IQHab › United States › Kitchen Remodeling › Kitchen Countertop Replacement Cost (2026)
Kitchen Countertop Replacement Cost
Replacing kitchen countertops is a popular, high-impact upgrade. Here's the range by material.
Per sq ft · USD
What changes the price
- Material (laminate to stone)
- Square footage
- Sink and faucet
- Removal of old countertops
Regional notes
- Stone and quartz cost the most per square foot.
- Labour and templating add to the total.
Cost by material
| Material | Low | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $12 | $25 | sq ft |
| Quartz | $60 | $120 | sq ft |
| Granite | $45 | $100 | sq ft |
Questions
What's the cheapest countertop?
Laminate is the most budget-friendly, while granite and quartz sit at the top of the range.
Cost by state
Costs vary by regional labor market. See local estimates for your state:
Browse all U.S. statesHow to get an accurate quote
- Get several quotes and compare, not just price.
- Be specific about size, materials and any existing issues.
- Ask whether the quote includes labor, materials, permits and cleanup.
- Confirm the contractor is licensed and insured before you hire.
Cost by material
Countertop cost is driven mostly by material. See the installed per-sq-ft ranges in the cost-by-material table (material, removal and templating adjusted).
Removal of old counters, templating, cutting for a sink, and edging all add to the total — often another 20–30%.
Example
Replacing 40 sq ft of countertop with quartz typically runs $3,000–$4,500 including removal and installation. Laminate for the same area would be roughly $800–$1,200.
How to save
- Choose laminate or butcher block for a low-cost refresh.
- Keep the existing sink cutout to avoid extra cutting.
- Compare slab and remnant pricing.
- DIY removal to save on labor.