When it comes to the kitchen, we all know that this space can be the heart of our homes. Whether your kitchen (or ideal kitchen) is bright and airy or takes design notes from classic blue and white patterns, a beautifully functional kitchen is a welcoming space for all to cook and dwell.
For many home cooks, the recipe to success depends on having reliable and functional kitchen countertops, ideally adding to the overall aesthetic as well. Now the question arises: If you're looking to give your kitchen a face-lift with new countertops, how much does it cost to update?
We tapped Home Care Expert, Bailey Carson, at Angi to give us the lowdown on kitchen counter renovations.
Laurey W. Glenn
Cost of Updating Kitchen Counters
Modern home renovations have varying costs depending on the material, square footage, layout, and location. However, Carson shares that installing countertops tends to range from $1,860 to $4,340. However, estimates can be as low as $400 or clock in well over $8,000 depending on the factors above.
Homeowners looking to update their kitchen counters should note that countertops are typically priced by square foot, ranging from $10 to $70 per square foot.
Just as the cost of living fluctuates from state to state, the cost of home renovations varies as well. Carson says that the average cost of countertops in Charlotte, North Carolina, is $1,627 to $3,309. The price in Dallas, Texas, ranges from $1,565 to $3,560. To update counter space in Austin, Texas, the price point is likely between $2,124 and $4,874.
Cost of Natural Stone / Quartz Countertops
Whether your personal home décor taste leans toward marble or granite, tile or porcelain, there are a number of countertop materials to select from when refreshing the heart of your home. Just as there is a variety of materials to choose from, each has its own pros, cons, and price ranges.
Carson shares that while natural stone materials (quartz, granite, marble, etc.) are on-trend, they tend to be more costly than synthetic materials (acrylic and laminate).
"[Quartz] is a beautiful, strong, and durable option for countertops," Carson says. "Because of the high quality of the stone, quartz is expensive, but it's also long-lasting." The average cost for quartz countertops ranges from $50 to $200 per square foot, contingent on the stone and kitchen layout.
Cost of Granite Countertops
According to Carson, granite is similar to quartz as it is durable and similarly priced, ranging from $80 to $180 per square foot. Unlike quartz, which does not need resealing, "granite needs annual resealing, because it's relatively porous and can stain from water or certain cleaning products, so it requires a bit more maintenance than some alternatives. Granite is easy to install, as it can be added to existing countertops for a visual and protective boost."
Marble, popular on Instagram as well as Pinterest boards, can be priced from $15 to $190 per square foot depending on the quality. When opting for marble countertops, note the potential increase in the installation price. Our expert shares that the cost of labor ranges greatly from $35 to $45 per hour or $25 to $220 per square foot, contingent on the contractor and the level of difficulty.
Copper countertops are on the rise and Carson believes it's because they're both antimicrobial and easy to clean. They can set you back between $5,500 and $9,625 on average for a 55-square foot countertop.
Cost of Synthetic Countertop Materials
If you're looking for budget-friendly options for your countertop update, there are some lower cost per-square-foot varieties to keep in mind. Synthetic materials are typically less expensive than natural stone, with laminate and acrylic being the most cost-effective choices. "Soapstone and tile are also lower-cost options for countertop materials, but they come with some weaknesses like low durability and limited color options," says Carson.
Solid surfaces, comprised of a combination of mineral dust and plastic resins, are least pricey compared to natural stones of quartz or granite, but still have a fresh aesthetic. Laminate surfaces come in an array of colors as well as styles and, according to Carson, are more cost-effective. But with that comes a con: Laminate countertops damage easily. Thankfully they can be protected with the right care, lasting up to 20 to 30 years. When damaged, they can't be repaired, but can easily be replaced and reinstalled.
Soapstone is a fresh, modern, and affordable option as it's low-maintenance as well as simple to clean. Soapstone countertops can cost around $20 to $70 per square foot (not including installation). Soapstone has a high heat resistance and is not easily stained, though it does scratch easily.
Cost of Tile Countertops
Lastly, tile is another budget-friendly option to consider. Ceramic tile varies from $1 to $15 per square foot and porcelain tiles range in price from $3 to $28 per square foot. Homeowners looking at tile should note that tile isn't a traditional option for countertops as it can break, chip, and scratch easily. Carson shares that tile is a better fit for kitchen backsplashes as opposed to countertops. Duly noted!
Is granite or quartz less expensive to use for countertops?
Granite and quartz are expensive countertops options. According to Consumer Reports, both granite and quartz cost about $40 to $100 per square foot. However, when selling your home, quartz is more valuable as it is a buyer's preference.
What is the most budget-friendly countertop option?
Several budget-friendly countertop options are durable while remaining affordable. Laminate is generally considered one of the least expensive options. Tile, acrylic-based, and polyester-based materials are also inexpensive countertop materials.
Written by
Kristen Cramer
September 19, 2023
Edited by
Sarah Noel
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
The cost to replace kitchen cabinets and countertops is $6,000 to $21,000 for an average-sized kitchen. New kitchen cabinets cost $4,500 to $15,000 installed, while countertops cost $1,500 to $6,000. Total costs depend on the style, materials, quality, features, and amount of customization.
Cost to replace kitchen cabinets and countertops Project type Small kitchen (70 – 100 SF) Average kitchen (100 – 200 SF) Large kitchen (200+ SF) Replace kitchen cabinets $3,000 – $12,000 $4,500 – $15,000 $6,000 – $20,000+ Replace kitchen countertops $1,000 – $4,500 $1,500 – $6,000 $6,000 – $9,000 Total cost to replace both $4,000 – $16,500 $6,000 – $21,000 $12,000 – $29,000+*Prices include materials and installation.
Choosing custom cabinets and premium countertop materials will significantly increase kitchen remodeling costs.
A newly remodeled kitchen with white cabinets and an island with marble countertops.Get free estimates from kitchen remodelers near you.
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New kitchen cabinets cost $4,500 to $15,000 for stock or semi-custom units installed in an average-sized kitchen. Custom cabinets cost $15,000 to $30,000 installed for the same size kitchen. Stock cabinets come in a limited range of colors, materials, and sizes while custom cabinets allow more choices and exact sizing.
Kitchen cabinet cost by type Cabinet type Cost per cabinet* Cost per linear foot* Quality Stock cabinets $220 – $500 $100 – $400 Low to good Semi-custom cabinets $250 – $850 $150 – $700 Low to great Custom cabinets $600 – $1,600+ $500 – $1,200 Good to great*Including materials and installation.
As an affordable alternative, IKEA kitchen cabinets cost $3,000 to $6,500 for an average 10'x10' kitchen, including installation.
Cheaper cabinet-updating options without replacing the cabinet boxes include:
Cabinet refinishing costs $4 to $15 per square foot or $1,500 to $4,500 total on average. Cabinet refinishing involves stripping the stain or paint from the cabinets, doors, and drawer fronts before staining or painting the cabinets a new color.
Cabinet refacing costs $5,000 to $13,000 total for an average kitchen. Refacing involves replacing the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, hardware, and then covering the cabinet box exteriors with a new veneer or laminate.
The cost to paint kitchen cabinets is $2,000 to $6,500.
New kitchen countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed on average. Countertop prices vary significantly by material. Quartz and granite are popular options priced at the mid to high-end of the range. Laminate countertops are the cheapest but least durable and don't add value to a home.
The cost of natural stone countertops can reach $300 per square foot installed for high-end materials like Calacatta marble or labradorite.
Solid surface countertops cost more than $200 per square foot for premium materials like quartz and recycled glass.
A kitchen remodel costs $15,000 to $50,000 for a full remodel including new cabinets, countertops, appliances, fixtures, flooring, and lighting. In comparison, a partial or small kitchen remodel costs $9,000 to $30,000.
An IKEA kitchen remodel costs $7,000 to $15,000 on average for a standard kitchen with new cabinets, countertops, a sink, and a backsplash installed. An IKEA remodel typically does not include new appliances or flooring.
Kitchen remodeling cost Project type Average cost per square foot Average total cost Includes Basic $60 – $150 $4,000 – $18,000*Prices include materials and labor.
Common costs involved in a kitchen remodel include:
The most affordable kitchen cabinets are stock cabinets made of particleboard or synthetic materials and sold by home improvement stores. Stock cabinets are pre-built units that come in limited sizes and styles but fit most standard kitchen layouts.
The most affordable countertop material is laminate or Formica. However, laminate is not as durable or scratch- or stain-resistant as other popular options like granite, solid surface, and quartz.
You can replace cabinets and keep the existing countertops if the new cabinet size and layout matches the previous one. However, many countertop materials like granite are prone to cracking, so contractors must take special care to install the countertops without damaging them.
Get free estimates from kitchen remodelers near you.
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Order installation services from kitchen cabinet and countertop contractors or local home improvement stores. Check out HomeGuide's recommended cabinet installers and countertop installers near you to get quotes from skilled professionals in our network.
Follow these guidelines when hiring a kitchen remodeling contractor:
Get 3 to 5 detailed estimates featuring similar materials to compare.
Look for certified members of the National Kitchen + Bath Association (NBKA).
Check out their reviews on Google and HomeGuide.
Ask for references with contact details.
Review a portfolio of their past kitchen remodeling projects.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business 5+ years.
Avoid going with the lowest quote that could signal low-quality work.
Get an itemized contract and warranty in writing before the renovation begins.
Never pay in full until the job is complete and has passed all inspections.
Ask these questions to help you find the best cabinet and countertop installers:
How many kitchens have you remodeled in the past year?
Do you have a portfolio of previous projects I can review?
Can you supply a list of references for me to contact?
Which types of new cabinets do you recommend for my kitchen?
What are the best countertop options in my budget?
Does the estimate include permit fees, materials, labor, and cleanup?
What additional costs might come up during a project like this?
How long will the project take?
What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
Do you require a deposit, and how much is it?
Can I get a labor warranty? If so, what does it cover?