“How much will new countertops cost?” is the first question almost every homeowner asks us. The honest answer is that it depends on your kitchen, but you can get a solid sense of the budget before anyone measures. This guide covers typical 2026 price ranges for granite and quartz, what drives the number up or down, and how to plan.
Typical Installed Price Ranges
Countertops are usually priced per square foot installed, which typically bundles the slab, fabrication, a standard edge, delivery and installation. National 2026 cost guides put typical ranges at roughly:
- Granite: about $40 to $100 per square foot installed for most projects, with exotic and premium slabs going higher.
- Quartz: about $50 to $150 per square foot installed, with most homeowners landing around $70 to $100.
These are national figures to help with planning, not a quote. Local labor rates, your specific slab and your layout all change the final price, which is why we give every customer a written estimate based on their actual project.
How Many Square Feet Do You Need?
Countertop square footage is measured on the countertop surface, not your kitchen floor. A standard counter is about 25 to 26 inches deep, so every 6 feet of run is roughly 13 square feet. Many average kitchens fall somewhere between 30 and 50 square feet including an island. Bathroom vanities are much smaller, often well under 10 square feet each.
Quick math: measure each run’s length in inches, multiply by its depth in inches, divide by 144, then add the runs together.
What Drives the Price Up or Down
1. The slab you choose
This is the single biggest factor. Common granite colors and builder-grade quartz sit at the low end. Rare granites, heavily veined stones and designer quartz sit at the top.
2. Thickness
3 cm (about 1¼”) slabs are the standard for kitchens and cost more than 2 cm slabs.
3. Edge profile
A simple eased or bevel edge is usually included. Decorative edges like full bullnose or ogee take more fabrication time and are often priced per linear foot. See our edge profile guide and edge visualizer.
4. Cutouts and seams
Undermount sinks, cooktops and faucet holes all require extra cutting and polishing. Large or L-shaped layouts may also need seams.
5. Removing your old countertops
If you’re replacing laminate, tile or old stone, removal and disposal add to the project. Ask whether it’s included in your quote. Our countertop replacement service handles tear-out and install together.
6. Backsplash
A short stone backsplash (often 4″) or a full-height stone backsplash adds material and labor.
Ways to Get More for Your Budget
- Choose a popular, in-stock color rather than a rare slab.
- Stick with a standard edge profile.
- Keep the layout simple where you can to reduce seams.
- Ask about remnants for small jobs like a bathroom vanity or laundry room.
- Bundle kitchen and bath projects into one job.
Is Granite Cheaper Than Quartz?
Sometimes. Entry-level granite often comes in a bit below comparable quartz, but the ranges overlap so much that the specific slab matters more than the material. Read our granite vs. quartz comparison for the full picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you charge for estimates?
No. Estimates from Marble and Granite Express are free.
Why do online prices vary so much?
Some sites quote material only, others quote fully installed, and regional labor costs differ. Always compare installed prices that include the same edge, cutouts and removal.
Can I get just a bathroom vanity top?
Yes. We do bathroom countertops and vanity tops of all sizes.
Want a real number for your kitchen? We serve Wayne, Canton, Plymouth, Livonia, Ann Arbor and surrounding communities. Request your free estimate or call (734) 772-4431.