Countertop professionals near you

When looking for a professional to install or replace your countertops, make sure you complete the following steps: 

• Verify their license and insurance: Countertop installation is usually done by a general contractor, though some contractors specialize in this project. The requirements for licensing, insurance and bonding for these types of professionals often differ by state. Some states don't have any licensing requirements, and others have a contractor licensing board. Look up your state to see what regulations apply to your local pros. 

• Get several estimates: A countertop installation estimate should include items such as the cost of installation, the countertop slab, sink replacement, the plumbing costs to hook up the new sink and the cost to remove the old countertop. 

• Read their reviews: A red flag in the reviews might be a lack of communication or high-pressure sales tactics. 

• Look at their portfolios: When looking at countertop installers' portfolios, pay attention to the small details such as seams, edge and corner treatments and joints between countertops and other surfaces. 

• Find out if they have warranties: A good warranty can provide you with comfort that an installer will stand behind their work and correct any issues that come up after the installation. Just make sure you read the fine print before you sign.

• Ask important questions: Find out how long an installer has been in business — the longer, the more skill they likely have. You should also ask if the sink and faucet cutouts are included in the price, and whether the installer also does the fabrication (or do they work with a separate fabricator). 

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page. 

The national average cost to install a countertop ranges from around $1,542 to $4,144* according to Thumbtack data.

Several factors might impact the cost of this project, including: 

• Countertop size: To estimate your budget, first measure your countertop area. Let your pro know how big it is so they can provide an accurate estimate for different materials. 

• Countertop material: Laminate countertops are typically more affordable, and marble is usually the classic luxury (and more expensive) option. In between those, you might consider acrylic, tile, concrete, granite, natural wood or stainless steel. 

• Corner and edge options: Edge and corner treatments can impact the price per square foot. Look at common options and pricing for each. 

• Labor required: Labor costs may make up 30% to 40% of your project costs, with elements like a new backsplash, cabinet leveling and structural support for heavier materials often adding additional labor charges. 

You might be able to save money on your project with these tips: 

• Budget material selection: You may be able to save big by opting for lower-cost countertop materials such as laminate or a lower grade of granite, marble, etc. 

• DIY old countertop removal: Removing and disposing of your old countertop may reduce project costs. 

• Get several estimates: You shouldn’t automatically go with the lowest estimate, but making sure you get a fair price is important. 

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Not all countertop installers install sinks. Instead, they may encourage you to hire a plumber for sink installation.

Some large countertop installation companies may have plumbers on staff and offer a full-service installation that includes all plumbing connections. In this case, the countertop installer will install the sink, fit, and seal it — but will leave the plumbing work for a plumber to complete (usually 24 hours or so after the sink is fitted). 

When getting estimates for countertop installation, always ask if sink installation is included and specifically if water lines will be attached or not. 

In most cases, it’s best to hire a professional to install a countertop. When deciding between DIY vs. hiring a pro, consider the following: 

• Tools and materials: Professional countertop installers often have all of the tools, like spirit levels, a belt sander, a scribing tool to make accurate marks along walls, mill files, a drill, a jigsaw, a 10-point handsaw and a tape measure. If you don’t have everything you need, you’ll need to consider the cost of buying or renting these tools.

• Expertise and knowledge: Countertop installation requires a certain amount of experience know-how to complete the installation process. Experienced professionals have the skills to get the job done quickly and efficiently with minimum disruption to your daily routine. 

• Ensuring fit: Countertops are usually cut with great precision to ensure that they fit perfectly into place and that all the elements (stove top, sink, soap dispenser, etc.) fit into their positions. 

• Protecting your investment: For heavy slabs, improper bracing can cause large pieces to crack. And using the wrong sealant sometimes fails to preserve the look of a countertop over time. Hiring a pro can help ensure your countertop looks great, is durable and remains a good investment. 

Typically, it can take a couple of days to a week for a professional to complete a countertop installation. However, there are a few factors that may impact how long it takes. For example:

• Complexity of the job: Large installations with many customizations will generally take longer than simpler projects. It takes time for fabricators to make cutouts for sinks and outlets.

• Contractor's workload: A very busy contractor may take slightly longer to complete the job as they schedule multiple jobs simultaneously and sometimes manage multiple crews. 

• Extent of remodeling: Removing the existing countertops and cabinets will take some time, too. It may be necessary to reinforce the new countertop structure with new construction.

• Final touches: As mentioned before, many cutouts and joints will require extensive sealing of the seams, which adds time. 

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.

The national average for countertop installation is $2,147, but this cost can fluctuate depending on the type of countertop you want. Countertops made out of granite, marble, quartz, laminate, soapstone and even recycled glass will all have different costs. 

The color and patterns may also have an impact, particularly you choose a natural stone with rarer colors or patterns available. The size and type of finish all play a role, too. Keep in mind more customized edges, complex shapes and cutouts will add to the cost. 

To understand how much your new counters will cost, talk to contractors and countertop installers near you. Request free estimates so you can properly budget for this project.

Countertop installation generally takes a couple of days, though some companies say it could take less than one day and closer to a week. It all depends on the demand the pro is dealing with.

If it's a remodel job, then it will take time to remove the existing countertop. The pro will then need to make cutouts for things like sinks and electrical outlets. After shaping the countertop in their shop, they will bring it in — typically in several sections — and place it and seal it. After fitting sinks, outlets and appliances into the countertop, they will seal the seams.

When you're requesting price quotes from countertop specialists, ask them how long it will take to install your new counters.

Countertops made out of natural stones — such as granite and quartz — are the most durable. These materials are nearly impervious to heat, knife cuts, scratching and staining.