Once you’ve established the budget foryour bathroom or kitchen remodeling project, the next step is to identify the types of countertops that fit into the budget. Knowing how much different countertops cost may also help you decide just how much countertop space makes sense for you, allowing you to rework the plans early in the project, if needed. In this countertop guides article we will discuss the differences in cost to help you in choosing the right one for you.
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Countertop cost is determined by the price of the material and how much of it you’ll need to cover your cabinets, island, vanities and similar surfaces. There are attractive bathroom and kitchen countertop options for every budget starting at about $15 per square foot installed and ranging to more than $200. This guide is mainly about kitchen and bathroom countertop costs. If you’re still researching countertop materials, our Countertop Guides contain a wealth of information including countertop pros and cons for all material options.
Now, here’s an overview of countertop cost comparisons, the factors affecting price and how to save money on each material without sacrificing quality professional installation. We also rate ongoing maintenance costs for each material based on whether they must be regularly sealed and the cost of cleaning products and potential repairs. Ratings are low, moderate and high.
Note: We aim for price consistency throughout the site, but prices change quickly in the countertop industry. New products in each material type hit the market and might lower or raise the cost range limits.
Marble is ultra-luxurious, though it’s a bit of a diva. If you’re willing to pamper marble countertops, they will maintain their elegant good looks for the life of your home. The key is to follow manufacturer guidelines for sealing, use, daily care and cleaning. They’re not
recommended for heavy use or in areas where young kids might not take the required precautions to prevent staining and chipping.
While marble scares off many homeowners, granite is embraced enthusiastically. As popularity has risen, prices have become more reasonable, especially for granite tile. Like marble, follow care guidelines (which are more flexible than for marble), and you’ve got forever countertops.
Sometimes just referred to as quartz, other times called engineered stone, this is gorgeous stuff. It offers a wider variety of colors than granite and can also hold up better under certain conditions, even if it can’t quite match granite’s raw beauty. One of the advantages of an engineered product is that pigment can be added to produce a wider range of colors than found in natural stone. However, the color is consistent rather than varied like natural stone. The polymer and resin binders mix with the 90% ground quartz to cure into a gleaming, non-porous and very tough countertop.
Slate isn’t as popular as granite, but it certainly doesn’t take a back seat when it comes to beauty. Quality slate requires less maintenance than other natural stones. Slabs are available, but costly. Slate tiles are more affordable and very attractive. Similar slate tiles have graced European buildings for centuries, still doing their job, so you can rely on slate countertops to be very durable.
Soapstone is an attractive alternative for those that want natural stone when “all their friends” have granite. Its appearance is somewhat more rustic and casual too, a great fit in casual kitchen design, country, French country and Old World styles too. Mottled white, off-white and gray tones predominate in slabs and tiles. Excellent durability and low maintenance are two reasons to consider it. This is an expensive option, though.
Installing lava stone countertops will keep your friends guessing what material it is. This unique and expensive countertop is available in a range of colors and, no surprise, it is very resistant to heat. Costly to refinish, should it need it, these countertops should last 50+ years.
How to save money on lava countertops: Frankly, there aren’t any “deals” on lava stone. All lava countertop tiles and slabs are expensive
Limestone is a good choice for kitchens that do not get a heavy workout. They’re beautiful but as challenging to maintain as marble, but at a lower cost. There are several attractive limestone grades and styles.
Travertine is a limestone material formed under tremendous heat and pressure. The result is a material sometimes mistaken for marble. This gorgeous material, like standard limestone, needs regular sealing, and care must be taken not to scratch or chip it.
This isn’t the stuff they make sidewalks from, though it shares some characteristics. A Concrete countertop is trendy, stylish and can be very handsome in any kitchen. They are certainly above average in cost, too. Concrete countertops: $70-$140 per square foot.
Choosing concrete is not like having a slab of sidewalk for a countertop. Not at all. A Concrete countertop is trendy, stylish and can be very handsome in any kitchen. Once installed, the surface can be stamped, acid-stained and/or polished to produce an amazing array of design options. Concrete countertops are durable, attractive and completely customizable, a distinct advantage over natural stone.
The popularity of stainless steel ebbs and flows among homeowners as a whole, but it remains one of the go-to choices for true cooking enthusiasts who want a durable, tough finish that is easy to clean. It’s a fantastic choice in retro designs too.
Tough acrylic is the basis for these innovative and durable countertops. Corian and Swanstone are leading brands and offer the most colors and patterns, many of which are modeled on the patterns found in granite or marble. A solid surface countertop is a beautiful alternative to pricier materials and require less maintenance.
For those who want their countertops and backsplashes to be colorful and creative, as well as giving a boost to the environment, love the look of a recycled glass countertop. The material isn’t costly but the process and artistry can be.
Warm, traditional and very attractive wood and butcherblock countertops are also a top choice for those who love to work in the kitchen. New woods are being added to the lineup of butcher block and wood countertops every year, creating a wide variety of pricing.
While technically a grass, bamboo wears like wood, only it is harder and more durable than hardwood.
While in short supply, reclaimed wood is an appealing choice for enthusiasts of sustainable living. The wood can be gorgeous when the countertops are manufactured with artisan skill.
Porcelain is a hot countertop material in Europe and is trending in North America for its many wonderful qualities. This material takes ceramic to the next level of strength (it’s tougher than granite but lighter), heat resistance and durability.
Ceramic tiles come in wide range of prices and there are enough colors and styles to match any taste. Depending on the size, shape and quality of the material, tile countertops can be affordable or quite pricey. No material offers greater opportunity to customize your countertop and/or backsplash. There’s tile for every kitchen style too, and it is durable, heat resistant and fairly easy to care for when you keep the grout sealed.
Laminate is the most affordable material for use in countertops. It comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, many of which are created to look like granite, marble or other high-end materials. Most laminate countertops are attractive and surprisingly durable.
As you can see, the prices vary wildly, and depending on the part of the country (or world!) you're in, they can vary even more. Natural stone materials are extremely heavy, and if you're far from where the stone is sourced, you can expect to pay up for it! If you're looking to replace your countertops, it's a great idea to hire a reputable contractor. If you're more of a DIY-er, you can make some improvements to your existing countertops to bring them up to spec, such as bullnozing the edges and so forth. It's amazing what re-polishing your natural stone countertops can do for their beauty.
You don't have to spend big bucks on counters for your kitchen—the cheapest countertops can absolutely make a difference in the look and functionality of a kitchen. Before making such a big purchase, it's important to determine which material best suits your budget and lifestyle. Although natural stone countertops made from granite or marble slabs offer a striking look, these pricey materials can quickly eat up a large portion of your kitchen remodel budget. Thankfully, with the wide range of affordable countertop options available today, a stylish look doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Before you commit to the cheapest countertops you can find, consider your lifestyle and do your homework. If you have a busy kitchen that receives a lot of use, a durable, low-maintenance surface such as tile or solid surfacing might be the best fit. If you're looking for extra cost savings, consider the cheapest countertops easily installed as a DIY project, such as butcher block. In our guide below, we'll walk you through five of the best budget-friendly countertop materials to consider for your kitchen, including tips on maintenance, clean-up, typical costs, and more.
Lincoln Barbour
Butcher-Block Countertops
Butcher block has a classic appeal that complements cottage-inspired and farmhouse-style kitchens or can add unexpected contrast to a modern space. Maple can be used for cheap countertops and can be less than half the cost of stone tile, but higher-quality butcher block can be as expensive as slab granite. It's also important to note that butcher block is finicky. Spills must be cleaned immediately to avoid stains.
Wood counters aren't heat resistant, and extreme dryness can cause cracking, so it's essential to use pads or trivets with hot pans. Butcher-block counters must be oiled often to fill in scratches and protect the surface, and they also need frequent disinfecting to prevent bacteria. Butcher block tends to show nicks and scratches for a shopworn look, but if you don't like the wear and tear, you can lightly sand out flaws and re-oil the surface to restore it.
Average Price of Butcher-Block Countertops: $50 to $100 per square foot
Tria Giovan
Concrete Countertops
Concrete countertops offer a sleek, industrial look that works well in both modern and rustic kitchens. This material is highly durable, resistant to heat and stains, and easily customizable to achieve the exact tint and shape you'd like. Pouring your own concrete countertops is an attainable DIY project that can save on installation costs, but it's important to note that concrete is very heavy. It requires extra care to avoid damage or injury when handling. Nicks and cracks in the surface can be repaired, but concrete must be sealed regularly to protect against stains, water, and other damage, especially from highly acidic liquids.
Average Price of Concrete Countertops: $65 to $135 per square foot
Jason Donnelly
Laminate Countertops
Generally the cheapest countertops available, laminate is made from layers of plastic bonded to particleboard to form a solid surface. Preformed counters with a built-in backsplash come in limited colors and patterns. You can dress up this product by paying for extras like end caps, mitered corners, or bullnose edges. There are also more expensive custom laminates that use advanced printing technology to mimic the look of granite, marble, butcher block, or other pricier surfaces.
Typically sold by the linear foot, laminate counters are fairly simple to install. The counters are easy to maintain and lightweight, so they don't require heavy cabinet bases for support. On the downside, the material is susceptible to scratches, burns, and stains, and the layers can peel if exposed to too much moisture or wear.
Average Price of Laminate Countertops: $15-$65 per square foot
Emily Followill
Solid Surfacing Countertops
Primarily made from acrylic and polyester, solid surfacing counters are popular because the material is virtually maintenance-free, and scratches and burns can be easily sanded out. Not intended to look like natural materials, solid surfacing offers adventurous homeowners the opportunity to experiment with bold colors (basic neutral shades are also available). Standard colors, patterns, and edges can be quite affordable. However, some custom looks can be as expensive as natural stone. Professional installation is suggested to ensure a seamless look and prevent cracks that can trap dirt and debris.
Average Price of Solid-Surfacing Countertops: $40-$150 per square foot
Alise O'Brien
Tile Countertops
Depending on the material, tile countertops can be a cost-effective option. Ceramic and porcelain tile are among the cheapest countertop varieties and come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including designs that mimic granite and other stone. Natural stone tiles are pricier than ceramic but are much more affordable than slab granite or marble. In addition to a lower upfront price, tiles are a DIY-friendly product that can save on professional installation costs.
Tile counters are easy to clean, heat- and stain-resistant, and very durable. Chipped or cracked tiles are fairly easy to replace (always purchase extra ones on hand in case of repairs). However, tile countertops are not without potential problems. The grout can stain if not regularly sealed and wide grout lines can be a collection point for dirt and bacteria. Also, tile can be pretty heavy, so it's important to consult a professional installer if you're uncertain whether your cabinets require reinforcement.
Average Price of Tile Countertops: $15 to $35 per square foot
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