Countertops are often the most noticeable functional elements in any bathroom, so replacing one that is broken, worn-down, or just does not fit with new renovations is an easy way to breathe new life into your bathroom.
The cost of installing a new countertop typically ranges between $1862 and $4141, with $2956 being the average. The materials and installation labor account for most of the costs involved in replacing your old counter. The aesthetic qualities and price of your new countertop materials are important to consider when making a decision, but so is keeping in mind the daily conditions your counter will experience.
Granite
- Material cost per square foot: $15 – $140
- Installation cost per square foot: $25 – $175
- Average total cost: $2000 – 45000
Granite is a popular choice for its durability and wide selections of colors and textures. However, it is slightly porous, so proper sealing and cleaning are required to prevent moisture absorption.
Soapstone
- Material cost per square foot: $20 – $70
- Installation cost per square foot: $30 – $100
- Average total cost: $2700 – $4200
Soapstone has natural antimicrobial properties and low absorption, making it popular in kitchens and bathrooms, and it comes in colors ranging from dark green to green-black. It is one of the softer stones and more susceptible to scratches, but they can easily be sanded out. Spaces longer than seven feet also suffer from visible seams due to soapstone’s smaller slab sizes.
Marble
- Material cost per square foot: $15 – $190
- Installation cost per square foot: $25 – $220
- Average total cost: $3000
The quality of the material can cause marble to be somewhat more expensive than other choices, but it comes in a beautiful range of colors beyond the traditional black or white. It is also almost as durable as granite.
Engineered Stone Quartz
- Material cost per square foot: $15 – $70
- Installation cost per square foot: $25 – $100
- Average total cost: $1000 – $4000
This type of stone quartz benefits from the high durability of the resin binding its small crystals without the need for sealing. It is also able to resist moisture better than granite.
Ceramic/Porcelain
- Material cost per square foot: $1 – $28
- Installation cost per square foot: $11 – $58
- Average total cost: $1800
Porcelain is mostly popular as a backsplash because it breaks and scratches easily when exposed to force or high heat. Tiles also require regular grout maintenance to minimize damage from stains.
Other Expenses
While the majority of the cost of a new counter comes from its materials and labor, several other factors can add to that expense. Additional labor costs may be required to remove your old countertop and haul away the materials, prepare cabinets, or change plumbing and wiring to fit your new setup. If you do not install prefabricated pieces, which can cost up to 50% less, you will also have to pay for the labor involved in cutting, edging, and polishing the stone slabs.
When you are ready to commit to the investment of a new bathroom counter, call us at Washington Marble Works. Our family-owned business operates locally in Sumner WA to bring you the best selection of natural and engineered stone for your countertops.
