Hello World! Welcome Friends! The kitchen is often the busiest part of the home. Most surfaces, especially the countertops, are constantly exposed to liquid and moisture, leading to deterioration. In this case, minor renovations and updates are imperative at least every ten years.
Countertops are typically the most expensive part of the kitchen, taking 10-15% of the total budget. Due to the costs, one must consider the factors like material options and their prices before diving into the project.
How much does updating your kitchen countertops cost? Here are the keys to coming up with a sufficient budget.
1. Countertop Materials
The cost of countertops varies depending on the materials used. Luxury options may range from USD$75 to USD$300 per square foot, while the cheapest ones can go as low as USD$1 per square foot, excluding labor costs. You can find the best countertop material within your budget range by looking at these options:
- Marble: Marble is one of the most luxurious countertop materials, costing around USD$40 to USD$100 per square foot for low to mid-range marble slabs. However, luxury marble of rare varieties can cost up to USD$300 per square foot, not including installation.
- Granite: Granite is an affordable alternative to marble. It’s also a natural stone, but it’s more intact and less porous. On average, it costs USD$40 to $USD60 per square foot. Common colors like white, black, and gray are the least expensive due to ample available supply. However, rare shades and patterns can cost up to USD$200 per square foot.
- Quartz: Quartz is the perfect option for giving your kitchen countertop a natural look while upgrading its strength and durability. It’s a non-porous engineered stone that’s water and stain-resistant. Good quality quartz costs USD$50 to $USD75 per square foot. In some cases, it can be more expensive than granite but is more cost-efficient due to less maintenance.
- Concrete: Concrete countertops are perfect for modern rustic kitchens. Since they’re built in, the price depends more on the labor than materials. On average, it costs USD$65 to USD$135 per square foot, including the materials and installation.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is standard in restaurant kitchens. However, you may also use it for your home kitchen to take advantage of its antibacterial properties. It costs around USD$80 to USD$225 per square foot.
- Butcher Block: Butcher block countertops can bring warmth and a homely vibe to your kitchen. On average, it costs between USD$30 to USD$40 per square foot. The prices may go up depending on the type of wood. Over time, the expenses may go even higher due to maintenance.
- Laminate: Laminate countertop is a budget-friendly option, costing around USD$30 per square foot. However, you can find one for as low as USD$10. This material is also easy to install, making it popular among DIY enthusiasts.
- Epoxy Resin: Epoxy resin creates the strongest surface for worktops. It’s ideal for upgrading your existing kitchen countertops without the additional expenses for removal. You may also do it yourself for as low as USD$3 to USD$8 per square foot or hire professional installers for USD$50 to USD$125 per square foot.
- Tiles: Tile countertop costs vary depending on the materials you use. Ceramic tiles cost as low as USD$1 to USD$15 per square foot, while porcelain costs USD$45 to USD$65 per square foot.
The prices of these countertop materials may vary depending on location and supply. For accurate costs, it’s best to go to your local supply stores or talk to professional countertop installers.
2. Countertop’s Total Area
Another factor that affects the cost of updating your countertops is your kitchen size. On average, kitchen countertops measure around 30 square feet. To get the accurate number, measure your existing countertops first, then multiply it by the price of your chosen material. For instance, a quartz countertop of USD$60 per square foot on a total of 36 square foot worktop costs USD$2,160 on materials alone. You can also, click for granite countertops here, which can give you an estimate of the total area of your countertop. By knowing the total area, you can also get quotes from different contractors and compare prices.
3. Labor Costs
After determining the total material cost, it’s time to consider labor. While some countertop materials are DIY-friendly, hiring professionals to guarantee a quality installation is still the best.
Labor costs vary depending on your location. The average price of installing marble countertops in the US ranges from USD$35 to USD$45 per hour. Installation typically lasts for 10 hours or less for smaller kitchens. For luxury materials, you may spend around USD$85 to USD$100 per hour. You may look for countertop suppliers offering installation services to save more.
4. Additional Expenses
Updating your kitchen countertops may require additional expenses outside of material and installation. You have to consider the cost of countertop removal, which may cost between USD$50 to USD$300, and lower cabinet repairs and preparation if you’re installing a heavier material.
You may pay extra if you plan to tweak your kitchen layout since it may affect your plumbing system. Some countertop materials like granite, concrete, and butcher block may also require additional costs for sealing and finishing.
Conclusion
Updating your kitchen countertop is a significant investment for your home. Although it may require a considerable budget, the functionality, safety, and beauty it adds to the space is worth it.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Common Landscaping Injuries and How to Avoid Them
What Are Some Popular Colors to Paint Living Rooms?
Edison Bulbs: Brightness, Benefits, and Disadvantages
5 Signs It’s Time to Repaint Your Home’s Interior
Where to Buy Dash Coin 2022 Beginner’s Guide
Different Kinds of Ovens that Might Need Repairing by a Small Local Business
I’d love for you to join my email list! You’ll receive a notification straight to your inbox which will include links to my latest home project posts! Simply enter your address below.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
[…] How Much Does Updating Your Kitchen Countertops Cost? […]