EdgeLocal

How Much Does Countertops Cost? — 2026 Guide

Quartz, granite, solid surface and laminate countertop fabrication and install.

Average cost range

$2,500–$8,000

for a typical kitchen

Cost factorImpact on price
MaterialLaminate is least expensive; quartz, granite and quartzite cost more.
Edge profileDecorative edges cost more than eased edges.
CutoutsUndermount sinks and cooktops require extra fabrication.
SeamsLarger kitchens may need seams or extra slabs.
RemovalRemoving old stone or tile tops adds labor.
Typical range$2,500–$8,000 for a typical kitchen

Two similar-looking jobs can be priced very differently once materials, access and local labor rates are taken into account, so the most reliable number is a written quote for your project.

Typical U.S. ranges from industry sources (2024–25); not EdgeLocal data. Your quote will vary with scope, materials and location.

EdgeLocal lists 361 countertop contractors in total.

How to get quotes

  1. Describe your project once: what needs doing, your ZIP code and your timeline.
  2. EdgeLocal sends your request to local countertop contractors who cover your area.
  3. Compare two or three written quotes on scope, materials, timeline and warranty — not just price.

Get Free Quotes from Local Countertop Contractors

What affects the cost

  • Material and slab selection
  • Total square footage
  • Edge profile and sink or cooktop cutouts
  • Removal of existing countertops
  • Backsplash and plumbing reconnection

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Do you template on site, and who handles plumbing disconnect and reconnect?
  • Can I choose my exact slab?
  • Can you show proof of general liability insurance and, if you have employees, workers’ compensation coverage?
  • Will you give me a written, itemized estimate and a written contract before work starts?
  • What warranty do you offer on labor, and who handles manufacturer warranty claims?

Verify your contractor

Iowa requires contractors doing residential construction over $2,000 to be registered with the Iowa Division of Labor under Iowa Code Chapter 91C. Before you sign, check the registration number on the estimate against the state registry.

Look up an Iowa contractor registration

What countertop contractors do

Countertop fabricators measure and template cabinets, cut and polish slabs, create sink and cooktop cutouts, install and seam countertops and backsplashes, and repair chips.

Find countertop contractors by state

Hiring countertop contractors: what to know

Countertop contractors template, fabricate and install quartz, granite, laminate and solid-surface tops. Countertop fabricators measure and template cabinets, cut and polish slabs, create sink and cooktop cutouts, install and seam countertops and backsplashes, and repair chips.

Typical U.S. ranges from industry sources (2024–25); not EdgeLocal data. Your quote will vary with scope, materials and location.

How to hire a countertop installer

  1. Visit the slab yard. Pick your actual slab for natural stone.
  2. Confirm templating. Professional templating should happen after cabinets are installed.
  3. Ask about seam placement. Know where seams will be before fabrication.
  4. Check sink and plumbing coordination. Plumbing disconnect and reconnect may be separate.
  5. Ask about sealing. Granite and marble need periodic sealing.

Red flags to watch for

  • Measures before cabinets are installed
  • Will not let you see your slab
  • No seam diagram
  • Price quoted without square footage

Licensing

Countertop installers usually fall under state contractor registration requirements; plumbing reconnections may require a licensed plumber.

Best time to hire

Countertop shops are busiest in spring and before holidays; order early.

Related services

Countertops cost FAQs

Quartz or granite?

Quartz is non-porous and low-maintenance; granite is natural stone with unique patterns and needs sealing.

How long does countertop installation take?

Fabrication typically takes 1–3 weeks after templating; installation is usually one day.

Can countertops be installed over old ones?

Overlays exist, but most fabricators recommend removing old tops for proper support.

How much do countertop contractors charge?

Typical U.S. pricing runs about $2,500–$8,000 for a typical kitchen. The biggest drivers are material, edge profile, cutouts. These are industry estimates, not EdgeLocal data — get at least three written quotes.

Do countertop contractors need a license?

Countertop installers usually fall under state contractor registration requirements; plumbing reconnections may require a licensed plumber.

When is the best time to hire a countertop installer?

Countertop shops are busiest in spring and before holidays; order early.

How do I verify a contractor in Iowa?

Iowa requires contractors doing residential construction over $2,000 to register with the Iowa Division of Labor (Iowa Code Chapter 91C). You can look up a registration on EdgeLocal’s verify page.

Related cost guides

Get free quotes from local countertop contractors