Installing new countertops and backsplash can significantly upgrade the look and feel of your kitchen. However, these upgrades can also come with a hefty price tag if you opt for premium materials. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs for new countertops and backsplash projects.
Factors That Affect Countertop Costs
Several key factors impact the total cost of new countertops:
- Countertop Material – Entry-level laminate counters cost $20-50 per square foot installed, while high-end materials like quartz, granite, marble, and soapstone run $60-150 per square foot installed. Tile and concrete counters fall in the middle at $40-100 per square foot.
- Edge Treatments – Basic square edges add little cost, but decorative treatments like bullnose, chamfer, ogee, and laminate matching upcharge can add $5-15 per linear foot.
- Countertop Layout – Simple slab layouts are most affordable. Custom cutouts for sinks, cooktops, and other features add labor and material costs.
- Installation – Hiring a pro generally adds $40-100 per hour for fabrication and installation. DIY kits cost less but require more work.
- Color/Finish – For materials like quartz and laminate, neutral colors are budget-friendly. Metallic, granite-look, and other special finishes add $10-50 per square foot.
Factors That Affect Backsplash Costs
Key considerations for backsplash installation costs include:
- Backsplash Material – Ceramic tile ranges $5-20 per square foot installed. Pricier options include metal tile ($15-50 per square foot), glass tile ($20-50 per square foot), and stone tile ($25-50 per square foot).
- Backsplash Layout – Simple layouts with few seams, cuts, and special shapes are most affordable. Intricate patterns and mosaics take more time and labor.
- Grout and Accents – Plain grout is budget-friendly. Specialty grout with colored pigments or glitter add $2-5 per square foot. Accent tiles or borders add more costs.
- Installation – Contractor installation averages $5-10 per square foot for labor. DIY installation can reduce costs but takes skill.
- Matching Countertops – Matching your backsplash and countertops increases project costs. Contrasting materials or tones can save money.
Cost to Install New Countertops
On average, expect to pay the following for new countertop installation:
- Laminate Countertops – $20-50 per square foot installed, or $1,000-2,500 for a typical 10×10 kitchen.
- Tile Countertops – $40-100 per square foot installed, or $2,000-5,000 for a 10×10 kitchen.
- Quartz Countertops – $80-150 per square foot installed, or $4,000-7,500 for a 10×10 kitchen.
- Granite Countertops – $80-150 per square foot installed, or $4,000-7,500 for a 10×10 kitchen.
- Concrete Countertops – $85-105 per square foot installed, or $4,250-5,250 for a 10×10 kitchen.
- Marble Countertops – $100-200 per square foot installed, or $5,000-10,000 for a 10×10 kitchen.
Cost to Install New Backsplash
Typical costs to install a new backsplash include:
- Ceramic Tile Backsplash – $5-20 per square foot installed, or $200-800 for a 10×4 area behind the lower cabinets.
- Glass Tile Backsplash – $20-50 per square foot installed, or $800-2,000 for a 10×4 area.
- Metal Tile Backsplash – $15-50 per square foot installed, or $600-2,000 for a 10×4 area.
- Stone Tile Backsplash – $25-50 per square foot installed, or $1,000-2,000 for a 10×4 area.
How to Save on Countertops and Backsplash
There are a few ways to reduce costs on your kitchen countertop and backsplash installation:
- Select lower cost materials like laminate counters and ceramic tile.
- Opt for simple square edge countertops rather than decorative edges.
- Install counters and backsplash yourself if you have DIY skills.
- Choose a simple layout without complex seams, cutouts or shapes.
- Use neutral tones rather than special designer finishes.
- Compare quotes and negotiate pricing with multiple vendors.
FAQ About New Countertop and Backsplash Costs
How much does it cost to replace kitchen countertops only?
For a typical 10×10 kitchen, expect to pay around $1,000-7,500 to replace just the countertops, depending on your material choice. Laminate is cheapest at about $1,000 while marble is most expensive at $5,000-10,000.
How much does it cost to install a backsplash?
The average cost to install a new backsplash runs $200-2,000 depending on the size of the area and type of material used. Simple ceramic tile starts around $200-800 for a 10×4 area behind a typical lower cabinet run.
What is the most affordable countertop material?
Laminate is the most budget-friendly countertop material at $20-50 per square foot installed. It provides a decent variety of colors and patterns for a lower price tag.
What is the most affordable backsplash material?
Ceramic tile is typically the most affordable backsplash choice. It starts at around $5 per square foot for simple white or neutral tiles.
What factors increase the cost of new countertops?
Pricier materials, decorative edges, complex layouts, sink/stove cutouts, hiring a pro installer, and premium colors/finishes all increase the total cost of new countertops.
Should I get an integrated or separate backsplash?
Integrated countertop and backsplash combos typically cost $75-150 per square foot, saving around 10% compared to purchasing backsplash separately. However, separate backsplashes allow more flexibility.
Conclusion
Installing new countertops and backsplash provides a major style boost, but also a major cost depending on your kitchen size and choice of materials. On average, expect to invest $2,000-7,500 for new countertops and $200-2,000 for a new backsplash install. Carefully weigh the options to find the right balance of affordability and design for your home. Shop around for deals and quotes to keep your kitchen upgrade on budget.