If you’ve been in any modern kitchen or bath lately, you’ve probably noticed a beautiful stone countertop that’s the shining star of the room. Granite is one of the most popular options, but there are many stone slabs that can be used for countertops, including marble and soapstone. Stone slab countertops refer to a broad group of materials that are quarried in large single slabs and cut to fit your space.
While there are certainly many different home projects you can do yourself, installing a stone slab countertop is not a recommended DIY project. For one, those stone slabs are incredibly heavy! A 2cm-thick granite countertop weighs approximately 12.8 pounds per square foot. That means a 30 square foot slab weighs 384 pounds! Hiring a team of professionals to install the countertop for you ensures that the countertop will be installed safely and without damage to the stone or base.
While every project is different, the average size of a stone slab is approximately 30 square feet. In addition, different types of stone slab material will vary in cost, but the national average for purchasing and installing a 30 sq.ft. stone slab countertop with a standard sink cutout and standard edge is approximately $1,630–$2,700.
Slab countertops are incredibly popular right now, but as with all design considerations, there are upsides and downsides to be aware of.
Stone slab countertops are unique. Each slab, even if it’s the same “color” will look slightly different from the others. This is because the mineral makeup varies, changing the patterns and textures of the stone. Other types of stone, like soapstone, develop a dark patina 1 over time, so the character of the countertop will change as the years pass. In addition to being unique, slab countertops have a long lifespan. With the right care, a slab countertop can last a literal lifetime, and some contractors estimate they can last over 100 years.
Stone slabs require quite a bit of maintenance to keep looking as bright and polished as when they were new. Some types of stone are particularly susceptible to etching and scratches. In addition, stone, while seemingly solid, can actually be quite porous and can absorb liquids and stain if not cleaned immediately. To help prevent this, countertops are often coated with a sealant that needs to be reapplied periodically. The other factor to consider is that stone slab countertops can be very expensive, depending on the material. Some particularly unique stones, like lava or onyx, can be prohibitively expensive.
As you may expect, there are many different factors that can impact the price of a stone slab:
When many people think of stone slab countertops, they immediately think of granite, an incredibly popular choice. However, there are many more options on the market.
Material | Features | Cost (including installation) |
---|---|---|
Granite | Hundreds of color and mineral varieties Heat, scratch, and stain resistant Highly durable but requires regular sealing | $45-$200/sq.ft. |
Marble | Soft, cool appearance Vulnerable to acids | $60-250/sq.ft. |
Soapstone | Acid-resistant Develops dark patina; easier to DIY | $50-$100/sq.ft. |
Quartz | A composite material made from crushed quartz and resin; usually uniform in color and available in different non-natural colors; heat, scratch, and stain resistant | $50-$100/sq ft. |
Limestone | Widely available; available in different grades of quality | $55-$125/sq.ft |
Travertine | A member of the limestone family; variety of patterns; requires additional treatment before installation | $50-$100/sq ft. |
Slate 6 | Acid-resistant Easy to maintain No sealing required | $100/sq.ft. |
Onyx | Translucent Vulnerable to acids Somewhat brittle | $100/sq.ft. |
Lava | A lava base with a hard enamel coating | $200-$400/sq.ft. |
It’s also worth mentioning engineered stone. Engineered stone is man-made and the material is usually a proprietary blend of natural and synthetic materials. The end result is something that looks a little more consistent in texture and color than natural stone. Many businesses that deal in stone slab countertops will often also offer a selection of engineered stone materials. Some popular engineered quartz countertops include Caesarstone, Corian, Avonite, Silestone, and Neolith. These range in price from $36-$155 per square foot, but usually fall somewhere in the lower end of that scale.
Your countertop will require some sort of edge finishing prior to installation. There are many different varieties of edging, and edging is priced by the linear foot. Some edges are double edges, which means that an extra piece has been added to the edge to create added thickness. The price of edging will also greatly depend on your countertop material. Some stones are better at standing up to cutting than others, and the ease of cutting is reflected in the final cost. While there are variants of many of these edges, these are the most common types you will see.
Edge type | Features | Cost |
---|---|---|
Eased | Slightly rounded edges With an overall square shape | Included in slab price |
Bullnose | Rounded edge Either half or full | $10-20/linear foot |
Bevel | Either the top, bottom, or both Horizontal edges are cut off at an angle | Starts at $10/linear foot |
Ogee | An elegant edge Includes slopes and curves | $20-30/linear foot |
DuPont | A slight square edge Transitions into a rounded edge | $20-30/linear foot |
Triple pencil | Ornate edge that has an art-deco feel A stack of three small rounded edges | $30-60/linear foot |
Waterfall | A sudden, square drop In kitchen islands 7, this can sometimes extend to the floor | For a standard edge, pricing starts at $10/linear foot, but this can increase dramatically as the size of the edge increases |
Rock race/Chiseled | Either machine or hand-chiseled The edge has a raw appearance | $80/linear foot |
After you’ve chosen your slab, the stone is processed. The professionals who are installing the countertop will measure your current countertop area and plan accordingly for how the stone will be cut. They will ask you for your input regarding keeping the slab in one piece or putting multiple pieces together with seams. They will also measure the sink and account for how many holes you will need for the faucet.
The slab will be cut to your project’s specifications and they will also cut the edge you requested. Some edges are considered “double edges,” which means a second piece of stone is added to the edge to give the appearance of a thicker slab. The manufacturer then applies the finish (e.g., polished, honed).
Professionals deliver the finished slab to your home and then it’s installed. The installation process can take up to a day and, while the sink may be placed at the same time, you will need to wait approximately 24 hours for the epoxy 8 to dry before a plumber can come in and connect the sink.
The price of labor will also vary based on the material. Before you buy a slab, ask the manufacturer if the price of the slab includes the price of installation. You can expect to pay about $100 for a sink cutout and edging starting at $10 per linear foot. Hiring a contractor means you get a team of people who are experienced in installing slab countertops. Contractors are paid as a percentage of the total job cost, often around 20%.
The amount of maintenance required will depend on the type of material you choose.
Before you invest in a slab, purchase sample squares and do an overnight stain test to assess any potential future problems. Also note that many countertop materials are susceptible to chipping, so avoid using the countertop as a cutting surface, and don’t bang your heavy cast iron pots and pans on the surface.
Of course, stone isn’t the only type of countertop on the market. There are different countertop materials that each have their own pros and cons.
Material | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Solid wood that you can cut on directly | Requires regular mineral oil treatment | |
Inexpensive Looks similar to natural materials | Short lifespan Easily damaged Adds no resale value | |
Adds resale value Looks elegant | Susceptible to etching Requires regular maintenance | |
Consistent appearance Available in many colors Stain resistant | Vulnerable to high heat | |
Durable Comes in a variety of colors Adds resale value | Requires annual resealing | |
Ceramic | Wide variety of colors and styles | Fragile Unglazed tiles require sealing |
Impervious to stains Many color options | Grout lines may require additional maintenance and sealing |
If your countertop needs space for a sink, you’ll have to pay to have the required hole cut out, which can cost at least $100. The contractor responsible for installing the countertop may also be able to physically put in the sink, but a plumber will need to be the one to officially install it. A plumber usually charges between $45 and $65 per hour.
Many countertops have a matching backsplash on the wall to create a seamless look and wall protection. The backsplash is typically a 4-inch strip of matching stone that runs along the wall next to the countertop. Alternatively, you could install a ceramic or porcelain tile backsplash. The average cost for a 16 sq.ft. ceramic tile backsplash is $400-$600.
Different types of granite are different prices, ranging from $45 to $200 per square foot. For a 30 sq.ft. countertop, that’s $1,350 to $6,000.
The cost of a granite slab depends on a couple of factors. Some styles are more rare than others and, in general, the more rare the granite, the more expensive it gets. Another factor to consider is where the granite is sourced from. A slab of granite can cost between $45 and $200 per sq.ft., which also includes the cost of installation. For a 30 sq.ft. slab, that’s $1,350 to $6,000.
Quartz is interesting because it is a combination of natural quartz, pigments, and binding agents. There are many different brands of quartz manufacturers, and the prices vary based on your kitchen layout, edging, and sink cutouts. The cost of a mid-range quartz slab and installation averages between $55 and $75 per sq.ft., which comes out to $1,650 to $2,250 for a 30 sq.ft. slab.
For a 30 sq.ft. slab of Corian you can expect to spend anywhere between $36 and $68 per sq.ft.. Granite of the same size costs $45-$200 per sq.ft.. So really, it depends on the specific type of granite or Corian you want.
That depends on what you need out of your countertop. If you’re looking for fun colors, quartz is your best option. If you want something durable that will add value to your home, granite is a classic option. If luxury reigns supreme over function, onyx may be your best bet. Butcher blocks are warm and inviting, and laminate countertops are the least expensive.
The least expensive type of countertop is typically a laminate countertop. These are usually prefabricated and come in many different faux finishes that mimic natural stone. The cost of a laminate countertop, including installation, is between $500 and $1,200. However, laminate countertops are lower in quality and have a much shorter lifespan.
Cost to install slab countertops varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.