How much do kitchen countertops cost?
- Verona Quartz Surfaces
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
When planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “What will it cost?” or “Can I afford this countertop makeover?” We understand how important proper budgeting is, and we’re here to help. Countertops are one of the easiest upgrades with the biggest visual impact: they’re at eye level, heavily used, and instantly transform the look and feel of the most active room in your home. The answer depends on the material, the size of your space, and the level of craftsmanship you choose. Whether you’re drawn to natural marble, the modern durability of quartz, or the practicality of porcelain, understanding the true cost behind each option helps you make an informed investment.
In this blog, we’ll break down the average cost of different countertop materials, what influences pricing, and how to choose the right surface for your project. Focusing more on the popular countertop choices, breaking down the entirety of different cost factors, and what to look out for! Keep in mind, your source for premium quartz, porcelain, and sintered stone matters. On average, customers who purchase slabs from a contractor's / installer's account save 30-40%!
When you search online for prices, make sure to consider local countertop shops that actually fabricate and install stone countertops near you, don't just read home and garden blogs.
Granite Slabs:
The "Average" found online is broad: The $40-$150/sqft is unrealistic. Factors like rarity, color, veining patterns, and even the quarry it came from significantly impact the price. A more realistic price range for granite slabs are $25-100/sqft (material only).
Installation Costs: Don't forget installation! This typically adds $40-$80/sqft on top of the material cost.
Slab Thickness: Thicker slabs (3cm vs. 2cm) thicker slabs are more expensive.
Edge Profiles: Simple edges are less costly than elaborate ones, like ogee or waterfall. But with granite, you can choose any edge profile!
Waste Factor: The amount of usable material from a slab varies. More waste means higher costs for you. Measuring/laser templating out your project will help you minimize waste.
Quartz Slabs:
The "Average" found online is broad and off by a lot: The $50-$100/sq ft range is above the usual range. Quartz countertops seem to be the fan favorite when it comes to budget, style, and durability, but online, finding realistic prices can be a burden. A realistic price per square foot for quartz is $15-40
Installation Costs: Quartz slabs cost much less than any other stone; fabricators prefer to work with quartz due to their ease of fabrication and durable nature.
Slab Thickness: Usually 2CM thickness (20MM). Thicker slabs will cost more for material and less for installation (with no edge detail).
Edge Profile: Waterfall / Mitered / Ogee / Bevel / Eased & More.
Waste Factor: Super jumbo options help, but will vary depending on how much is used for the project/the layout of your kitchen. Laser measuring your project and templating will help you minimize waste.
Some stone slabs, such as quartz, granite, marble, and quartzite, give you the versatility to create a fluted island cladding or a fluted vanity basin, while some stone options, like porcelain and sintered, can only be used for mitered and eased edges (not through-body pattern). Keeping that in mind, it could be a great benefit to mix materials to achieve the kitchen you love. Natural stone and quartz are through-body materials, so your fabricator can create any edge/finish you desire. If you'd like the dynamic of being able to put hot pots/pans on your counter, you can use sintered stone slabs for your countertops and quartz for the island!
Porcelain Slabs
Material Cost: Porcelain has become the large-format surface of choice for walls and fireplaces, with costs typically ranging from $20 to $40 per square foot. costs vary based on factors such as material quality, slab size, finish, and thickness.
Installation Costs: Porcelain slabs typically reduce installation costs for walls and backsplashes, but raise the price when used for countertops. Fabrication & Installation range for porcelain slabs: $30-60/sqft
Slab Thickness: 12MM / 20MM (thicker will cost more)
Edge Profile: Mitered & Eased
Waste Factor: A good fabricator is recommended, and choosing porcelain slabs with a mesh backing will give you optimal support.
Sintered Stone Slabs
The "Average" is broad: The $50-$200/sq ft range is broad. A more realistic price per square foot is $30-50/ square foot.
Installation Costs: Fabrication and installation costs are slightly lower than quartzite but higher than quartz. Relative to porcelain slabs pricing.
Slab Thickness: 20MM - 2CM
Edge Profile: Mitered / Eased
Waste Factor: Slabs are slightly larger than the industry average, so waste is minimal.
Marble Slabs
Material Cost: Typically, the most expensive. Price per square foot for marble: $50-$250+
Installation Costs: Similar to quartzite.
Slab Thickness: Usually 2CM thickness (20MM)
Edge Profile: Can create any edge profile
Waste Factor: Marble is delicate, so picking a specialist is mandatory.
Quartzite Slabs
Material Cost: Typically cost $50-$200+/sqft. Prices for quartzite vary based on factors such as purity and fewer treatments to fissures and cracks.
Installation Costs: $60-$90/Sqft: relative to marble.
Slab Thickness: Usually 2CM thickness (20MM)
Edge Profile: Mitered / Eased / OGEE / BEVEL / Double OGEE And More
Waste Factor: Not bad when it comes to waste; slabs are offered in XL formats.
We hope this gives you a clearer sense of pricing and helps you track down the best deals for your new countertops. Be sure to reach out to local countertop shops in your area to compare quotes and get accurate pricing tailored to your specific project.