Countertop Replacement: Laminate to Quartz to Granite
2026 planning guide · updated August 16, 2026
Counters are the most satisfying same-week upgrade in a kitchen — and one of the few remodel lines where material choice roughly doubles or triples the price. DMV ranges for a typical kitchen (40–50 sq ft of counter):
2026 installed ranges
| Material | Typical installed range |
|---|---|
| Laminate | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| Quartz (engineered stone) | $5,500 – $10,500 |
| Granite | $5,000 – $11,000 |
What the installed price includes
- Templating (laser measurement after cabinets are final)
- Fabrication — cutouts, edge profile, seam planning
- Removal of existing tops and installation
- Sink mounting; faucet reconnection is a small plumbing add
Notes from the field
- Quartz vs. granite is style preference at similar money — quartz is consistent and low-maintenance; granite is natural and heat-proof.
- Edges and cutouts move the price more than people expect; waterfall ends are a premium line.
- Replacing counters during a cabinet replacement saves a second templating trip — the estimator prices them together.
Get a range built from your kitchen, not a national average
Walk through your space and selections in the free estimator — a live planning range, priced with your DMV jurisdiction’s cost index, in about three minutes.
Price your counters →Frequently asked questions
How much does countertop replacement cost in 2026?
For a typical DC-area kitchen (40–50 sq ft): laminate $2,500–$4,500, quartz $5,500–$10,500, granite $5,000–$11,000 installed, including templating, fabrication, removal, and installation.
Can I replace countertops without replacing cabinets?
Yes, if the boxes are sound and level. But if cabinet replacement is on the horizon, do counters at the same time — counters rarely survive a later cabinet swap.