How Much Do Concrete Countertops Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,500 - $6,000
The cost of concrete countertops ranges from $1,500 to $6,000 on average or about $3,500, depending on size, thickness, and finish.
For the typical homeowner, concrete countertops cost about $50 to $150 per square foot. This includes custom shapes, decorative edges, and special finishes (though the more detail, the more you’ll pay). Most homeowners spend $1,500 to $6,000 total—or around $3,500 for the average 35-square-foot countertop. Let’s break down the price of this trendy but high-end option.
- Average
- $3,500
- Low end
- $500
- high end
- $9,000
Concrete Countertop Cost per Square Foot
Concrete countertops cost around $50 to $150 per square foot, including materials and professional installation. The material itself costs between $5 and $15 per square foot, but this type of countertop comes with high installation costs because your contractor will either have to install heavy precast slabs or pour the concrete in place.
Overall, the cost of concrete is similar to the cost of Corian® countertops, but materials like laminate and acrylic are far more affordable.
| Countertop Size (Square Feet) | Average Price |
|---|---|
| 10 | $500 – $1,500 |
| 20 | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| 30 | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| 40 | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| 50 | $2,500 – $7,500 |
| 60 | $3,000 – $9,000 |
Concrete Countertop Installation Cost Factors
Unlike natural stones, the price of a concrete countertop often depends on whether it's irregularly shaped and what colors, textures, or other materials you choose. Here are some factors that will impact your total price.
Thickness
The thickness of your countertop determines its cost. In general, concrete countertops are 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick. The thicker the surface, the higher the price tag. Some custom concrete countertop ideas may be 3 inches thick or more. This takes special considerations, like additional cabinet reinforcements. Thicker designs will slant towards the $135 to $150 per square foot high-end range.
Installation Location
Though concrete is one of the best countertop materials for a kitchen, you can also use it in a bathroom or laundry room. The installation location will determine the overall cost, largely because countertop sizes vary.
That said, it’s unlikely you’ll use cast-in-place countertops while remodeling a kitchen since your kitchen would be out of commission for an extended period as it cures. You may want to use this more affordable option in a second bathroom or utility room.
| Location | Countertop Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | 20 – 60 | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Kitchen Island | 8 – 22 | $800 – $2,200 |
| Double Bathroom Vanity | 10 – 14 | $1,000 – $1,400 |
| Bathroom Vanity | 5 – 10 | $500 – $1,000 |
| Utility Room | 3 – 6 | $300 – $600 |
Countertop Finish
Concrete countertops can go beyond the basic, matte gray that comes to mind when we think of concrete. Coloring, staining, or polishing can almost make it look like an entirely different material or better match existing decor. Each finish has a different price point.
| Finish | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Basic | $50 – $90 |
| Colored | $60 – $100 |
| Stained | $100 – $150 |
| Polished | $100 – $150 |
Basic Concrete Countertop
A basic concrete countertop costs $50 to $100 per square foot on average. Uncolored, unstained, and unpolished, the counters give off a popular modern industrial vibe. This is the most cost-effective type of concrete countertop.
White or Colored
Typically, colored concrete countertop prices range from $60 to $100 per square foot. Adding various colors to this material allows you to match the kitchen surfaces with your home decor. For example, many people love the look of white concrete counters. You can have colors added during the mixing process or after curing with a dye-based application using paints and lacquers. You apply these in thin coats and then seal granite countertops for glossiness.
Stained
Most homeowners pay $100 to $150 per square foot for their stained concrete countertops. This process costs more than basic countertops because it takes more work. Common design choices range from wood grain to imitation marble, and you’ll pay the most for intricate designs.
Polished
Polished concrete countertops cost about $100 to $150 per square foot. A contractor can polish your countertop any number of times as part of the staining or dying routine or separately. You should wait for the concrete to cure before polishing it thoroughly. Have your counters polished every few years to expand their total life span.
Countertop Edge Type
The standard concrete countertop comes with a square edge. If you’d like a different type of countertop edge, it will cost an additional $1 to $6 per square foot. These edges are created with a special mold and have a higher-end look. The most cost-effective specialty edge is an eased edge, which slightly rounds off the sharper corners of a square edge.
| Edge Type | Additional Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Square | No Additional Cost |
| Eased | $1 – $5 |
| Bullnose | $2 – $6 |
| Beveled | $2 – $6 |
| Live-edged | $2 – $6 |
Labor
Concrete countertops come with notoriously high labor costs. Labor accounts for 90% of the cost of the job. You can expect to spend anywhere from $55 to $135 per square foot, which equates to $30 to $90 per hour per person (some contractors do bill hourly). This is significantly higher than the average countertop installation cost of $15 to $70 per square foot.
How Much Does a Concrete Counter Cost by Type?
There are a few different types of concrete construction methods that may or may not impact the total cost. Here are the different types and what to expect in pricing.
| Type of Countertop | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Poured Concrete | $50 – $145 |
| Precast Concrete | $65 – $150 |
Poured Counters
Cast-in-place concrete countertops cost around $50 to $145 per square foot. Usually, contractors pour cement at the site at no extra cost. Cast-in-place concrete ensures a perfect fit with your cabinetry. If you want to add fine details, like custom edging or embedded glass, the design and construction may require poured cement.
Precast Concrete
Precast concrete counters average $65 to $150 per square foot. Pouring concrete into a countertop presents several unique challenges. Temperature, mess, and the possibility of cracking are more challenging to control on-site than in a controlled environment. It may take 10 days for your new concrete countertop to set, which is far from ideal. Instead, many countertop contractors use the option of precasting the cement at their warehouse.
Additional Countertop Costs to Consider
Concrete countertops costs can add up, but you can save money on a remodel by grouping similar projects together. Here are some extra costs to consider.
Removal of the Existing Countertop
Part of your total cost to replace countertops may include a $50 to $300 charge to remove your existing countertop. Some contractors include this in the price, and the overall cost depends on the complexity. If they have to work around plumbing, it will end up on the higher end.
New Sink Installation
A new sink installation will cost anywhere from $250 to $650. You could end up spending more than $1,000 if you install a luxury sink. For example, you can expect to spend $200 to $1,500 on the typical stainless steel sink. Meanwhile, a cast iron sink will cost around $200 to $900.
Backsplash Installation
For most homeowners, backsplash installation costs between $600 and $1,300. When you get new countertops, you may want to install a new backsplash to match. Ceramic or porcelain tend to be the most wallet-friendly options, but metals like tin or stainless steel lend themselves to concrete’s industrial aesthetic.
Cabinet Reinforcements
You’ll pay a contractor their typical hourly rate (between $30 and $90 per hour, depending on the local cost) to reinforce your cabinets. Concrete countertops weigh around 18 to 20 pounds per square foot, depending on the thickness. This means the concrete for the average kitchen counter (measuring around 35 square feet) will weigh 630 to 700 pounds. Not every cabinet can handle the load, so you may need to bring in reinforcements—literally.
Cost to Install a Concrete Countertop Yourself
Concrete is a popular countertop material due to its modern, streamlined look and easy-to-clean quality. Installing a concrete countertop yourself may cost an average of $5 to $15 per square foot, which includes the basic materials. You might pay more to buy tools and sealants that make installation easier and the material more durable.
Some basic materials and tools for this project include:
| Supplies | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Framing lumber | $3 – $6 per square foot |
| Cement mix | Around $5 per 80 pound bag |
| 5 gallon bucket | $3 – $5 |
| Water | |
| Concrete mixer tool | $350 |
| Painter’s tape | $7 per 60 yards |
| Power drill | $50 – $400 |
| Sealant and caulk | $5 – $30 |
| Miter and table saw | $150 – $400 |
| Rubber mallet | $7 |
| Plastic sheeting | $20 – $50 |
| Colorant (optional) | $30 |
A concrete countertop is a bit more expensive than granite, marble, or quartz. Installing the material from start to finish requires skills that many homeowners lack. For DIY projects, it's essential to be an experienced home builder or opt for a local professional instead.
DIY Concrete Countertop Installation Cost vs. Hiring a Pro
Labor accounts for 90% of the total cost to install a concrete countertop. While you can save thousands on a DIY job, this is no simple task. Concrete countertops take skill and special equipment to pour correctly. Something as simple as adding too little water to a mix can cause your countertop to crack. It’s best to either hire a countertop installer near you or choose a type of countertop that’s more DIY-friendly.
Pros and Cons of Installing Concrete Countertops
Before you start your project, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of concrete countertops. This is an ultra-trendy material with extreme durability and a unique aesthetic that can suit a variety of design styles. That said, if you’re looking for a kitchen countertop idea on a budget, it’s best to skip concrete altogether. This material comes with a high price tag and a few other quirks.
Pros:
Extremely durable
Can last decades if properly maintained
Heat resistant
Lots of design options
Easy to customize
Cons:
High installation costs
Prone to cracking
Difficult to DIY
Long cure times can impact remodels
May require cabinet reinforcements
Requires annual sealing due to porosity
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few critical factors you should consider, depending on the repair, upkeep, and cleaning of concrete countertops. Granite and concrete countertops require regular sealing to prevent water or oil from seeping in and staining them. Without sealant, homeowners may see mold, mildew, and bacteria growth due to food particles and any moisture absorbing into their unsealed countertops.
Concrete and granite are both extremely durable materials. One isn’t necessarily better than the other. It depends on what you’re looking for. That said, granite is less costly and requires less maintenance. Furthermore, concrete is more prone to staining and cracking, though you can patch the cracks using a concrete patching compound.
Yes, you can put hot pots on concrete countertops, but only if they’ve been properly sealed. While the concrete itself is heat-resistant, the sealant may not be, meaning heat may discolor the sealant, so use caution.
Concrete countertops can last decades. They’re one of the longest-lasting types of countertops, but you’ll need to properly maintain them to preserve their life span. Concrete is prone to cracking, especially if a poor design or improper installation puts pressure on the porous material. This is why it’s always a good idea to hire a countertop pro.