Countertop Replacement Cost (2026): Quartz, Granite and Laminate
Quick answer
Countertop replacement cost: Replacing kitchen countertops costs about $20 to $50 per square foot for laminate and $50 to $150 per square foot for quartz or granite, installed, in 2026. Most kitchens have 30 to 40 square feet of counters, so quartz often totals about $1,500 to $6,000 and laminate about $600 to $2,000.
Updated for 2026: all prices are 2026 national planning ranges, installed, unless noted.
New countertops can make a kitchen look updated without replacing the cabinets. Here is what each material costs, what is included in a quote, and how to keep the total under control.
Countertop cost by material
| Material | Installed cost per sq ft | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $20 – $50 | Cheapest; can scorch and chip |
| Butcher block | $40 – $100 | Warm look; needs oiling |
| Solid surface | $40 – $90 | Seamless; scratches can be sanded |
| Granite | $40 – $140 | Natural stone; needs sealing |
| Quartz | $50 – $150 | Very popular; low maintenance |
| Marble | $60 – $200+ | Beautiful; stains and etches easily |
Example: a kitchen with 35 sq ft of counters
| Material | Estimated total |
|---|---|
| Laminate | $700 – $1,750 |
| Butcher block | $1,400 – $3,500 |
| Granite | $1,400 – $4,900 |
| Quartz | $1,750 – $5,250 |
If your cabinets are solid and you like the layout, new counters and paint can make a kitchen look brand new for a fraction of a remodel. If the new counter adds an overhang, our bar stools for kitchen island guide shows which seat height and knee gap fit.
What adds to the cost
- Removing old counters: often $50 to $200, more for tile or stone.
- Cutouts: sinks, cooktops and outlets each take extra fabrication.
- Edge profile: simple eased edges cost least; ogee and mitered edges cost more.
- Backsplash: often needs to be replaced or patched when counters change.
- New sink and faucet: a good time to upgrade, but it adds cost.
- Plumbing reconnection: may need a plumber.
Quartz vs. granite: which is better?
| Quartz | Granite | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Even, consistent pattern | Unique natural pattern in every slab |
| Sealing | Not needed | Usually every 1 – 2 years |
| Heat | Can be damaged by hot pans | Handles heat better |
| Stains | Very resistant | Resistant when sealed |
| Outdoor use | Not recommended (UV can fade it) | Works well |
Both are durable and add value to a kitchen. Choose quartz if you want low maintenance and a consistent look, and granite if you love natural stone and do not mind sealing it occasionally.
Questions to ask a fabricator
- Is removal of the old counters included?
- How many cutouts and what edge profile are included?
- Can I see and approve the exact slab before cutting?
- Where will the seams go?
- Is the backsplash or a 4-inch splash included?
- What warranty covers the material and installation?
How the process works
- Choose your material and slab, and get a written quote.
- The fabricator measures your cabinets with a template.
- Slabs are cut and polished, usually in one to three weeks.
- Old counters come out and new ones are installed, often in one day.
- A plumber reconnects the sink and faucet if needed.
Ways to Save on Countertops
- Choose a mid-grade quartz or a common granite color.
- Use a simple eased edge.
- Look for remnant slabs for small bathrooms or bars.
- Keep the sink in the same place.
- Use butcher block or laminate on a secondary run.
Caring for your new counters
- Use cutting boards and trivets on every surface.
- Wipe spills quickly, especially wine, oil and citrus on natural stone.
- Seal granite and marble as the fabricator recommends.
- Clean quartz with mild soap and water; avoid harsh chemicals.
How to measure countertop square footage
Fabricators price by the square foot, so a quick measurement lets you check any quote. You only need a tape measure and a calculator.
- Sketch the layout. Draw each straight run of counter and the island as separate rectangles.
- Measure length along the wall. Measure each run in inches from end to end. For an L-shape, measure one leg to the corner and the other leg from the front of the first counter, so the corner is not counted twice.
- Measure depth. Standard counters are about 25 to 26 inches deep. Islands and bars vary, so measure them, including any overhang for seating.
- Multiply and convert. Length x depth for each rectangle, then divide by 144 to get square feet.
- Add them up and add a little extra. Add the rectangles together. Fabricators may round up to account for waste and seams.
Example: a 10-foot run (120 in) and an 8-foot run (96 in), both 25.5 in deep, plus a 6 x 3 ft island. That is (120 x 25.5 + 96 x 25.5) / 144 = about 38 sq ft, plus 18 sq ft for the island, or about 56 sq ft in total.
Countertop replacement cost by kitchen size
Using the installed per-square-foot ranges in the material table above, here is how totals scale with kitchen size.
| Kitchen | Approx. counter area | Laminate | Butcher block | Granite | Quartz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (galley or apartment) | ~25 sq ft | $500 – $1,250 | $1,000 – $2,500 | $1,000 – $3,500 | $1,250 – $3,750 |
| Medium (L-shape) | ~40 sq ft | $800 – $2,000 | $1,600 – $4,000 | $1,600 – $5,600 | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Large (with island) | ~60 sq ft | $1,200 – $3,000 | $2,400 – $6,000 | $2,400 – $8,400 | $3,000 – $9,000 |
Since most quartz quotes land around $75 to $100 per square foot, a 40 sq ft kitchen in quartz commonly comes in around $3,000 to $4,000 before extras.
Helpful for this project: Once the new counters are in, rechargeable under-cabinet lights and an anti-fatigue kitchen mat are easy no-renovation upgrades.
Extra costs to budget for
| Item | Typical cost | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Old countertop removal | $50 – $200 (more for tile or stone) | Almost always |
| Undermount sink cutout and polishing | About $100 – $300 per cutout | Stone or quartz with an undermount sink |
| Cooktop cutout | About $100 – $250 | Drop-in cooktop in the counter |
| Upgraded edge profile | About $10 – $40 per linear ft | Ogee, bullnose or mitered edges |
| Plumber to reconnect sink and faucet | About $150 – $400 | If the fabricator does not reconnect |
| New sink and faucet | Varies widely by model | Optional, but easiest to do now |
How much does it cost to replace a bathroom countertop?
A bathroom vanity top is much smaller than a kitchen run. A single 30-inch vanity is about 4 to 5 sq ft, and a 60-inch double vanity about 8 to 10 sq ft. At the same per-square-foot prices, a quartz single vanity top works out to roughly $250 to $750 installed, though many fabricators charge a minimum job fee, so small tops often cost more per square foot.
- Use a remnant. Leftover pieces from kitchen jobs are often discounted and big enough for a vanity.
- Consider a prefab vanity top. Ready-made tops with an integrated sink skip fabrication entirely.
- Time it with the faucet. Changing the faucet while the top is off avoids a second plumber visit.
If you are planning a larger bathroom project, see our bathroom remodel cost guide.
DIY vs hiring a pro
- Laminate and butcher block: Prefab lengths can be a reasonable DIY job if you are comfortable cutting, leveling and sealing. Saves most of the labor cost.
- Quartz, granite and marble: Hire a fabricator. Slabs are very heavy, need precise templating and break easily if mishandled.
- Removal: Removing laminate yourself is often easy. Stone and tile removal is messy and risks cabinet damage.
- Plumbing: Reconnecting a faucet is a common DIY job; moving the sink or adding a gas line is not.
Common countertop replacement mistakes
- Not checking the cabinets. Stone needs level, sturdy boxes. Fixing sagging cabinets after the template is made causes delays.
- Forgetting the backsplash. Old tile often breaks when counters come out. Budget for a patch or a new backsplash.
- Choosing a slab from a small sample. Natural stone varies a lot. View the full slab before it is cut.
- Comparing quotes by total only. Check that each one includes the same edge, cutouts, removal and seams.
- Ordering appliances after templating. The fabricator needs the exact sink and cooktop models before cutting.
Thinking bigger than counters? Our kitchen remodel cost calculator estimates a full update, and our guide to painting, refacing or replacing cabinets covers the boxes underneath.
Countertop replacement cost: key takeaways
- Countertop replacement cost depends most on the size of the job, the materials you pick and local labor rates.
- Get at least three written quotes, because countertop replacement cost can vary a lot between contractors for the same scope.
- Ask exactly what is included. Removal, permits and cleanup can change your countertop replacement cost more than the base price.
- Add a 10 to 15 percent buffer to your countertop replacement cost estimate for surprises found once work starts.
Average cost of kitchen countertops
The average cost of kitchen countertops is roughly $2,000 to $4,500 installed for a medium kitchen with about 40 sq ft of counters. Laminate kitchens often come in under $2,000, while most quartz and granite kitchens land around $3,000 to $4,000 before removal, sink and backsplash extras.
Countertop prices by material: material vs. installation
Countertop prices by material combine two parts: the slab or sheet itself, and fabrication plus installation (templating, cutting, edges, seams and setting). Here is a typical split.
| Material | Material only, per sq ft | Fabrication and install, per sq ft | Installed total, per sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | About $10 – $30 | About $10 – $20 | $20 – $50 |
| Butcher block | About $25 – $70 | About $15 – $30 | $40 – $100 |
| Solid surface | About $25 – $60 | About $15 – $30 | $40 – $90 |
| Granite | About $25 – $90 | About $15 – $50 | $40 – $140 |
| Quartz | About $35 – $100 | About $15 – $50 | $50 – $150 |
| Marble | About $40 – $150 | About $20 – $50+ | $60 – $200+ |
Countertop replacement cost by region
Fabrication labor is the part that changes most by region. Use these planning ranges for quartz, the most popular material.
| Region | Quartz installed, per sq ft | 40 sq ft kitchen |
|---|---|---|
| South and Midwest | About $55 – $100 | About $2,200 – $4,000 |
| Mountain West and mid-Atlantic | About $65 – $115 | About $2,600 – $4,600 |
| Northeast and West Coast metros | About $80 – $150 | About $3,200 – $6,000 |
Cost to replace kitchen countertops: a quick estimate
Here is a worked example for a medium L-shaped kitchen with 40 sq ft of counters, replacing old laminate with mid-grade quartz.
- 40 sq ft of quartz at about $75 to $100 per sq ft: about $3,000 to $4,000
- Remove old laminate: about $50 to $200
- Undermount sink cutout and polishing: about $100 to $300
- Plumber to reconnect sink and faucet: about $150 to $400
- Backsplash patch or new 4-inch splash: often a few hundred dollars
Planning total: about $3,500 to $5,200. Choosing a common granite color or a simpler edge can bring that closer to the low end.
Signs it is time to replace your countertops
- Laminate is peeling, swollen near the sink or burned in spots.
- Tile grout lines are stained and cracked beyond cleaning.
- Stone has deep cracks, chips at seams or stains that come back after sealing.
- Seams have separated or the counter has shifted on the cabinets.
- You are changing the sink, cooktop or layout anyway.
Helpful resources: For more on countertop replacement cost, see the ENERGY STAR and FTC tips on hiring a contractor.
Read next: paint vs. reface vs. replace kitchen cabinets · kitchen remodel cost calculator · backsplash installation cost
Countertop replacement cost: frequently asked questions
How much do quartz countertops cost?
Quartz usually costs $50 to $150 per square foot installed, with most standard kitchens around $75 to $100.
Is granite cheaper than quartz?
Often slightly, but the ranges overlap. Common granite colors can be cheaper than quartz, while rare granite costs more.
How long does countertop replacement take?
Measuring to installation usually takes one to three weeks. The install day itself is often just a few hours.
Can I replace countertops without replacing cabinets?
Yes, if the cabinets are level and in good condition. Heavy stone needs sturdy boxes.
How do I calculate countertop square footage?
Measure the length and depth of each counter section in inches, multiply them, and divide by 144 to get square feet. Add the sections together, and count corners only once on L-shaped counters.
How much does it cost to replace a bathroom countertop?
A single bathroom vanity top is only about 4 to 5 sq ft, so quartz typically runs about $250 to $750 installed, plus any minimum job fee, sink and plumbing. Remnant slabs and prefab vanity tops can cost less.
What is the average cost of kitchen countertops?
The average cost of kitchen countertops is about $2,000 to $4,500 installed for a medium 40 sq ft kitchen. Laminate often costs under $2,000, while quartz and granite commonly run about $3,000 to $4,000 before extras.
What are countertop prices by material?
Installed countertop prices by material run about $20 to $50 per sq ft for laminate, $40 to $100 for butcher block, $40 to $90 for solid surface, $40 to $140 for granite, $50 to $150 for quartz and $60 to $200 or more for marble.
Sources: Block Renovation, Fixr, LawnStarter. Prices are national planning ranges, not quotes. See how we research costs.
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