Countertop Estimator
Enter your counter runs to estimate square footage — and what each material would cost installed.
Runs entirely in your browser — your numbers never leave this page.
How it works
Countertops are priced by the square foot installed — material + fabrication + install in one number:
Cost = Length × Depth × Rate × 1.1 (waste)
- Measure every run including islands and peninsulas; standard depth is ~25–26 in with the front overhang.
- Material reality: quartz (~$65) is the durability king — no sealing, resists stains; granite (~$55) needs yearly sealing; butcher block (~$40) needs oiling; laminate (~$25) is the budget workhorse.
- Edges cost extra: upgraded profiles (ogee, waterfall) run $10–30 per linear foot over the standard eased edge.
- Cutouts: sink and cooktop cutouts are usually included for one sink; extras and farmhouse sinks add charges.
- See the slab: natural stone varies wildly — approve the actual slab, not a sample chip, before cutting.
Frequently asked questions
How much countertop do I need?
Length × depth. 18 ft of counters at 26 in deep = 39 sq ft. Add 10% fabrication waste — stone shops charge for the slab they cut, not just your piece.
How much does a countertop cost?
Installed per sq ft: laminate ~$25, butcher block ~$40, granite ~$55, quartz ~$65, marble ~$120. A 39 sq ft quartz kitchen ≈ $2,800 installed.
Quartz vs granite — which is better?
Quartz: zero maintenance, stain-proof, consistent patterns. Granite: natural variation, needs yearly sealing, handles heat better. Most buyers pick quartz for kitchens.
Do I need to seal my countertop?
Natural stone (granite, marble): yes, yearly. Quartz, solid surface, laminate: never. The water-drop test tells you — if it darkens the stone, reseal.
What is the standard countertop depth?
25–26 inches including the 1–1.5 inch front overhang. Islands often go deeper (28–36 in) for seating overhang.
How much overhang for bar seating?
12 inches minimum for knee space (15 is comfortable). Stone overhangs past 10 inches need corbels or steel brackets for support.
Can I put hot pans on quartz?
Briefly, but do not make a habit — thermal shock can crack it and trivets exist for a reason. Granite and butcher block handle heat better.
What edge profile should I choose?
Eased (slightly rounded) is standard and included. Ogee and waterfall edges look premium but add $10–30/linear ft.
How long does install take?
Template → 1–2 weeks fabrication → half-day install. Never schedule plumbers or electricians for the same day — tops come first.
Can I install countertop myself?
Laminate and butcher block: yes, with a circular saw and router. Stone (quartz/granite): no — slabs weigh 400+ lb and need pro templating, cutting, and seaming.