Independent and unbiased 2026 pricing data
HouseProjectCalc

Countertop Installation Cost Calculator

New countertops are one of the highest-impact kitchen updates. Use the calculator to estimate your project by area and material, then read the cost-per-square-foot tables.

Estimate your cost

Based on national average pricing.

Estimated cost range

$1,600$4,000

BudgetTypicalPremium

An estimate for planning, not a quote. Get written quotes from local pros below.

Estimate, not a quote. These figures are 2026 national-average placeholders for planning only. Your actual price depends on your specific project and local market. Get written quotes from licensed contractors before you budget.

Free, no obligation

Get matched with local countertop installation pros

Tell us about your project and we will help you get free quotes from vetted contractors in your area.

By clicking the button below, I agree that HouseProjectCalc and up to four home-improvement providers matched to my project may contact me at the phone number and email I provided, including by automated telephone dialing system, prerecorded voice, text message, and email, about my project, even if my number is on a Do Not Call list. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Message and data rates may apply. I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Secure form. We only share your details with pros you ask to be matched with. See our Privacy Policy.

Countertop Installation cost breakdown

At a mid-range, national-average baseline, a typical countertop installation project is estimated at $1,600 to $4,000. The table below breaks the cost down so you can see where your project is likely to land.

Countertop cost per square foot by material (2026 estimate, installed)
Material Installed cost per sq ft Typical total (40 sq ft)
Laminate $15 to $40 /sq ft About $600 to $1,600
Butcher block $25 to $60 /sq ft About $1,000 to $2,400
Granite $40 to $100 /sq ft About $1,600 to $4,000
Quartz $50 to $120 /sq ft About $2,000 to $4,800
Marble $60 to $150 /sq ft About $2,400 to $6,000

Countertop Installation cost by project size

Most of your countertop installation cost scales with size. Here is the estimated national-average range at a few common project sizes.

Countertop Installation cost by size (2026 national-average estimate)
Countertop area (square feet) Estimated total cost Scale
20 square feet $800 to $2,000 Smaller project
40 square feet $1,600 to $4,000 Typical project
70 square feet $2,800 to $7,000 Larger project

What drives countertop installation cost

  • Countertop area in square feet.
  • Material: laminate is cheapest, marble and quartzite cost the most.
  • Edge profiles, cutouts for sinks and cooktops.
  • Removal and disposal of old countertops.
  • Seams, backsplashes, and overhangs.
  • Regional labor rates.

Key cost factors

Material is the price

Laminate is the budget option. Granite and quartz are the popular mid-range, with quartz prized for being maintenance-free. Quartzite and marble are the premium tiers.

Edges and cutouts

Fancy edge profiles, undermount sink cutouts, cooktop cutouts, and waterfall edges all add labor and cost beyond the base per-square-foot price.

Removal and seams

Removing old tops, the number of seams, and backsplash work add to the total. Larger slabs with fewer seams cost more in material but look better.

Frequently asked questions

How much do countertops cost in 2026?

New countertops cost about $40 to $100 per square foot installed, or roughly $1,600 to $4,000 for a 40 square foot kitchen. Laminate is cheapest and marble is the most expensive.

Which is cheaper, granite or quartz?

Granite often starts a little lower, around $40 per square foot installed, while quartz starts around $50. High-end versions of both can exceed $100, so the specific slab matters more than the material.

Do new countertops add home value?

Yes. Updated countertops, especially quartz or granite, are a high-impact, relatively affordable upgrade that helps a kitchen show well and appeals to buyers.

Countertop Installation cost by city

See localized countertop installation estimates for major US metros.

Related cost calculators