Countertop projects involve more costs than just the stone.
The Full Cost Picture
The material cost per square foot is only part of the story. Fabrication, installation, and the details add up — and they’re worth understanding before you commit.
Most homeowners focus on the material cost per square foot when budgeting for countertops. But the material is only one component of the total project cost. Understanding the full picture helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Material Cost
Material costs vary significantly by stone type and quality tier:
- **Entry-level quartz:** $45–$65/sq ft
- **Mid-range quartz:** $65–$95/sq ft
- **Premium quartz:** $95–$130/sq ft
- **Entry-level granite:** $40–$65/sq ft
- **Mid-range granite:** $65–$100/sq ft
- **Premium granite/exotic:** $100–$200+/sq ft
- **Marble:** $60–$150/sq ft
- **Quartzite:** $65–$150/sq ft
- **Porcelain slab:** $55–$120/sq ft
These are material-only costs. Fabrication and installation are additional.
Fabrication Cost
Fabrication — cutting, shaping, and finishing the stone — typically adds $20–$40/sq ft to the material cost. Complex projects with many cutouts, unusual angles, or premium edge profiles cost more.
Installation Cost
Installation is typically included in the fabrication cost for most fabricators, but confirm this when getting quotes. If quoted separately, expect $200–$500 for a standard kitchen installation.
Additional Costs to Budget For
**Sink cutout:** $100–$200 per cutout, depending on complexity.
**Edge profile upgrades:** Standard eased or beveled edges are typically included. Ogee, waterfall, or mitered edges add $15–$40/linear foot.
**Tear-out and disposal:** Removing existing countertops typically costs $150–$400 depending on material and quantity.
**Plumbing reconnection:** If your plumber handles sink reconnection separately, budget $150–$300.
**Backsplash:** If you're replacing the backsplash at the same time (common during a countertop project), budget separately for that work.
A Realistic Total
For a typical Sacramento kitchen with 40 square feet of countertop, using mid-range quartz:
- Material + fabrication: $3,400–$5,400
- Edge profile (standard): included
- Sink cutout: $150
- Tear-out: $250
- Total: approximately $3,800–$5,800
Request a free estimate for your specific project. We provide detailed, itemized quotes with no surprises.
Want a clear, itemized estimate for your project?
We provide detailed quotes with no surprises — material, fabrication, installation, and every line item spelled out clearly before you commit to anything.