Countertops are one of the biggest kitchen renovation decisions — both visually and financially. From budget laminate to premium marble, here's what every material actually costs in 2026.
Quick answer: Laminate countertops cost $10–$40/sqft installed. Granite and quartz run $50–$200/sqft installed. An average kitchen (35 sqft) costs $350–$1,400 for laminate or $1,750–$7,000 for granite.
| Material | Installed/Sqft |
|---|---|
| Laminate | $10–$40 |
| Butcher block | $40–$100 |
| Granite | $50–$200 |
| Quartz | $50–$150 |
| Marble | $75–$250 |
| Concrete | $65–$135 |
| Soapstone | $70–$120 |
| Kitchen Size | Laminate | Quartz |
|---|---|---|
| Small (25 sqft) | $250–$1,000 | $1,250–$3,750 |
| Average (35 sqft) | $350–$1,400 | $1,750–$5,250 |
| Large (50 sqft) | $500–$2,000 | $2,500–$7,500 |
| U-shaped w/ island (55+ sqft) | $550–$2,200 | $2,750–$8,250 |
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Old counter demolition | $200–$500 |
| Plumbing disconnect/reconnect | $150–$300 |
| Sink cutout | $100–$200 |
| Cooktop cutout | $100–$200 |
| Backsplash removal/repair | $100–$300 |
| Edge profile upgrade | $10–$30/linear ft |
These extras can add $500–$1,500 to a countertop project. Factor them into your budget.
| Factor | Quartz | Granite |
|---|---|---|
| Price range (installed) | $50–$150/sqft | $50–$200/sqft |
| Appearance | Consistent color and pattern | Unique natural patterns |
| Maintenance | No sealing ever | Seal annually |
| Heat resistance | Can be damaged by hot pans | Excellent heat resistance |
| Stain resistance | Excellent — non-porous | Good when sealed |
| Durability | Very durable, won't chip easily | Very durable, can chip at edges |
| Resale value | Very positive | Very positive |
Material choice — the biggest factor by far. Laminate to marble spans a 5× price range. Quartz and granite are similar in price but differ in maintenance.
Slab grade — granite and marble are graded by rarity. Level 1 (common colors) costs half of Level 5 (exotic patterns). You choose your slab at the stone yard.
Edge profile — basic eased (flat with slight bevel) is standard and usually included. Ogee, bullnose, or waterfall edges add $10–$30/linear foot.
Cutouts — each sink, cooktop, or faucet cutout in stone costs $100–$200. Undermount sinks cost more to cut than drop-in.
Kitchen layout — L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens require seams and more precise fitting. Islands add complexity. Simple straight runs are cheapest to fabricate and install.
Backsplash — if you're replacing countertops, you'll likely need a new backsplash too. Stone backsplash adds $15–$40/sqft. Tile backsplash adds $5–$15/sqft.
Calculate your exact countertop area with our Countertop Calculator.
Granite countertops cost $50–$200/sqft installed, depending on the slab grade and edge profile. For an average kitchen (35 sqft of counter), budget $1,750–$7,000. Level 1 (basic colors) starts around $50/sqft; Level 5 (exotic patterns) can exceed $200/sqft.
They're similar in price — both $50–$150/sqft installed for mid-range slabs. Quartz is engineered (consistent color, no sealing needed), granite is natural (unique patterns, needs annual sealing). Choose based on maintenance preference, not price.
Laminate at $10–$40/sqft installed. It's come a long way — modern laminate can convincingly mimic stone. Butcher block ($40–$100/sqft installed) is the cheapest 'real' material option.
Small kitchen: ~25 sqft of counter space. Average kitchen: ~35 sqft. Large kitchen: ~50 sqft. L-shaped or U-shaped kitchens with islands: 55+ sqft. Use our countertop calculator for exact measurements.
Yes — kitchen renovations including countertops have a 60–80% return on investment. Granite and quartz are expected by buyers in mid-range to high-end homes. Laminate is acceptable in starter homes but can be a negative in higher price points.
Demolition of old counters ($200–$500), plumbing disconnect/reconnect ($150–$300), sink cutout ($100–$200), backsplash removal and repair ($100–$300), and edge profile upgrades ($10–$30/linear foot). These can add $500–$1,500 to the project.