A kitchen, bathroom, or entertainment area can be given a fresh and exciting new look with the right countertop installation.
However, knowing how much it costs to install countertops is just as critical to making the best decision for your home as any choice regarding material and design. Once you understand how much countertop installation will cost, you will be able to better plan your project, anticipate unexpected costs, and feel confident in your final decisions.
Countertop installation costs can vary significantly depending on the material, thickness of the slab, level of customization required, labor costs, and finishing touches.
You can compare different materials based on all of these factors when you understand which factors contribute to your final pricing so you can select the countertops that fit both your budget and design preferences.
Material Types Affect the Cost of Countertops
The type of material you select will have the greatest impact on your counter installation expense.
Natural stones such as granite and quartzite can be significantly more expensive than other materials due to their ability to withstand heat, being unique in nature, and their lasting appeal.
Quartz is also becoming a more popular option because of its strength and low maintenance factor, but the type of brand and pattern also makes it fall into different price categories. Some homeowners are looking for solid surface or eco-friendly recycled material types that provide you with a modern appearance at various price points. The color and pattern of the slab will ultimately influence the cost as well.
Factors That Influence Installation Pricing
When determining installation prices, we should keep in mind that the cost of the slab is only part of the price.
The difficulty of the project is another major factor that contributes to the overall cost of the project. For instance, if you are installing a larger kitchen, it will require a larger slab of stone and a larger amount of labor. Design features such as islands, wrap-around counters, and multi-level installations will all add to the total cost of the installation.
The installation of any cutouts (such as the sink or cooktop) is a very precise task that requires a great deal of time and skill to complete, as well as the increased costs associated with labor. Edge style is another consideration for the price of the installation. Standard edge styles are typically less expensive than premium or decorative edges, which require the installation of additional hours of craftsmanship to install properly.
Any backsplash made from the same countertop material will add to the total cost of the countertop installation. In addition, the size, weight, and thickness of the stone will determine how much additional labor and support are needed to install the countertop properly. Since no two homes are exactly alike, there are many other direction or design features (e.g., stairs, narrow spaces, or tight corners) that may cause additional labor time and extra costs on your kitchen countertop installations.
Labor and Professional Expertise
Installation of a countertop is a technical job requiring skill and training to achieve perfection. Labor for an installation includes measuring, making a template, transporting the material, and cutting and polishing the stone, as well as applying or securing the countertop to the base.
You should only use the services of trained professionals for your countertop installations so that they will be installed correctly without the potential for cracks or uneven seams and/or structural damage due to improper installation of fragile natural stone materials or large pieces of stone.
Customized Countertops and Extras
Buying a new countertop for your kitchen will involve additional costs due to customizing your countertop for your kitchen.
For example, if you are looking at a sink that is built into the countertop, or one that has ‘waterfall’ edges (the edge of the countertop comes down at an angle from the countertop) or a ‘book matched’ top (where the top half and bottom half of the stone will match). These items are more expensive to make and take time to create, so expect to pay a premium.
Some kitchen top designs will also require an extra support bracket or a support bracket and additional support ‘to hold’ those heavy stone slabs (especially on floating islands or larger/higher countertops). Using polished leather (or natural) and honed finishes can also create pricing differences, based on your choice of material. These customizations will create a unique finish to your kitchen countertop so that it stands out and adds value to your home, but they will also add to the overall price of the countertop.
Maintenance and Long-Term Value
It is important to consider long-term value when comparing costs. The natural stones (granite or quartzite) are extremely durable and can last for decades if properly sealed and maintained. Stains are not an issue for quartz, and it is generally easy to clean and care for.
Even though the installation price may initially seem high, over time the return on your investment is significant, as high-quality countertops will enhance property values and increase the home’s overall appeal. If you choose lower-quality materials or install your countertop poorly, they may become stained or crack or warp and need costly replacements in the future. Therefore, investing in quality materials and professionally installed countertops will provide you with a return on your investment, as well as enhance your bottom line in the future.
How to Plan Your Countertop Installation Budget?
Homeowners should determine their project space when starting a successful project. Also, decide on a material they love and how they would like to install it. It is highly recommended to visit a showroom and see full-sized slabs of stone in person to better make a decision on the perfect look for the pattern and color they like to use in their home.
Taking measurements or a sketch of the layout of the area will give a more accurate estimate. Homeowners should also ask questions about durability, warranty, fabrication, and turnaround times on the project so they can make the best choice available to them.
An expert countertop designer will always provide transparency regarding pricing and provide direction in selecting an option that fits within the homeowner’s budget and way of life. A homeowner will avoid surprises when properly planned, resulting in a smoother installation and less stress.
Why Choosing the Right Supplier Matters?
Not every countertop supplier provides the same level of quality, selection, or customer service. The highest level of benefit to homeowners when selecting a supplier is to choose one that has a large inventory of full slabs and not just small-size samples.
When viewing full slabs, you can have a good visual of how the countertop will actually look when installed. Some reputable suppliers provide expert measurement, fabrication, and installation all in one place, which increases the consistency and quality control of their products.
When you partner with a company that values craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, you can rest assured that your countertop investment will be safeguarded and you’ll receive the countertop you envisioned.
To Wrap Up
If you plan on installing a countertop and would like to have the highest-quality, most beautiful, and best-value countertop possible, you need to visit Kowalski Granite & Quartz. Kowalski Granite & Quartz has a West Michigan showroom with more than 200 full slabs and over 80 unique color variations of granite, quartz, quartzite, and recycled materials.
Our knowledgeable staff is available to assist you from selection through to the installation process. So stop in anytime today without an appointment and see firsthand the countertop of your dreams for your home.