Countertop Replacement Cost in 2026: What to Expect

This is the single biggest cost driver. Laminate runs $10-$40 per square foot for materials alone, while quartz and granite sit at $40-$100, and premium natural stone like marble or quartzite pushes $100-$200+. For a typical 35-square-foot kitchen counter, the material choice alone can swing your total by $5,000 or more.

The average kitchen has 30-40 square feet of counter space. L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens tend to have more surface area. Islands add another 12-24 square feet. Measure your total countertop area carefully before budgeting - even a few extra square feet adds hundreds at higher material price points.

A simple eased or beveled edge is typically included in the base price. Bullnose and half-bullnose edges add $5-$15 per linear foot. Ogee and other decorative profiles run $15-$30 per linear foot. For 20-25 linear feet of exposed edges, a premium profile adds $300-$750 to your total.

Each cutout for a sink, cooktop, or faucet hole adds cost. A standard drop-in sink cutout runs $100-$200. Undermount sink cutouts require more precision and cost $200-$400. Cooktop cutouts add another $150-$300. Multiple cutouts in stone counters add up quickly.

Tearing out your old countertops costs $200-$500 depending on the material. Laminate and tile are straightforward. Granite and concrete tops are heavier and harder to remove, pushing toward the higher end. Some installers include removal in their quote while others charge separately.

“Does your quote include templating, fabrication, and installation?”

Why this matters: Some shops quote fabrication separately from installation. Make sure you are comparing all-in prices.

“How do you handle seams, and where will they be placed?”

Why this matters: Seam placement affects both appearance and structural integrity. Good fabricators plan seam locations carefully and should walk you through the layout.

“What is your lead time from template to installation?”

Why this matters: Stone fabrication typically takes 5-10 business days, but busy shops can take 3-4 weeks. Plan around being without a functional kitchen during this period.

“Do you include sink and faucet cutouts in the price?”

Why this matters: Some fabricators charge $150-$400 extra per cutout. Undermount sinks require more work than drop-in models.

“What warranty do you offer on fabrication and installation?”

Why this matters: Reputable fabricators offer at least a 1-year installation warranty. Some quartz manufacturers offer 10-15 year material warranties that require professional installation.

“Will you disconnect and reconnect the plumbing, or do I need a separate plumber?”

Why this matters: Some countertop installers handle basic plumbing reconnection. Others require you to hire a plumber separately, adding $150-$300 to your total.

“Can I visit your shop to see the actual slab before fabrication?”

Why this matters: For natural stone, every slab is unique. Visiting the shop lets you pick your exact slab and approve the veining pattern and color before any cutting begins.