Cost guide · Kitchen
How Much Do Countertops Cost in 2026? Installed Prices by Material
New kitchen countertops typically cost $1,400 to $5,250 installed. 2026 prices per square foot for laminate, quartz, granite, marble and more, plus the extras.
By the KitchenBathEstimates editorial team Published 7 min read
Installed kitchen countertops typically cost $1,400 to $5,250 for an average kitchen, with a national average of about $3,000, according to Fixr's 2026 data. This Old House puts the typical project at $1,863 to $4,392. Per square foot installed, laminate is the least expensive at roughly $10 to $60, while quartz, marble and quartzite can reach $200. Most kitchens need 30 to 40 square feet of countertop, so the material you choose drives most of the difference.
The extras matter too. Edge profiles, sink and cooktop cutouts, removing the old tops and reconnecting the plumbing can add several hundred dollars or more, and not every quote includes them. Here's what to expect, line by line.
Countertop Cost by Material
These are installed prices per square foot from two national sources. We've added the upkeep each material needs, because the cheapest top to buy isn't always the cheapest to live with.
| Material | Fixr (installed, per sq ft) | This Old House (installed, per sq ft) | Upkeep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $15–$60 | $10–$40 | Can chip and scratch over the years |
| Tile | Not listed | $12–$45 | Grout needs periodic resealing |
| Solid surface | $40–$100 | $20–$50 | Repairable, but heat can damage it |
| Butcher block | $40–$100 | $50–$150 | Needs regular oiling |
| Granite | $40–$150 | $35–$100 | Heat-resistant; needs periodic sealing |
| Concrete | $50–$120 | $50–$145 | Needs sealing |
| Soapstone | $50–$120 | Not listed | Naturally heat-resistant |
| Quartz | $50–$200 | $50–$200 | Nonporous; no sealing needed |
| Marble | $50–$200 | $40–$100 | Porous; scratches and stains easily |
| Quartzite | $60–$200 | Not listed | Some stones need sealing about once a year |
| Stainless steel | $80–$200 | Not listed | Heat-resistant, but scratches easily |
The two sources agree on quartz but split on several other materials. This Old House's figures, which it attributes to Angi and HomeAdvisor data, run lower at the top end for granite, marble and solid surface. Fixr's own pages don't fully agree either: its FAQ puts quartz at about $88 per square foot on average, and its separate quartzite guide gives an installed range of $80 to $210. Where sources differ, budget around the overlap and let local quotes settle it.
For most families, quartz is the safer bet. Its price overlaps granite's in both sources, it doesn't need sealing, and it resists stains from everyday spills. Granite and quartzite suit people who want natural stone and don't mind resealing; marble is for people who'll accept etching and stains as part of its character. Our quartz vs. granite comparison goes deeper.
What an Average Kitchen Pays
Most kitchens have 30 to 40 square feet of countertop, according to Fixr. Galley kitchens need less than U-shaped ones, and an island adds square footage. Here's Fixr's 2026 estimate by countertop area, which works out to $40 to $150 per square foot.
| Countertop area | Installed cost |
|---|---|
| 10 sq ft | $400–$1,500 |
| 20 sq ft | $800–$3,000 |
| 30 sq ft | $1,200–$4,500 |
| 40 sq ft | $1,600–$6,000 |
To estimate your own area, multiply the length by the depth of each run in inches, add them up and divide by 144. Measure the island separately.
A sample budget
Take Fixr's own benchmark: 35 square feet of quartz. At its average of about $88 per square foot, the tops come to roughly $3,080. Add a sink cutout and a cooktop cutout at $100 to $200 each, plus $50 to $300 to remove the old tops, and you're at about $3,330 to $3,780. That's before any edge upgrade, backsplash or plumber's time, so a per-square-foot price on its own never tells you the whole cost.
Beyond material and size, these factors push the price up:
- Slab selection. Rare colors and bold veining cost more than neutral, uniform slabs.
- Layout and shape. Custom shapes, extra cutouts and complex layouts all add to the fabrication bill.
- Access. Fixr notes that upper-floor or hard-to-reach kitchens cost more to install.
- Prep work. Heavy materials such as granite may need cabinet reinforcement, which Fixr says adds a few hundred dollars.
- Labor rates. Fixr puts labor at 15% to 30% of the total and installation in an average kitchen at $450 to $900, usually including delivery. This Old House estimates labor at 10% to 20%, or about $300 to $500 per day of contractor work.
Extras That Add to the Bill
Edge profiles are priced per linear foot. Fixr's 2026 figures:
| Edge profile | Added cost per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Eased or squared | No charge |
| Bevel, half bullnose or full bullnose | $10–$15 |
| Ogee | $20–$25 |
| Mitered | $20–$25 |
| Dupont | $20–$40 |
Other common add-ons, also from Fixr:
- Removing the old countertops: $50 to $300
- Sink, cooktop or dispenser cutouts: $100 to $200 each
- Reconnecting the sink: $45 to $200 per hour of plumber time
- New garbage disposal, if you're replacing it: $150 to $650
- Backsplash: $500 to $1,500
A quote that leaves out removal, cutouts or plumbing can look cheaper than it is. Ask every fabricator what's included before you compare totals. On L-shaped and long runs, also ask where the seams will fall and whether you can see the layout before the slab is cut; a seam in front of the sink is harder to live with than one in a corner.
Ways to Save on Countertops
- Choose a simple edge. Eased and squared edges carry no extra charge, according to Fixr.
- Go neutral. Fixr suggests uniform slabs in neutral colors over rare colors and dramatic veining.
- Mix materials. Stone on the island with a less expensive material on the perimeter gives you the look where it counts.
- Bundle the backsplash. Fixr notes that doing the backsplash with the countertops can reduce total labor.
- Consider resurfacing. Existing stone, solid surface or quartz tops can sometimes be refinished rather than replaced.
- Skip DIY for stone. Fixr advises against installing countertops yourself because of the risk of injury, material damage and costly fixes.
How to Get an Accurate Local Price
Measure your counters, narrow your choice to one or two materials, and decide on an edge. Then get written quotes, at least three if you can, as Fixr recommends. Make sure each covers templating, fabrication, the edge profile, every cutout, removal and disposal of the old tops, and reconnecting the sink and cooktop. Our guide to comparing remodeling estimates helps you line up bids fairly.
If you're replacing cabinets at the same time, price both together; our kitchen cabinet cost guide covers that side. In a full remodel, Fixr estimates countertops at about 14% of the budget, and our kitchen remodel cost guide shows how they fit with everything else. Check each contractor's license with your state licensing board and ask for a certificate of insurance; we don't verify these for you.
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Get Free EstimatesFrequently Asked Questions
How much do quartz countertops cost?
Both Fixr and This Old House put installed quartz at $50 to $200 per square foot, and Fixr gives an average of about $88. Fixr's national average of about $3,000 for a kitchen countertop job is based on 35 square feet of quartz, before extras like upgraded edges.
Is granite cheaper than quartz?
Often, but not always. This Old House puts installed granite at $35 to $100 per square foot and Fixr at $40 to $150, compared with $50 to $200 for quartz in both sources. The ranges overlap heavily, so the specific slab you choose matters more than the category.
What is the cheapest countertop material?
Laminate. This Old House puts it at $10 to $40 per square foot installed and Fixr at $15 to $60. Fixr also lists acrylic at $13 to $30, and This Old House lists tile at $12 to $45. Laminate saves money up front, but This Old House notes that it can chip and flake over the years.
How much does it cost to replace countertops in an average kitchen?
Fixr's 2026 range is $1,400 to $5,250, with an average of about $3,000 for a 35-square-foot kitchen in quartz. This Old House's range is $1,863 to $4,392, with an average of $3,120.
Does the countertop price include removing the old ones?
Not always. Fixr says installation usually includes delivery, but removal may be billed separately, typically $50 to $300. Ask each fabricator to list removal, disposal, cutouts and plumbing reconnection in writing.
Can new countertops go on old cabinets?
Yes, if the cabinets are level, sound and strong enough. Heavy stone such as granite may need cabinet reinforcement, which Fixr says adds a few hundred dollars. If the cabinets are failing, replace them first so you don't pay to remove and reinstall new tops later.
