What does it cost to replace just the countertops?
Replacing counters has a large range from $2000-18,000. Details below
By Brian Huie
So, you love a house—great layout, solid cabinets, but the countertops? They’re giving early 2000s real estate investor special, and you can’t unsee it. The good news? You can absolutely swap them out without gutting your entire kitchen. The bad news? Prices are all over the place, ranging from $2,000 to $18,000, depending on what you’re working with. Let’s break it down.
Countertop Surgery: What’s Actually Getting Replaced?
Yes, you can usually replace just the counters, but don’t assume it’s a simple pop-off, pop-on job. If your current setup has a backsplash that’s bonded to the countertop (looking at you, classic granite with a 4-inch lip), it’ll need to go. Same goes for your sink—it might not survive the transition, and if your faucet is starting to look a little meh, now’s the time to upgrade.
If you’re making the switch, why not get it right the first time? This is your golden opportunity to level up with a sleek waterfall edge or a locally quarried slab that screams PNW luxury. A refresh doesn’t have to mean a full kitchen reno, but you should consider what else can (or should) be updated while the countertops are off.
The Price Tag: What’s the Damage?
Here’s the reality: countertop replacement is a “you get what you pay for” situation. If you go with a basic prefab quartz slab and keep everything else the same, you could get by on the lower end of the range—around $4,000 to $7,000 for what most Seattle buyers are looking for. But if you’re dreaming of a honed marble moment, a custom-cut slab, or anything ultra-high-end, expect to climb toward the $12,000+ range.
Material choice is everything. Laminate? Budget-friendly, but not exactly "luxury mid-century Ballard remodel" levels of chic. Quartz? Solid, durable, and modern—definitely a Seattle favorite. Marble? Gorgeous, but high-maintenance (think daily sealing, like a skincare routine for your counters). If you want that custom, next-level look, expect to invest.
Need a Pro? I’ve Got Your Guy.
If you’re serious about swapping those counters, I’ve got a go-to fabricator who can give you a free estimate once you know what you want. And if you’re still debating materials, I’ve put together a comparing the pros and cons , so you don’t end up regretting your choice six months down the line.
Bottom line? Replacing countertops can be a game-changer, but know what you’re getting into. Choose wisely, budget smartly, and for the love of Pike Place Market, don’t cheap out on installation. Because nothing ruins a fresh new kitchen faster than a shoddy install job.