Upgrading a Kitchen Countertop—How Much to Budget?

Are you planning on installing a new kitchen countertop? Here's everything you need to know in terms of costs, as well as the pros and cons of the most sought-after materials.

How Much Is a New Standard Kitchen Counter?

Source: Les Réalisations P.O.P. Design Inc.

Are you thinking about getting a new kitchen counter? Here’s a table detailing the cost of the most sought-after kitchen countertop materials:

What Factors Affect the Cost of Kitchen Countertops?

Source: Les Réalisations P.O.P. Design Inc.

The cost of a kitchen counter can vary significantly based on a few select factors. Understanding said factors can help guide you when planning your budget and making a well-informed decision when picking out a new countertop. Below are the primary factors affecting kitchen countertop prices.

Materials

Selecting a countertop material, from an elegant and affordable laminate to a luxuriously manufactured or natural stone option like granite, is what will significantly impact the counter’s price tag as well as the project’s overall cost.

Kitchen-related expenses are also affected by the sheer size of the countertop and the space it intends to cover. The more material required, the higher the price tag. This includes elements such as the number of slabs, backsplash material, and any other additional components needed to build the bottom cabinetry upholding the countertop.

Countertop Thickness

The cost of a counter is likely to waver based on its thickness. Thicker countertops undoubtedly require more material and are potentially more demanding to install. While most stone countertops are 20 to 40 mm thick (¾ to half an inch), opting for a thicker slab may be more visually appealing, yet the overall cost will be much steeper. 

Installation

Source: Les Réalisations P.O.P. Design Inc.

The cost of installing a new countertop includes qualified labour fees. Large-scale or complex kitchen counter installation projects can be more time-consuming to carry out and reflect heftier labour costs.

Moreover, kitchens with more complex configurations or unusually shaped countertops necessitate more work and material, which results in higher price tags. Bigger or longer counters, or those requiring a lot of cuts and trims to fit sinks or other installations, can also be more costly to manufacture and install.

Details and Finishing Touches

Countertop finishes are available in countless options, which will undoubtedly affect the overall cost. While polished finishes, achieved by sanding and polishing surfaces for a glossy finish, are common and don’t really result in additional fees, opting for a honed finish, one featuring a matte look, may necessitate additional work and result in a more expensive project.

Choosing a countertop edge also plays a significant part in the manufacturing-related costs. Basic edges, such as an eased or bevelled edge are typically included in the slab’s cost, whereas more complex designs, such as those requiring additional craftsmanship can drive up prices.

Current Trends

Kitchen countertop prices can be significantly influenced by current trends. It all depends on material supply and demand, as well as production costs, which can impact price points. 

Tracking the latest industry trends can help consumers make informed decisions regarding when and where to buy countertops to get the most bang for their buck.

Kitchen Counter Materials and How Much They Cost in Canada

Source: Major Renovation and Tiling Inc

Stone Kitchen Counters

Slate Kitchen Countertop

If you opt for a slate kitchen countertop, you will most likely be given the chance to select your preferred surface as each slab is unique. As such, you can reap the benefits of a unique look, one that can mesh perfectly with your decor.

Note that you can also choose between several finishes, including a natural brushed finish as well as a polished finish. The first allows the veined texture to shine through, while the second makes for a smooth surface.

Pros:

• Waterproof

• Heat- and stain-resistant

• Durable

• Low maintenance

• Scratches can be sanded down

Cons:

• Price point

• Heavy material requiring reinforced support

Price range: $100–$400/sq. ft.

Granite Kitchen Countertop

This type of countertop material has one key advantage over its counterparts: it solely needs one or two joints. Furthermore, granite countertops are particularly scratch-resistant, which is clearly not an irrelevant upside when it comes to a chic countertop!

Pros:

• Waterproof

• Heat- and stain-resistant

• Durable

• Low maintain

• Available in several patterns and colours

Cons:

• Price point

• Heavy material so the supporting structure must be reinforced

Price range: $70–$190/sq. ft.

Marble Kitchen Countertop

What is there to say about marble counters? Much like granite, marble is known for its irregular patterns. Once again, this allows you to enjoy a unique and one-of-a-kind look. While the material is rather porous and requires a sealant, there is no doubt that its noble-like elegance is enough to offset this high-maintenance feature.

Pros:

• Soft and smooth natural stone

• Durable

• Waterproof

• Heat-resistant

Cons:

• Price point

• Prone to staining

• Needs to be sealed to render the surface tougher against stains

• Heavy material requiring reinforced support

Price range: $100–$250/sq. ft.

Quartz Kitchen Countertop

As for quartz countertops, these are definitely not shying away from their nobility. Moreover, said material's texture and porosity prevent the bacteria proliferation. Since quartz is one of the hardest materials available, its strength makes it extremely durable.

Pros:

• Retailed in several colours and textures

• Stone-like

• Heat-, mould-, crack-, scratch-, and stain-resistant

• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Heavy material requiring reinforced support

Price range: $50–$150/sq. ft.

For more information, check out our article Stone Kitchen Countertops.

Concrete Kitchen Counters

Source: Construction Rubix Inc.

While concrete was once perceived as an unconventional countertop choice, it's now gaining traction. Although its strength and heat resistance are evident from the get-go, concrete differs from other materials on account of its appealing, low maintenance factor.

Furthermore, its low-polluting manufacturing method (doesn’t release volatile organic compounds) makes for an eco-responsible choice, a bonus feature for eco-conscious buyers.

Note that a concrete counter is custom-moulded, which ensures the surface fits all configurations and doesn’t require any reshaping to fit the sink or other kitchen appliances or accessories. Far from uniform, ceramics or glass can also be embedded into the concrete surface, adding a unique touch to the base colour.

Pros:

• Several shapes, colours, and finishes

• Heat-, shock-, and stain-resistant

• Modern-looking

Cons:

• Porous surface, needs to be sealed

• Porcelain or glass kitchenware will shatter upon colliding with a concrete worktop

Price range: $80–$250/sq. ft.

Stainless Steel Kitchen Counters

In addition to its grout-free surface, a stainless steel countertop is particularly appealing given its non-porous surface as well as its excellent thermal resistance.

Note that an antibacterial surface such as a stainless steel countertop is more than practical for those who love to cook. As with the concrete countertop, stainless steel countertops are manufactured in an eco-friendly manner.

Pros:

• Several finishes

• Waterproof and heat-resistant

• Durable

• Low maintenance

• Professional grade-looking kitchen

• Can be ground/polished back to its former glory

Cons:

• Price point

• Scratches easily

• Lacklustre over time

• Cold and loud material

• Not especially “cozy” for a family-friendly setting

Price range: $75–$150/sq. ft.

Wood & Butcher Block Counters

Source: Les Réalisations P.O.P. Design Inc.

As a countertop, wood is always a top favourite. Its timeless charm always blends well with classic décor as well as more modern settings. Note that butcher block countertops are usually coated with a polymerized oil to ensure their waterproofing.

Pros:

• Range of styles, wood species, and finishes

• Great cutting board-like surface

• Withstands heat quite well

• Low maintenance    

Cons:

• Vulnerable to moisture and scratches

• May warp when dry (not oiled regularly)

• Expands in humid settings

• Must be varnished or oiled when need be (protects the wood)

Price range: $13–$120/sq. ft.

Recycled, Laminate, and Synthetic Counters

Recycled Kitchen Countertop

Are you intrigued by recycled countertops? Note that these are made with 75% post-consumer materials and 25% quartz and granite residues. Resin is used to ensure the materials are perfectly bonded. Fun fact, it’s rather difficult to tell this type of countertop from a genuine quartz counter. 

Pros:

• Eco-friendly: made with at least 75% recycled materials (glass, mirror, ceramic, porcelain, etc.)

• Retailed in several patterns, colours, and textures

• Durable

• Stain-resistant

• Low maintenance 

Cons:

• Price point

Price range: $100–$300/sq. ft.

Laminate Kitchen Countertop

A laminate counter has more than a few upsides. Note that this type of countertop is customizable. Indeed, it’s made from condensed Kraft paper rolls (which are set together with melamine resin) and its last layer consists of a decorative sheet. As such, one can choose the aesthetic or design of the latter and then opt for a counter that’s perfectly suited to the kitchen’s décor.

Pros:

• Price point

• Retailed in several colours, patterns, and textures

• Waterproof

• Stain-resistant

• Durable

• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Not especially scratch-resistant

Price range: $10–$30/sq. ft.

Synthetic Kitchen Countertop

Aside from the characteristics highlighted down below, synthetic countertop surfaces are great as they’re unlikely to become Petri dishes for bacteria and are particularly resistant to scratches, stains, UV rays, and heat.

Pros:

• Retailed in several patterns, textures, and colours

• Very resilient

• Blends with the setting (invisible joints)

• Low maintenance

• Scratches can be buffed out

Cons:

• Price point

• Not as heat-resistant

• Artificial-looking  

Price range: $70–$200/sq. ft.

Tile Kitchen Counters

Source: MTL Contractors

Given that we detailed the most worthy advantages and disadvantages of tile countertops in the section below, we first wanted to take some time to list the guidelines for an easy and effective way to clean those dirt-filled grout joints:

• Mix water with vinegar (one part water for two parts vinegar)

• Add dish soap to the mixture

• Apply the mixture to the grout joints and let sit for 15 minutes

• Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge coated in a layer of baking soda

• Rinse and wipe dry

Pros:

• Price point

• Several textures, finishes, colours, patterns, and assembly possibilities (ceramic or porcelain tiles)

• Waterproof

• Heat-, stain-, and scratch-resistant

• Durable

Cons:

• Hard to upkeep; dirt build-up in the grout joints

• Porcelain or glass kitchen accessories are likely to shatter upon colliding with the tiled surface 

Price range: $30–$100/sq. Ft.

Dekton Counters

Dekton is a material known for its exceptional beauty. It’s made with raw materials, such as porcelain, quartz, and glass minerals, fused together at very high temperatures and later compacted under pressure. This unique manufacturing process recreates natural-looking alterations stones would exhibit if they were exposed to extreme temperatures while under pressure for thousands of years. 

Dekton countertops are available in a range of thicknesses (8, 12, and 20 millimetres). The material’s robustness is exceptional despite its limited width, making it the ideal kitchen countertop material. 

Pros:

• Unmatched material resistance

• Versatile and aesthetic

Cons:

• Can’t be used to create curved lines

• Expensive material

Price range: $107–$154/sq. ft.

Looking for more information on materials, maintenance, and different types of countertop renovations? Check out our Countertop Renovation Guide.

What Are the Additional Costs?

Source: MTL Contractors

Installing a kitchen countertop includes several unplanned costs beyond the purchase of the worktop itself. Here’s a list of potential expenses to consider when obtaining a detailed cost overview:

Delivery

Delivery fees are super important to consider when purchasing a countertop, as the latter can be rather heavy and substantial in size, resulting in significant delivery fees. 

Furthermore, depending on where you live, material availability and labour costs can have a significant impact on the overall price of the chosen countertop. As such, consider said factor when budgeting for a new kitchen countertop.

Cut and Finish

A lot of kitchen counters are custom-made and designed with a single sink cut-out. However, in some cases, several cut-outs may be necessary to suit your kitchen’s design, including an additional sink and built-in cooktop.  

Warranty

Source: MTL Contractors

Countertop warranties are a precious commodity against unforeseen circumstances, offering homeowners peace of mind post-purchase. However, bear in mind that warranties often come with an additional price tag, which, in turn, means your countertop purchase will be more expensive overall.  

While some warranties are included in the initial price, others come as an additional fee to pay. When establishing your budget for your countertop project, make sure to consider the cost of an extended warranty as you may choose to purchase one since some feature long-term benefits and protection over your pricey investment. 

Plumbing Adjustments

When replacing a sink and faucet, or when connecting a faucet to supply lines, hiring a certified plumber to cut and reconnect your kitchen’s water supply lines is mandatory. 

Electrical Work

Adding new outlets and light fixtures during the course of your countertop renovation project can materialize, whether that be embedded into the countertop itself or in your backsplash.

Such an endeavour also calls for hiring a certified electrician, which means factoring in said additional cost, if need be while budgeting for your kitchen counter upgrade.

Our Tips to Make a Well-Informed Decision

Choosing the right kitchen countertop means finding a material that suits your needs, aesthetic, and budget. Oftentimes, materials that are typically pricier are of better quality and longer lasting, while requiring little maintenance, which is ideal for those who cook often. On the other hand, budget-friendly options can very well suit those who don’t necessarily need a professional-grade kitchen. When choosing, avoid solely focusing on the counter’s initial cost, but consider any additional costs that may come into play. Visit showrooms and play around with countertop samples to help you see what the final outcome might be to, in the end, make a well-informed decision.