
Countertops have become the focal point and main attraction of a kitchen.
This space looks incomplete if there are no countertops installed. They definitely inject an appealing visual vibe into your whole kitchen and make it look more welcoming.
Here we are going to discuss about the budgeting & estimating side. You can learn how much it cost to install countertops. You can outsource construction takeoffs to get accurate quantities of countertops that will help you in estimating budget for kitchen countertops.
Average kitchen countertops cost
The average cost depends on the material you have chosen. The common options are quartz, marble, granite, natural and engineered stone. Price varies based on the amount of material you need, patterns and suppliers.
The rates for marble, granite, and quartz are calculated on square footage. You need to decide first of all how much material you need. For example, you have a 60 square foot kitchen and it is assumed to be medium-to-large size kitchen. The lowest rate for granite countertops will be $40 to $45 a square foot.
It is recommended to do research before embarking on this project. You must know the pros and cons of installing quartz, marble or granite made countertops.
Kitchen Countertop budgeting: Important considerations to keep in mind
Important considerations are mentioned below which should be assessed when preparing a budget for kitchen countertops:
Appearance
Natural stones are always in trend. This generally includes granite and marble. These stones have been a popular pick since centuries. No doubt, granite countertops come with a great appearance
Price
Artificial materials like we have laminate and tile are less expensive. A good rule of thumb! Keep the kitchen remodeling budget not more than 10 to 20% of your home’s total sale price. And the biggest chunk of the budget will go to appliances and countertops.
Materials variety for kitchen countertops
- Marble countertops look extremely beautiful. They assume to be a luxurious addition to both small and large size kitchens. This material stays cool and popularly called a ‘living stone’, because it is porous material and more susceptible to scratching. It needs proper care and maintenance.
- Laminate countertops are the affordable option but they are more prone to damage due to heat. You must protect them by placing pads on them.
- Tile countertops often trap dirt and bacteria and time-consuming to clean. You can have stainless steel and concrete countertops as they demand low maintenance.
The cost of installation
It is a must to include the cost of installation when preparing budget estimates for kitchen countertops. This cost element varies depending which material you have picked and how much complex the installation task is!
Stone installations look hassle-free. But you need a professional because he is the one who can easily work with heavy slabs. It is recommended not to opt for DIY approach just for the sake of cutting down the cost. DIY approach will mess up your efforts. You can DIY install tile or laminate countertops and not any other material.