The average cost of installing onyx countertops ranges from $4,000 to $7,000, with a national average of $1,750. The exact cost depends on the countertop size, color, edge design, and more.
Onyx countertops cost $4,000 to $7,000 to install, with homeowners paying an average of $1,750. Onyx countertops lend an air of sophistication to a bathroom or kitchen. This durable material is made from natural stone and looks similar to marble, though it requires sealing to prevent stains and other damage.
An onyx countertop can make any kitchen or bathroom look and feel more high-end. When you’re pricing out this project, here are the main cost factors to keep in mind.
The size of the countertop is one of the main factors determining the cost of an onyx countertop. Onyx countertops have a wide cost range between $40 and $250 per square foot, so your total cost can vary dramatically. Here’s what you can expect to pay for materials only based on your countertop size.
Countertop Size in Square Feet | Cost per Square Foot |
---|---|
20 | $800–$5,000 |
30 | $1,200–$7,500 |
40 | $1,600–$10,000 |
50 | $2,000–$12,500 |
60 | $2,400–$15,000 |
Onyx countertops come in many shades, each with its own price range. Gray is often the most affordable choice at $35 to $120 per square foot, while pink is the priciest at $230 to $355 per square foot. Other color choices include green, white, and red. Ultimately, your color choice depends on your budget and kitchen design.
Color | Cost per Square Foot |
---|---|
Gray | $35–$120 |
Pink | $230–$355 |
Green | $196–$250 |
White/Off-White | $105–$190 |
Red | $82–$126 |
You’ll also need to decide between several types of countertop edges for your home. Full- or half-bullnose edges are curved, which makes them friendlier for busy households. Beveled edges are similar but have a cut-in slope on the corner rather than a fully curved edge. Mitered edges are sharper and combine two pieces, each cut at 45-degree angles. Ogee edges have a soft S curve and are elegant in style. Finally, Dupont edges are the most unique option, but have the price tag to match.
Edge Design | Cost per Linear Foot |
---|---|
Bevel | $10–$15 |
Bullnose | $10–$15 |
Dupont | $20–$40 |
Mitered | $20–$25 |
Ogee | $20–$25 |
Your location can also affect the cost of installing onyx countertops. If you live in a region with a high cost of living, labor, and materials will likely cost more and push up the project price. However, living in a rural area can also increase the cost because you may need to have the materials shipped in from further away—and a pro who can work with onyx countertops might be harder to find.
Countertop installation is a labor-intensive task. Hiring a contractor to install onyx countertops will cost around 10% to 20% of the project cost. Your contractor might charge per project or per hour, depending on whether they work alone or with subcontractors. Expect to pay $300 to $500 per day for a general contractor and an extra $150 to $250 per day for each additional worker.
If you are replacing an existing countertop, you’ll need to factor in the cost to remove it before installing the onyx countertop. The exact cost depends on the difficulty of removal—your contractor may need to work around plumbing or electrical lines, which complicates the removal. It typically costs $50 to $300 to remove an existing countertop and $20 to $25 to dispose of it properly.
If you plan to have a sink or appliance installed in the countertop, your contractor will need to cut spaces in the onyx countertop. It costs $100 per cutout for sinks and cooktops, and more complex cutout shapes may cost more.
Installing a matching onyx tile backsplash will add an extra $10 to $50 per square foot to the total project cost. An onyx backsplash helps protect the walls in your bathroom or kitchen while adding to the elegant design of your countertops.
The cost to install onyx countertops is only part of the puzzle. Like other countertop materials, onyx has several ongoing costs to be aware of, including the following.
Onyx is a porous stone and must be sealed regularly to prevent damage. Some onyx may be pre-sealed, while others will need sealing once installed in your kitchen or bathroom. Most onyx will need resealing every few years. Sealing a countertop will cost between $100 and $1,200, depending on the type of sealant used and the size of the area.
If your onyx countertop sustains damage, you may be able to repair it rather than replace it. Depending on the type of repair, countertop repairs cost between $210 and $540.
Onyx is a solid stone material, so it’s heavy and difficult to install. It’s also quite fragile and susceptible to damage if handled improperly. Therefore, we recommend skipping the DIY and hiring a local marble and granite contractor to complete this project. Saving a few bucks with a DIY installation can quickly become expensive if you drop the countertop and it cracks—or if you drop it on your foot and break it.
Installing an onyx backsplash yourself while leaving the countertop installation to the pros is a good compromise. If you choose to go this route, choose small, easy-to-work-with tiles.
Installing onyx countertops can be an expensive project with a wide price range between $40 and $250 per square foot. Luckily, there are ways to save money without giving up on your dream countertops.
Shop around: Get quotes from at least three contractors before you choose who to hire for your countertop installation project.
Choose a cheaper color: Gray is often the most affordable color for onyx countertops, while pink and green are the priciest.
Look for discounts: Check several onyx countertop sellers and see whether they have any products on sale that will suit your home’s design.
Remove old countertops yourself: Doing this prep work yourself can save you between $50 and $300 on your countertop project.
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 extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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.
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Granite countertops cost $2,000 to $4,000, which is less expensive than onyx countertops. Granite is a hard, durable countertop surface but is less translucent than onyx, which has a distinct appearance that can change under different lighting. But onyx is more delicate and can be easily damaged if you’re not careful.
Onyx countertops have pros and cons. If you seal it properly and take care not to damage it, it can make a good countertop surface. However, it's more often used in bathrooms, where it’s less likely to sustain damage. Having an onyx kitchen countertop is possible, but you’ll need to take extra care not to burn, stain, or otherwise damage the material.
Yes, onyx countertops can scratch easily—especially if they’re not adequately sealed. But with the proper maintenance (which includes re-sealing the countertops to protect them from damage), you can prevent your onyx countertops from scratching and repair any damage quickly to prevent it from worsening.