Kitchen countertop installation cost calculator

On average, countertop installation costs $2,900, with most homeowners spending between $1,800 and $4,000. That translates to $25 to $120 per square foot. The total installation cost can be broken down into $15 to $70 per square foot for the material and $10 to $30 per square foot for labor.

The total cost to remodel a countertop takes into account a number of factors, including the total linear footage of the countertop, the type of countertop you choose, the quality of materials, the scope and complexity of the countertop remodeling project, your zip code, local labor costs and the finishing details.

Countertop materials can range from as little as $5 per square foot to as much as $500. The countertop cost depends on the availability, rarity and color of the material selected. Look at the table below to explore 14 popular types of countertops:

Countertop installation labor costs

The exact labor cost will vary depending on the type of countertop you choose and how easy or complex it is to install. If you’re opting for a custom-made countertop, your labor costs will go up.

In such cases, a template is created according to your size specifications. It is made by gluing thin strips of balsa wood together in the exact size and shape of your counter. This template is then transferred onto the material before it’s cut. The process leaves no room for error in the final countertop size.

You can expect your countertop installation to take anywhere between 2 to 5 hours to complete once the measurements and templating are over.

If you’re remodeling your old countertop, it needs to be removed first. Installers may charge you an additional fee to remove an old counter. This amount can range from $50 to $200. Moreover, you may also need to reinforce the existing cabinets before the new countertop is installed. Your labor costs will increase accordingly.

Type of installation

The way your countertop is installed or presented can also have an impact on its cost and installation. It could be a single-piece slab, precast, modular, a two-tone countertop, one with wrapped or curved corners (more expensive installation), or a cast-in-place kind of a countertop.

Countertops are used to cover base cabinets – giving you a smooth work surface. They also add a decorative element along with their functionality. Countertops are a great way to enhance the decor in your home. And a well-installed countertop will add value to your home, too.

Once you decide to remodel your countertops, you need to know how much of an investment you require for this home renovation.

An estimate helps you organize your home improvement project and effectively manage milestones and costs.

Acquiring a free estimate for your countertop remodeling will help you create a realistic budget – getting you quality work at a fair price. It’s also the best way to ensure that you don’t stumble across any unwelcome surprises during the execution of your project.

Getting an estimate through Kukun’s countertop installation cost estimator is easy. Just follow the steps below to get your personalized total remodel cost in minutes!

1. Choose the countertop material you want from all the options:

• Laminate
• Granite
• Marble
• Quartz
• Concrete
• Tile

2. Select the finish for your countertops from the two options:

• Standard
• Premium

3. Enter the linear footage of your countertop

4. Mention if you have an island, peninsula, or both and enter the dimensions of them

5. Enter your property details

Enter the full address and you’ll also get the return on investment (ROI)/recoup value of your project or just your zip code to get the renovation cost estimate.

You can rest assured, we do not share this information. It just helps us give you a better cost estimate because labor and material prices vary widely by geography.

And there you go – an estimate for your countertop installation is ready!

With this free estimate, you can analyze your finance options or hire a professional to get started on the work right away. You can explore each contractor's profile, check out their online reviews and view all their previous permit details.

It’s very important that you plan your countertop remodel well in advance. Here are some tips to make the process easy and quick

• Set a realistic budget. Always include leeway for some surprise costs. According to experts, you should add 20% extra to your existing budget.
• Check your local building code for permit requirements.
• Work with expert countertop installers you can trust. A professional finish (as compared to a DIY project) goes a long way in adding to the beauty and value of your home.
• Keep in mind that heavy countertop materials such as concrete and stone surfaces may require bracing.
• Decide early on if you want to opt for eco-friendly countertop alternatives such as recycled glass, paper composite and bamboo. These are not as readily available as other countertops and may require extra days for shipping or procurement.
• Get a countertop sample from your local store and test it in your home for color and how it reacts to stains and cleansers.
• Do your research before determining the right countertop material for your needs.
• Always ask your installer if edging, installation and sealing costs are included in the total countertop price per square foot.
• Get all the information on how to care for your new countertop before finalizing your choice of material.
• Get a written contract from your contractor with a warranty or guarantee and that details the payment process.
• Though you can install countertops anytime of the year, it’s more economical to avoid the spring and summer rush.

These steps will help you avoid unexpected hassles and issues, and make your countertop installation project run smoothly.