a DIY job. Remember to:
Check for electrical, gas or ventilation lines that might run nearby before you tear anything out.
Be careful not to damage your cabinets.
Call a professional removal service for materials like granite, concrete or tile.
Repairing a countertop runs $350 on average. Over time, most homeowners notice etching or signs of heat and water damage on the surface. If most of it is in good condition, hiring a pro to fix a few spots can cost you less time and money.
Refinishing a countertop ranges from $100 to $1,200, depending on the material and square footage. If the surface is significantly scratched or stained, you may prefer to do this instead of targeted repairs to specific areas. It can cost more than a minor fix but runs much less than replacement.
Countertop prices range from $1 to $190 per square foot. Costs depend on availability and popularity.
The average kitchen countertop is about 55 square feet, but you may need more based on the material. If you buy a slab, you must cut it to fit the space. You may end up with extra pieces you cannot use.
It’s also important to consider how your countertops will match with your cabinets. Most homeowners choose one of two approaches:
Matching: This kind of combination isn’t exact in terms of color. Instead, many homeowners blend similar tones like light gray with pale quartz. This aesthetic gives your kitchen a feeling of continuity and can open up small spaces.
Contrasting: Some designs rely on the interaction between two materials to create an engaging, dynamic aesthetic. For example, slate in an all-white or gray kitchen creates depth and helps hide messes. If you’re considering darker cabinets, stainless steel, solid surface or even laminate in a lighter shade will give the room an exciting dash of elegance.
Installing a bathroom countertop and sink involves these expenses:
Vanity Top: $95-$950
Labor: $65-$405
If you discover the perfect material, it’s tempting to buy it before you find a local countertop contractor. Unless you are ready to search for a pro who will install the exact product you purchased, it’s better to get their input first.
Buying a new countertop can be the most exciting part of a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Which one is your favorite? Share how you made a decision.
