Countertops are a highly functional aspect of any kitchen or bathroom. It’s important to acknowledge a lot of factors when selecting materials for your home including countertops. For instance, your countertops should be functional enough to withstand burns and scratches. Moreover, they should also be able to adjust to the insanely high moisture levels in a bathroom. However, the first question that pops into the mind of concerned homeowners is, ‘how much does it cost to redo countertops?’
When selecting a countertop, apart from its functional aspects, you need to choose one that suits your lifestyle and budget. Since there are a variety of countertop choices out there, considering the factors given below can help you narrow down your options.
The cost of redoing countertops depends on multiple factors that we will analyze below. So, without further ado, let’s see how much does it cost to redo countertops.
How Much Does It Cost To Redo Countertops?
A countertop installation on average can cost around $2,940. Moreover, the estimated range of a countertop installation is $1865 to $4110. A homeowner typically pays anywhere between $15 to $70 per square foot for the materials and $10 to $30 per square foot for the labor.
The materials and labor make up the biggest part of the total cost of countertop installation. However, there are a few more factors that you need to consider.
- Removal of existing countertop
- Cabinet preparation
- Sanding or shaping
- Polishing and sealing
A professional countertop contractor can help give you a better idea of all the steps and expenses of the countertop installation.
Countertop Prices
The material of a countertop can amount to almost half of the total installation expense. Countertops can be obtained anywhere between $1 to $200 dollars per square foot. There are certain materials that can obviously cost more, for instance, marble or stainless steel. However, it’s not necessary that they will have a high cost of labor too.
Cost of Various Countertop Materials
When wondering how much does it cost to redo countertops, the first thing you need to consider is the material you want to go with.
There is a massive variety of countertop materials out there! Natural stone and traditional countertops are the most popular types out there. On one hand, nature stone countertops are long-lasting, extremely durable, and add to the value of your home. On the other hand, traditional countertops are aesthetically-pleasing, long-lasting, but aren’t too durable.
The cost of the countertop material highly depends on its size and quality. However, here are a few materials that you might want to consider.
Granite
Granite is a popular choice of material for countertops that range between $2000-$4000 depending on the size and quality. The average price of a whole granite slab is around $15 to $140 per square foot. Moreover, you can acquire prefabricated granite countertops for anywhere between $10 and $35 per square foot.
Marble
Marble is another popularly used countertop that can cost you $3,000 on average. The quality of the marble you choose greatly influences the price. On average, marble can cost you anywhere between $15 and $190 per square foot.
Laminate
The installation of laminate countertops can cost you anywhere between $400 and $2,500. You can obtain this material at an average rate of $8 and $27 per square foot. Laminate countertops are one of the most budget-friendly options with a highly convenient and efficient installation process. However, the only major issue with this material is that it can chip or fade over time.
Porcelain or Ceramic
You can also install porcelain or ceramic tile countertops for about $1,800. An individual ceramic tile piece will cost you around $1 to $15 per square foot. Moreover, you will have to pay between $3 and $28 for porcelain. This countertop material isn’t very popular if you use your countertop a lot, especially because it scratches and breaks easily.
Concrete
The average cost of a concrete countertop ranges from $50 to $100 per square foot. A prefabricated concrete countertop naturally costs way less than a customized one. The massive variety of color and style options of this material is nearly unmatchable. Moreover, while it may experience chipping or cracking, this can easily be prevented through sealing.
Wood
Wood countertops are great for aesthetics but aren’t too functional. The average cost of installing 55-square feet of a wood countertop is between $1,550 and $3,800. It will cost you around $18 to $38 per square foot, depending on the type of wood and the cut. Bamboo countertops are the cheapest out of the rest of the wood species.
Stainless Steel
Mostly found in professional kitchens, a stainless steel countertop can cost you anywhere between $3,900 and $7,200 for 55 square feet. The price of this material lies around $60 to $100 per square foot.
Countertop Installation Labor Cost
While a majority of the population opts for slab countertops, there are some homeowners who prefer tile countertops. Even though there is a major variation between its labor cost, slabs definitely cost lesser than tile countertops.
A slab countertop installation can cost anywhere between $10 and $15 per square foot. On the other hand, the labor cost of a tile countertop will be around $20 to $30 per square. Even though slabs are heavier and more difficult to install, they are still cheaper than tiles.
Cost to Remove Countertops
The expense of removing countertops varies from $50 to $300. This largely depends on the material and size of the countertop. Moreover, the removal process entails taking off and disposing of the entire top. Another important thing to keep in mind is that a contractor might charge you extra for closed and tight spaces.
Countertop Installation Price Factors
The average installation cost of a countertop is around $10 to $30 per square foot. The cost entails the various tasks that your contractor needs to complete for the successful installation of a countertop. A contractor typically charges you per square foot. Moreover, they may also charge a little extra for congested spaces or areas that are hard to reach.
Here are the costs of a few other factors you need to consider.
Edging
Edging is an important part of the countertop installation process as it helps give your countertop proper finishing. This factor can cost you about $5 to $45 per linear foot.
Polishing
Who doesn’t want a clean and shiny countertop? Polishing gives your countertop the ultimate shiny and finished looked and can cost you between $4 and $6 per square foot.
Cutting a Double Sink
According to contractors, cutting a double sink will cost you $115 on average.
Installing a Tile Backsplash
Installing a tile backsplash will cost you $950 on average.
Average Cost to Replace Countertops
$3000 is the average cost of countertop installation, but what if you want to replace your current countertops? Well, it isn’t cheap to do so! A lot of effort goes into removing your current countertop and to replace it with another. So, if you’re planning to replace it, you can expect to incur an expense of $50 to $6000.
Replacing an existing countertop may entail any or all of the following processes:
- Removal and hauling of the existing material
- Rewiring of mandatory appliances
- Moving of plumbing pipes
- Ensuring that the existing cabinets can support the weight of the new material
- Cutting the new countertop to fit the space perfectly
Replacing Bathroom vs. Kitchen Counter Cost Estimates
How much does it cost to redo countertops in a bathroom and kitchen?
It’s no surprise that bathroom countertops are smaller than kitchen units. This is mainly because you require a lot more surface space in a kitchen. However, the removal cost of both these countertops is more or less the same.
Contractors typically charge higher per square foot rates for bathroom countertop installation due to their small size. If you’re looking for cheaper rates, the best option for you is to replace the countertops in multiple rooms all at once.
Cost to Redo Full Kitchen Counters
If you are wondering how much does it cost to redo countertops in kitchens, here is an estimate for you. Replacing a kitchen countertop will cost you anywhere between $25 and $120 per square foot.
If you exchange your current countertop for more or less the same material with a similar shape and height, you’ll be paying on the lower end of the range. However, if you choose a different, heavier material, you will have to consider a whole lot of factors. For instance, you will have to assess whether the current kitchen cabinets will be able to bear the weight of the new countertop or not.
Prefabricated Vs. Normal Countertop Costs
There are various prefabricated countertop pieces that you can find. The material and labor costs of these pieces per square foot can be dramatically low. They are manufactured in standard sizes and can cost almost 50% less as they are ready to install. On the other hand, if you opt for a normal countertop, the contractor will have to cut, edge, and polish the slab before placing it. However, make sure to ask if the labor expenses are included if you opt for a prefabricated countertop.
Waterfall Countertop Costs
This particular style of countertop entails a surface that extends all the way to the floor at least on one side. The total cost of a waterfall countertop installation relies on the width and length of the waterfall. However, an average waterfall countertop installation can cost you an extra $1000 to $3000 above the average price of the material you choose.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, this article must have given you an idea about how much does it cost to redo countertops. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, our best recommendation would be to use the same material as the current one. This will help you save a lot of money on the installation process.
Moreover, you can choose to do a DIY project and install it yourself. However, you need to remember that countertops are extremely heavy and difficult to install. So, it is best for you to hire a professional contractor to enjoy a job well done!
