Ballpark Estimate: $5 to $150 per square foot
Home architecture has evolved dramatically over the last fifty years. Back then, the typical home was a highly compartmentalized structure with each functional area separated from the next by a wall. Over time, that style of architecture lost favor as homeowners embraced the concept of the “open” floor plan. This transition in home architecture blurred the boundary lines between some functional areas so that, for example, the family room and dining room combined to become the “great room.”
This architectural transition also influenced the kitchen. What formerly was considered strictly as the setting for meal preparation is now also considered one of the social gathering places within the home. This double-duty requires the modern kitchen to not only be an efficient workspace but to also look consistent with its surrounding spaces in terms of style and aesthetic appeal.
So important are these functional and aesthetic considerations that when homeowners consider remodeling their homes, they most often look to the kitchen as the place to begin. Surveys confirm that homeowners overwhelmingly choose the kitchen as the room they would most like to remodel. That also makes good economic sense since kitchen remodeling has the highest average return on investment when selling your home.
Once the decision is made to begin a home remodel in the kitchen, many homeowners choose kitchen countertop replacement as their first project. That’s understandable since countertops are such a highly visible part of the kitchen. New countertops provide maximum visual effect for your remodel dollars. However, not only are countertops highly visible, they are also utilitarian and must be able to withstand years of daily use.
Today’s homeowner has more choices than ever in countertop materials. Let’s take a look now at some of the more common options.
Laminate Countertops
It has long been regarded as the material of choice for homeowners whose primary consideration is cost. Interestingly, more and more homeowners are now choosing laminate not for its affordability but for its aesthetic effect. According to a recent survey, many younger homeowners choose laminate countertops for its “retro” look. In response, laminate-king Formica is making laminate patterns that cater specifically to this market segment.
Laminate is non-porous, fairly durable, and requires virtually no maintenance. However, laminate is not heat resistant so you would never want to place very hot pots, for example, directly on its surface.
Laminate countertops come ready-made in common lengths as small as six feet long and as large as 10 feet long, and in standard widths. These ready-made sections are available with either mitered ends or straight ends.
Since laminate comes readymade in large sections and is made of easily cut materials, it can be installed relatively quickly by a competent and experienced handyman.
- Material Cost: $5/square foot
- Labor Cost: $15 to $30/hour
Tile Countertops
Tile is preferred by many homeowners because of its durability and for its ability to provide a custom look at an affordable cost. Tile is available in a seemingly endless variety of sizes, colors and textures. Tile is most commonly made either of ceramic or porcelain, but can also be made of natural stone, such as granite and marble.
Tiles vary in their ability to withstand temperature extremes. To avoid thermal shock and breakage, do not place very hot objects directly on a tile countertop. Grout is used to fill the spaces between individual tiles, and since it is porous, grout must be sealed after installation and yearly thereafter to protect against discoloration and bacterial buildup.
Tile prices vary dramatically from depending on color, texture and material.
Most tile installers include the application of an underlayment in their price quotes. This underlayment provides the installer with a smooth and level surface that will ensure professional results.
- Material Cost: $2 to $60/square foot
- Labor Cost: $15 to $35/hour
Solid Synthetic Countertops
Solid synthetics are typically made of acrylic-based materials that form a nearly indestructible surface. When nicks and scratches do occur, a gentle rubbing using a scotchbrite pad can usually buff them out. Solid synthetics are considered non-porous and so never require sealing.
Corian™, arguably the leader in this category, offers 130 color and pattern choices. While Corian™ claims to be “heat resistant,” it also warns against exposing it to extreme heat.
- Material and Installation Cost: $35 to $65/square foot
Note: These prices are all-inclusive of material, fabrication, and installation. It also includes a basic edge cut called “eased-over.” (See below for more information about edges)
Solid Engineered Stone Countertops
Solid engineered stone is composed primarily of quartz crystals that are bound together using resins to create a non-porous and scratch resistant surface. Since it is non-porous, solid engineered stone surfaces do not require sealing. Like Corian™, makers of solid engineered stone warn against exposure to “excessive heat”.
Solid engineered stone is preferred by people who want the look and feel of natural stone combined with the convenience of a synthetic product. It is also preferred by homeowners who desire a more consistent pattern, and less of the random patterns and “visual movement” that are created by the highly varied grain and veining characteristics of granite. Several companies manufacture solid engineered stone, including Silestone™ and CaesarStone™.
- Material and Installation Cost: $60 to $80/square foot
Note: These prices are all-inclusive of material, fabrication, and installation. It also includes a basic edge cut called “eased-over.” (See below for more information about edges)
Solid engineered stone over existing countertop
A relatively new concept has emerged among kitchen countertop options that involves the installation of an engineered stone countertop directly over an existing countertop. This product eliminates the cost and mess associated with demolition of an existing countertop. Like the solid engineered stone described above, this process uses materials that are non-porous, scratch resistant, and maintenance-free. Granite Transformations is one company that provides this type of product.
- Material and Installation Cost: $90 to $130/square foot
Solid Natural Stone Countertops
Granite Countertop
Granite has remained the most common countertop material for higher-end kitchen projects. Granite is popular because of its rich look, color variety, and natural grain and vein patterns. Be sure to inspect your granite slab before fabrication since each slab is unique even within the same color grade.
Although granite is relatively heat resistant and safe from thermal shock, it is always wise to use trivets whenever placing very hot items on your countertop regardless of the material.
Since Granite is considered to be porous, it must be sealed initially after fabrication and resealed every year or so thereafter. Without proper sealing, granite can be stained by acidic liquids such as red wine. Granite slabs are available in two-centimeter and three-centimeter thicknesses for residential use.
- Material and Installation Cost: $60 to $90/square foot (for two-centimeter slabs)
Note: Two-centimeter slabs require the installation of a plywood underlayment support over the entire countertop area before the finished granite is installed. To prevent the edge of the unfinished plywood layer from being visible, it must be hidden from view by having a “built up” edge fabricated onto the granite slab.
Marble Countertop
Long admired for its very rich look that is reminiscent of European cafes, marble is considered by many as the ultimate choice for kitchen countertops. However, since marble is relatively softer and more absorbent than some other natural stone materials, it requires much more maintenance to keep it looking new. This translates to having to reseal a marble countertop as often as every few months.
However, many homeowners who do not necessarily want to retain a like-new appearance, and who do not want to bother resealing their countertops frequently, select marble for its ability to age gracefully by developing a glowing patina. And for you bakers, marble’s ultra smooth finish and cool feel make it ideal for rolling out bread and pastry doughs.
- Material and Installation Cost: $60 to $90/square foot
Soapstone Countertop
Soapstone has enjoyed a long history of residential uses, including architectural building blocks, hearths, fireplace stoves, sinks, and of course kitchen countertops. In fact, it is considered the original stone countertop. Like the natural stone materials mentioned above, soapstone slabs will vary significantly in color depending on where it was quarried.
Soapstone is considered exceptionally heatproof and is not susceptible to thermal shock. However, soapstone’s color may be altered wherever it is subjected to extreme heat. Again, the use of trivets is recommended.
Soapstone is non-absorbent and therefore does not require sealing. In fact, it is not affected by contact with most household liquids with the exception of mineral oil, which will darken the stone. However, most surface stains that do occur can be rubbed out or sanded to reveal a like-new surface.
- Material and Installation Cost: $75 to $85/square foot
Concrete Countertop
Although not currently considered a commonly used countertop material, concrete is rapidly becoming what many designers consider to be the material of choice for higher end projects that call for a less traditional look. In the hands of a skilled artisan specializing in concrete countertops, concrete can be molded into an endless variety of forms, colors and textures, and can include decorative additives such as seashells and colored stones.
- Material and Installation Cost: $70 to $150/square foot
Additional Cost Considerations
A word about natural stone projects
Generally speaking, there are two common ways to proceed with your project when using natural stone for your countertop. One way requires the homeowner to take a more active role in coordinating the various steps of the project. The second method involves using the services of a home improvement retail store or home design center to coordinate these steps for him.
If you use the first method, you will need to shop for your stone at any of a number of retailers that sell stone slabs to the public. These can be found in the Yellow Pages or online. These retailers display their slabs in large warehouse-like facilities where you can stroll through dozens or hundreds of slabs that are stacked on edge like gigantic books. Once you’ve selected your slabs, you will then select a fabricator to perform the tasks described below. This method is preferred by homeowners who want to maintain control of the project each step of the way, or by homeowners who want to work with a specific fabricator with whom they’ve worked on a past project.
As mentioned above, the second method involves using the services of a home improvement retail store or home design center. These retailers provide a one-stop-shop experience that many homeowners prefer. Using this method, the homeowner can see samples of stone right in the convenience of the store. The store arranges for the purchase of the slabs and assigns a reputable fabricator to your job. This method enables the retailer to quote you a price per square foot that is truly all-inclusive. However, the real value of this method is that the store’s volume price advantage can be passed directly to you. In fact, it is very difficult to beat their prices especially when they offer seasonal specials, which they often do throughout the year.
With both ways, the fabricator that is chosen for your project will perform most of the individual tasks, including taking measurements and preparing a template in your kitchen, transporting the slabs to their facility, all of the fabrication processes including edge cuts, transporting the completed slabs (called ‘decks’) to your home, installing the decks in your kitchen, filling in the seams with epoxy, and sealing the new stone surface if not previously done at their facility.
The prices quoted above for the natural stone materials assume the use of the services of a large home improvement retailer or home design center.
Replacing your kitchen countertop involves many decisions. Careful research and consideration will ensure that your new countertop will continue to meet all of your expectations for many years.