Kitchen Countertop Costs in 2026: What to Budget for Every Material

When contractors quote countertop prices, they often cite material costs only, leaving clients shocked by the final invoice. Here's the reality: advertised prices rarely include templating, fabrication, edge profiles, cutouts, backsplashes, or installation. A seemingly affordable per-square-foot granite quote can climb significantly after fabrication fees, sink cutouts, cooktop cutouts, and premium edge profiles. In Palm Beach County, we've templated over 10,000 kitchens, and the average 40-square-foot kitchen with an island, undermount sink, and cooktop spans a wide range depending on material. The highest cost we've invoiced was for book-matched Calacatta Viola marble throughout a Boca Raton penthouse. The lowest was for laminate in a Wellington rental property. This guide breaks down actual installed costs with zero hidden fees.

Granite remains the workhorse of kitchen countertops, offering excellent durability at mid-range prices. Builder-grade granites (Uba Tuba, Santa Cecilia, Black Galaxy) are the most budget-friendly option with standard edges and basic fabrication. Mid-tier granites (Kashmir White, Blue Pearl, Giallo Ornamental) command moderate pricing and offer more interesting movement. Exotic granites (Van Gogh, Blue Bahia, Fusion) reach premium levels due to limited availability. Granite requires sealing every 1-2 years (15 minutes of work with an inexpensive sealer). It's heat-proof to 1,200°F, scratch-resistant, and repairable if chipped. We install 200+ granite kitchens annually in Palm Beach Gardens and Wellington, primarily for rental properties and resale flips where proven durability matters more than cutting-edge aesthetics. For a 40-square-foot kitchen with standard edges, one sink cutout, and no backsplash, granite represents one of the most cost-effective stone options available.

Engineered quartz combines 90-94% ground natural quartz with polymer resins and pigments. Entry-level quartz (Viatera, LG Hausys basic colors) offers budget-friendly pricing with consistent patterning and zero maintenance. Mid-tier brands (Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria standards) are positioned at moderate price points with more sophisticated patterns and better warranties. Premium collections (Caesarstone Concetto, Dekton, Neolith) command higher pricing and can mimic marble or concrete convincingly. Quartz never needs sealing, resists staining better than any natural stone, and offers consistent coloring across slabs. However, it's not heat-proof (hot pans can scorch the resin), can't be used outdoors (UV degrades the binder), and lacks the depth of natural stone. In Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, quartz accounts for 35% of our kitchen installations, particularly for busy families who prioritize low maintenance. For a standard kitchen, quartz represents a moderate investment that pays dividends in low maintenance.

Marble represents the pinnacle of luxury but requires informed decision-making. White marbles (Carrara, Calacatta, Statuario) are calcium carbonate, meaning they etch from acidic substances like lemon juice, wine, or vinegar. Carrara is the most accessible marble option, Calacatta commands a premium, and rare Statuario or Calacatta Borghini sit at the top of the marble pricing spectrum. Etching isn't damage, it's a chemical reaction that dulls the polish, creating lighter spots. Honed (matte) marble hides etching better than polished. We install marble in 100+ Palm Beach County kitchens annually, always with extensive client education. Many homeowners love the patina marble develops; others regret it six months in. For clients who cook frequently with acidic ingredients, we steer them toward quartzite that looks like marble (Taj Mahal, Cristallo) without the maintenance. For baking-focused kitchens and clients who embrace natural patina, marble is unmatched. Budget accordingly, as marble projects reflect the material's prestige and craftsmanship.

Quartzite delivers marble's beauty with granite's durability, but pricing varies wildly by rarity. Commercial quartzites (Sea Pearl, White Macaubas) are accessibly priced and offer subtle elegance. Premium options (Taj Mahal, Perla Venata, Fantasy Brown) step up meaningfully in price with dramatic veining. Exotic quartzites (Cristallo, Blue Louise, Nacarado) command ultra-premium pricing due to extreme rarity and book-matching requirements. Quartzite rates 7 on the Mohs hardness scale (versus granite's 6-6.5), making it virtually scratch-proof. It's heat-resistant to 1,400°F+, more stain-resistant than granite, and can be honed or polished. The catch: you must select from the actual slab, as variation is extreme. In Jupiter and West Palm Beach waterfront properties, quartzite has become the default choice, combining luxury aesthetics with genuine performance. One Wellington client replaced marble with Taj Mahal quartzite after two years of etching frustration, and they call it the best decision of their remodel. Expect a broad range for a typical kitchen installation, from modest to substantial depending on your slab selection.

Porcelain slabs (Dekton, Neolith, Lapitec) are sintered at extreme temperatures, creating ultra-hard surfaces rated 7+ on Mohs scale. They're UV-stable (outdoor-safe), heat-resistant to 1,800°F, completely non-porous, and stain-proof. Solid colors are more affordably priced, while marble and stone replicas command a premium. Porcelain excels in outdoor kitchens, full-sun locations, and high-abuse environments. However, it's more brittle than natural stone (can crack under point impact), shows fingerprints on polished finishes, and lacks the depth of real stone. We install 50+ porcelain kitchens yearly in Palm Beach County, primarily for outdoor spaces and modern minimalist interiors. One Boca Raton client used white Dekton throughout their pool-side kitchen and bar; after three years of full sun and salt air, it looks brand new. Natural granite would have faded and required resealing four times by now. Indoor kitchen projects are moderately priced, while outdoor installations run higher due to more complex fabrication requirements.

Beyond material and installation, factor these costs into your budget: Sink cutouts and installation carry per-unit fees for undermount sinks, with drop-in options costing less. Cooktop cutouts vary depending on size and location. Backsplash in matching material adds a meaningful per-square-foot charge (a typical 4-inch backsplash adds a noticeable amount to the total). Edge profiles: Standard edges are included, while premium edges carry per-linear-foot upcharges. Removal of existing countertops varies depending on material and disposal fees. Plumbing reconnection is an additional line item if your plumber doesn't include it. Sealing (natural stone only) can be done professionally or as a modest DIY project. In Palm Beach County, permit fees for kitchen remodels vary depending on scope and municipality. Our quotes at countertopspalmbeach.com include all fabrication, installation, cutouts, and standard edges with zero hidden fees. Use our online estimator at /estimator for instant transparent pricing based on your specific kitchen layout and material choice.

Most fabricators require 50% deposit at template, 50% at installation. We offer flexible financing through third-party lenders, making premium materials like quartzite and marble accessible without the cash-flow hit. We also accept credit cards (earning your points/miles), checks, or bank transfers. We never require full payment upfront, as that's a red flag for fly-by-night operators. Timeline from template to installation: 10-14 days for granite and quartz (we stock 500+ slabs), 2-3 weeks for special-order materials, 3-4 weeks for exotic quartzites requiring book-matching. In Wellington and Palm Beach Gardens, we're seeing more clients bundle countertops with cabinetry and backsplash installations, financing the entire kitchen refresh over 36-48 months at competitive rates. Visit /book-viewing to discuss financing options and see material samples in our Boynton Beach showroom.

According to Remodeling Magazine's 2026 Cost vs. Value report, minor kitchen remodels (including countertop replacement) recoup 85-95% of cost at resale in South Florida. However, material choice matters: granite, quartz, and white quartzite command premiums, while ultra-exotic materials rarely return full value. Realtors we work with in Boca Raton and Delray Beach report that kitchens with white/light countertops sell 12-15% faster than those with busy patterns or dark colors. For primary residences where you'll enjoy the kitchen daily, buy what you love. For investment properties and pre-sale renovations, stick to builder-grade granite or mid-tier quartz at accessible price points. One client flipped six homes in West Palm Beach over two years, using the same Giallo Ornamental granite in every kitchen at competitive per-square-foot pricing. The countertop investment per home was modest, while the estimated value added per home was several times the material cost. Smart material selection pays dividends at closing.

Stop guessing at countertop costs. Use our online estimator at /estimator to input your kitchen dimensions, select your preferred material, and receive instant transparent pricing including fabrication, installation, and all cutouts. Then schedule a showroom visit at /book-viewing to see materials in person and select your exact slab. Our Boynton Beach showroom stocks 500+ slabs across all price points, from builder-grade granite to exotic quartzite. We provide written quotes with itemized costs, so you'll never encounter surprise fees. With over 10,000 kitchens templated across Palm Beach County since 2015, we've refined pricing to be competitive, transparent, and honest. We'll help you maximize value at every budget level.