What Is the Average Cost of Laminate Countertops? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $841 - $1,738
The average laminate countertop installation costs $1,243, but depending on the size and type of laminate, most homeowners pay between $841 and $1,738.
Laminate countertops are known for being wallet-friendly, but how much does a laminate countertop cost? This guide covers installation costs for laminate countertops and everything you need to know. Laminate countertops come in hundreds of colors, designs, and finishes, and expect to pay anywhere between $841 and $1,738, but prices will vary based on the project.
- Average
- $1,243
- Low end
- $400
- high end
- $2,600
Factors That Affect the Cost of Laminate Countertops
Size, type, and material are the biggest cost influencers.
Type of Laminate
If you’re looking for kitchen countertop ideas, laminate comes in hundreds of designs, patterns, and colors with all kinds of edges and finishes. Some may look and feel like granite or wood. Others are a solid color with a matte or smooth finish. Premium edges, patterns, finishes, and higher-end brands will cost more.
Formica, a laminate brand that’s become so ubiquitous people use it as a catch-all term, is slightly more expensive than other laminates. Formica countertops cost $40 to $80 per square foot on average.
Custom vs. Prefab
Custom countertops are made to order for your kitchen instead of being cut into standard countertop dimensions. If you want a custom look, you may have your countertops sent to your home as "sheets" that your installer can cut. Expect to add at least 25% to labor costs if you opt for custom countertops.
Finish
Here's what you're paying for "product only" before installation for different grades of laminate countertops.
| Countertop Finish | Cost Range per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Standard or horizontal grade | $10–$18 |
| Antimicrobial | $15–$35 |
| High-durability | $20–$55 |
Standard or Horizontal Grade
Expect to pay between $10 and $18 per square foot for high-pressure, standard- or horizontal-grade laminate countertops. Standard-grade countertops offer a cost-effective yet durable solution, while horizontal-grade countertops add a touch of luxury with a more aesthetically pleasing profile.
Standard-grade countertops come in a variety of options that can mimic materials—like granite, quartz, and marble—while horizontal-grade countertops usually require more specialized materials, such as special-order recycled glass. Both offer resilience against scratches, chips, and staining; however, standard-grade countertops may require additional maintenance since they can be easily dented or warped due to water damage.
Antimicrobial Finish
Antimicrobial finish countertops are considered a premium option and range in price from $15 to $35 per square foot. These are a great option for homeowners looking to prioritize cleanliness. The antimicrobial finish inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms, making it easy to keep the countertop clean and safe. Along with the antimicrobial properties, these countertops may also be scratch-resistant and moisture proof, extending their longevity.
High-Durability Finish
As a luxury option, high-durability laminate countertops cost between $20 and $55 per square foot. High-durability finish countertops consist of materials chosen for their sturdiness, such as granite or Formica. However, they can be difficult to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Edge Options
Fabricators will charge slightly different costs for different countertop edging options based on the complexity of the design. Here's how much extra you can expect to pay for each option.
| Style | Description | Cost Range per Linear Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Square | The standard option | No extra charge |
| No-drip | Slightly raised edge that helps stop minor spills and sliding | $5–$9 |
| Eased | Square finish with a slightly softened top portion | $5–$9 |
| Full-bullnose | Curved top and bottom | $9–$11 |
| Half-bullnose | Rounded top with a square bottom. | $8–$10 |
| Ogee | Sharp top that extends downward into an elongated curve | $11–$25 |
| Dupont | Sharp top with a short curve at the bottom for a subtle decorative touch | $10–$20 |
Laminate Countertop Installation Cost Breakdown
The two main costs when installing laminate countertops are materials and labor, but there are other factors to consider as well. Let’s get into the details.
Size of Countertop
The average cost of laminate countertops is $35 per square foot, with certain finishes and grades costing more. Edging usually costs an additional $5 to $55 per linear foot.
If you're finishing a larger kitchen, you'll pay more for the extra sheets of laminate and substrate needed to stretch the length of your cabinets. With retailers pricing laminate sheets by the square foot, every extra bit of space counts. A large kitchen island can nearly double the cost of getting new countertops.
While laminate countertop pricing is by the square foot, the edging for the countertops is priced separately by linear feet. Edging adds aesthetic appeal and decoration to countertop edges, keeps items from sliding off countertops, and prevents spills. However, you won’t pay extra if you choose the default edging.
Type of Substrate
The substrate used in countertop applications—the underlying layer—can vary, depending on the desired look and durability. For example, common substrates include plywood, particleboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and dense blockboards.
Plywood is generally the most cost-effective substrate and relatively easy to work with. However, it isn't as strong as other options and is prone to warping over time. Particleboard is more economical than plywood since it consists of wood chips and glue. Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) offers superior strength because the fibers are highly compressed and bonded with a resin adhesive.
MDF substrate is more expensive than plywood substrate. The cost of a single 4-by-8-foot sheet costs:
| Substrate Material | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Plywood | $6–$20 |
| MDF | $15–$45 |
MDF is smooth, consistent, and easily cut. Plywood is a little more finicky, but it’s much stronger than MDF. It can withstand extreme temperatures, so it’s ideal for a kitchen counter that might encounter a boiling pot or two.
Installation and Labor
Costs to have new laminate countertops professionally installed range from $30 to $40 per hour. A typical countertop installation can take between three and seven hours. While some contractors will bill hourly for installation, others charge a flat rate between $400 and $800 for labor costs during the installation process. The average customer can expect to pay between $700 and $1,300 for labor costs when bundling the removal and disposal of existing countertops with the cost of installing new ones.
Additional Countertop Costs to Consider
Adding countertops is about more than just slapping some laminate over your cabinets. As any homeowner knows, it's the little touches that make a kitchen. Take a look at some extra costs to anticipate when getting your picture-perfect finish.
| Factor | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Removal and disposal | $30–$40 per hour |
| Backsplash | $600–$1,300 |
| Sink | $350–$3,600 |
| Permits | $50–$100 |
| Plumbing | $45–$200 per hour |
| Cutouts | $20–$100 each |
Removal and Disposal of Existing Countertops
Most contractors will lump the cost of removal and disposal of your existing countertops with the installation cost as part of a "flat" estimate. If you're being billed hourly, expect to pay between $30 and $40 per hour for a job that typically takes an hour for an average-sized kitchen. Contractors who charge per countertop often bill between $20 and $34 per countertop.
Removing laminate kitchen countertops is easy because these countertops are usually held in place by screws and adhesive. If you're having natural stone removed, the job may take longer, and the price may be higher.
Adding a Backsplash
If you're planning to dress up your new laminate countertops with a custom backsplash, budget for costs ranging from $15 to $40 per square foot. The average cost of a professionally installed backsplash is between $600 and $1,300.
Installing a New Sink
Installation day for your new countertops is the perfect time to install a new sink. In fact, this is your only chance to install a trendy undermount sink. The average cost for sink installation is between $215 and $626. However, the actual cost of a sink ranges from $150 on the low end to $3,000 on the high end.
Permits
If your laminate installation is part of a larger remodel project, you may need to get the appropriate building permits for the work. This expense typically costs around $50 to $100. Your installation professional can offer more information about whether a permit may be required based on the project details.
Plumbing
Even if you aren’t opting for a new sink installation or other work, plumbing costs can still be a factor, especially for larger laminate installations. These often require plumbing disconnections while working, which often shows up as an extra item on your bill, usually around $100 or more.
Additional Cutouts
Specialized laminate cutouts can also add to the overall cost of your project. If you need a special faucet cutout or a backsplash cutout for an electrical outlet, that can cost around $20 to $25. A cutout for your oven range or a similar cooktop can cost as much as $100.
Installing New vs. Replacing Laminate Countertops
The cost of installing new countertops compared to replacing countertops won't be dramatically different. However, if your cabinets are cracked, buckled, or warped, you may need repair work before securing the new countertops. Cabinet repairs range from $150 to $350 per cabinet.
The main cost difference between replacements and new installations is the removal of the existing countertop. If you'd like to save money, consider removing laminate countertops on your own. However, you may still need to pay a disposal fee at your local dump.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Laminate Countertops Yourself?
You can buy prefabricated laminate countertop sections for $50 to $200 at most home improvement stores. Usually, they come in 4-foot sections, 8-foot sections, and corner pieces. Depending on the size of your kitchen, it can be quite inexpensive, but laminate countertops don’t leave a lot of room for error.
You can’t repair damaged laminate, and it’s particularly susceptible to water damage. Water can seep between the joints of a poor installation. Though you’ll save about $1,000 upfront if you do the project yourself, you can end up paying a lot more if it’s done incorrectly. Laminate is lightweight and relatively easy to install compared to other kitchen countertops, but it’s best to hire a professional countertop installer unless you’re familiar with the DIY.
Cost to Install Laminate Countertops Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
The average homeowner with some DIY skills can expect to pay around $24 per square foot to install new laminate countertops on their own. For example, a homeowner installing 30 square feet of countertops will pay an average of $750 instead of the $1,750 to $2,000 for a professionally installed countertop of the same size.
How to Save on Laminate Countertop Installation Costs
We’ve discussed how tackling a laminate countertop project yourself can help you save money — as long as the installation goes well. But even if you’re relying on professional labor for your laminate work, there are still ways to save.
Purchase prefabricated counters: Sometimes, laminate is available in prefabricated sections designed to fit common kitchen counter lengths, including cutouts for sinks and similar spaces. If you have a standard kitchen counter with common measurements, you may be able to save money by looking for pre-cut sections, which are typically less expensive than custom cuts.
Remove your old countertop: You can ditch the extra fees by removing your old countertop yourself instead of having an installer do it. Homeowners can remove simple counters themselves and take care of debris with a quick trip to a disposal site. However, it’s important to work slowly and avoid damaging your cabinets or other parts of the kitchen as you work.
Choose a less expensive brand: While Formica is nice, don’t underestimate other brands. Sometimes, by switching to a different type of laminate, you can save money by the square foot. Compare costs with brands like Arborite and Wilsonart to see if your preferred style costs less. Shop around and take full advantage of your installer’s catalog to see where you can save.
Stick with simple edges: The edges we cited above can give laminate a fancier look, but they aren’t necessary in every kitchen. If you don’t have any qualms about a simple design, stick to basic, flattened edges and save money with your minimalism.
Pros and Cons of Laminate Countertops
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive | Not heat resistant |
| Easy to clean | Doesn’t add to home value |
| DIY-friendly | Cannot repair |
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average kitchen counter measures 30 to 40 square feet. Make sure to add 10% to 15% extra to your estimated measurements before purchasing materials. Depending on the brand, you may need more than one box of laminate. Don’t forget to budget for the edging as well if that’s of interest to you, and remember to measure for the edging in linear feet.
Formica is a laminate countertop brand that tends to be slightly more expensive than the average laminate. However, it offers premium finishes (like Formica IdealEdge) and premium edges (like Crystal or Natural Grain) that some homeowners prefer. Although it does cost more than other laminates, Formica offers value because of its price, variety of colors and patterns, durability, and ease of installation.
At first glance, laminate may seem like an ideal, affordable outdoor material if you are planning on an outdoor kitchen, patio bar, deck tables, or similar projects. However, laminate is not a suitable outdoor material. Even in covered areas, it’s too vulnerable to water damage and moisture to use outside, where it can run into problems with rot and mold. Sun damage can also quickly decrease laminate’s lifespan outdoors. It’s best to look for more durable outdoor materials such as stone, tile, and cement for outdoor counters.
Not usually. Laminates are made from plastic materials, traditionally melamine, so they don’t offer any eco-friendly or green benefits. Melamine itself is infamous for its toxic composition and outgassing over time, so if you’re looking for a green counter option, it’s best to avoid laminates. Additionally, laminates aren’t candidates for recycling during disposal.
The exception to this rule are certain kinds of laminates with core materials made from recycled pulp and chaff, but these aren’t always available as countertops and still typically use at least some plastic.