How Much Do Porcelain Countertops Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,500 - $3,800
Most homeowners spend between $1,500 and $3,800—or an average of $2,900—on porcelain countertop installation.
Porcelain countertops cost $50 to $70 per square foot, on average. Though prices can rise for larger projects, most homeowners spend between $1,500 and $3,800—or an average of $2,900—on their installation. This price includes materials and professional labor.
If you’re looking to install kitchen or bathroom countertops, porcelain is one of the most popular choices for a reason. This material has a high heat resistance (don’t fret about hot pots and pans) and is relatively easy to clean and maintain. This guide will help you set your budget.
- Average
- $2,900
- Low end
- $750
- high end
- $8,000
Porcelain Countertop Cost by Square Foot
One of the largest cost factors is the size of your porcelain countertop. You’ll usually find prices ranging from $10 to $120 per square foot, though the average cost is $50 to $70 per square foot. Most projects, like your standard kitchen or bathroom countertops, are 30 to 40 square feet in total, though larger homes may have larger countertops.
| Room | Countertop Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost of Porcelain Countertops |
|---|---|---|
| Small Kitchen | 20 – 30 | $1,000 – $2,100 |
| Average Kitchen | 30 – 40 | $1,500 – $2,800 |
| Large Kitchen | 40 – 60 | $2,000 – $4,200 |
| Average Bathroom | 30 – 40 | $1,500 – $2,800 |
| Single Bathroom Vanity | 5 – 10 | $250 – $700 |
Porcelain Countertop Cost Factors
Compared to other countertop materials, porcelain is relatively affordable. For reference, Corian countertops cost about the same, but high-end granite or marble can cost considerably more. Despite the modest price tag, certain factors will impact the cost of your porcelain countertop installation. Expect the little details to play a big role.
Countertop Type
There are two types of porcelain countertops: porcelain tile and porcelain slabs. Porcelain tiles cost about $2 to $30 per square foot, while porcelain slabs cost $20 to $65 per square foot. The material costs aren’t dramatically different when you factor in grout and adhesive—especially if you seal your grout, which helps prevent staining.
Even if material costs are similar, the installation makes porcelain slabs the pricier option. Slabs are thin and fragile, so your contractor will need to take extra care to avoid cracking your countertop.
Type of Edge
You may find that porcelain has limited edge options compared to other materials. This is because the pattern and glossy glaze are only surface-deep, and the edges must be created during fabrication. Nonetheless, there are still plenty of edge finishes to choose from, each with a different price tag.
Square Edge
Square edges are the most common type of edge for porcelain countertops. This edge is standard, so it typically doesn’t come with an additional charge.
Eased Edge
An eased edge is like a square edge with a slightly round top edge. This edge is also a standard shape that doesn’t add extra costs to your countertop.
Beveled Edge
A beveled edge will add about $10 to $12 per square foot to the cost of your countertop project. This edge type is cut at an angle, requiring extra craftsmanship.
Bullnose Edge
A bullnose edge is completely round and will add about $10 to $12 per square foot to your countertop costs.
Built Edge
A built edge (or built-up edge) will add around $15 to $25 per square foot to the overall cost of your porcelain countertop. This type of edge is thicker on the ends of the slab, giving the illusion of a thicker countertop without extra weight.
Type of Finish
Porcelain comes in fewer finishes than other countertops. You can choose from polished or unpolished. An unpolished finish will add about $1 per square foot to your total costs. Not every porcelain pattern will be available in both finishes, but you can usually get the most popular looks (which mimic natural stone) in either.
Polished Finish
A polished finish is what people typically think of when they think of porcelain. This type of finish is extremely resistant to stains, nonporous, and easy to clean. During manufacturing, the porcelain is glazed and fired, then polished to get the signature high-gloss shine.
Unpolished Finish
An unpolished finish has a matte look. This type of finish is more resistant to chips, and if it does chip, it’s not usually as noticeable as it is with a polished finish. That said, it’s more prone to staining because it’s slightly more porous.
Cutouts
If you choose a porcelain slab, your contractor may need to cut the countertop to make room for accessories like a sink, cooktop, or outlet. Expect to spend around $100 to $200 per cutout. Since this type of countertop is so fragile, it’s important that you hire an experienced contractor who understands how to cut porcelain.
Removal
If you’re replacing countertops, you’ll need to remove your old countertop first. Some contractors charge around $50 to $300 for the removal and disposal of the old materials because it’s extra labor.
Labor
In general, expect to spend an average of $10 to $20 per square foot on professional labor for your installation. Costs vary depending on the location. If you live in an area with a higher cost of living, you can expect to pay higher prices for labor.
Permits
In general, permits cost about $50 to $500, depending on what’s required by your local municipality. You may not need a permit if you’re replacing your existing countertop with a countertop of the same size. You will need a permit if your project involves plumbing or electrical work.
Porcelain Countertops Cost by Type
If you want a porcelain countertop, you’ll have to choose between a slab or tile. Each has pros and cons—but tile is typically the most affordable. It’s less popular in kitchens, but it can give a unique appearance and rustic feel.
| Type of Porcelain Countertop | Average Cost (Materials Only) |
|---|---|
| Slab | $50 – $120 |
| Tile | $10 – $50 |
Porcelain Slab
A porcelain slab costs around $50 to $120 per square foot, including materials and labor. Your contractor will install this type of countertop over a solid subsurface, typically plywood or an existing countertop. Since this type of countertop is relatively new in the United States, there aren’t many off-the-shelf options. Contractors will generally order the slabs custom.
Despite the many benefits of porcelain, one thing to look for with slabs is the thickness. Porcelain slabs are usually only 6 to 12 millimeters thick, which is thinner than other slab countertops. This makes them fragile, so contractors must take extra care during installation. As such, installation costs tend to be higher.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile countertops typically cost $10 to $50 per square foot, including materials and labor. Like any other type of tile, your contractor will install porcelain using mastic (a resin-based tile adhesive) and grout. Tiles come in all different sizes, and you’ll save money if you choose a larger tile that takes less grout and time to install.
Ongoing Porcelain Countertop Costs
Porcelain countertops are durable, especially regarding heat resistance, which is ideal for a kitchen. You’ll still need to maintain them properly. The good news is that maintenance is generally wallet-friendly. You may need to make some repairs along the way, but it shouldn’t happen often.
Repairs
Porcelain countertops are somewhat vulnerable to chips and cracks, even if they withstand stains and scratches. With an epoxy fissure repair kit, you can fix small cracks (or at least stop them from worsening). Depending on the damage, a professional typically charges $150 to $800 per repair.
Tile Replacement
If you opt for porcelain tiles, you may need to replace a chipped or cracked tile eventually. This can happen if you drop a heavy object on your countertop. Expect to spend about $120 to $500 on tile replacement.
Grout Cleaning and Repair
If you have tile, you may need to clean or repair your grout occasionally. Grout, in particular, is prone to staining (unless it’s sealed) and crumbling. Expect to spend around $100 to $700 on grout repairs, with the average cleaning ranging from $100 to $475.
DIY Porcelain Countertops vs. Hiring a Pro
DIY porcelain countertops cost anywhere from $750 to $3,500—about two to three times less than a professional installation. Tile is more suitable for a DIY than slab since slabs are very thin and prone to cracking before installation. Alternatively, you can choose smaller slabs that function like a larger tile but have limited seams. Plus, cleaning up after a meal is easier with fewer grout lines.
The best way to make sure you don’t damage your countertop during installation (and have to spend on a replacement) is to hire a countertop contractor near you to take on the project. Beyond that, don't attempt a DIY if your installation requires any electrical or plumbing work. You’ll likely need a licensed pro to get a permit.
Cost of Common Porcelain Counter Add-Ons
There are a few different jobs homeowners commonly add to their countertop installation. If you’re planning a bathroom or kitchen renovation, you can usually save money by grouping related jobs. For example, if you’re upgrading your countertops, you might also want to upgrade your sink or cooktop. Here are some extra expenses to consider.
| Add-On Project | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Backsplash Installation | $600 – $1,300 |
| Sink Replacement | $250 – $1,600 |
| Appliance Installation (Labor Only) | $70 – $225 |
| Cabinet Refacing | $5,000 – $10,600 |
| Cabinet Refinishing | $700 – $6,000 |
| Kitchen Island Installation | $2,500 – $10,000 |
Backsplash Installation
You may want to install a new backsplash to match your new countertop. A kitchen backsplash generally costs $15 to $40 per square foot for installation, depending on the material. If you use porcelain tile, your backsplash installation will have a similar cost to your countertop installation. Most homeowners spend $600 to $1,300 on a backsplash.
Sink Replacement
A sink replacement costs $250 to $650 on average, though it can cost more than $1,600 depending on the model. Copper sinks cost the most, but a simple drop-in or undermount sink can run you as little as $250.
Appliance Installation
If you’re upgrading your kitchen countertops, you may want to upgrade your appliances. Homeowners often install a new cooktop, stove, refrigerator, or microwave. Expect to spend about $125 to $300 on appliance installation costs—plus the cost of the appliance itself.
Cabinet Refacing or Refinishing
Some homeowners choose to reface or refinish their cabinets when installing new countertops. This can give your cabinets a fresh new look without the cost of a full replacement. On average, cabinet refacing costs around $7,250, and refinishing costs $3,000. Painting and staining alone costs $4 to $10 per square foot.
Adding a Kitchen Island
If you’re installing new countertops and always dreamed of having a kitchen island, now is your chance. On average, homeowners spend about $4,000 installing a new kitchen island, depending on the size. Permanent prefab islands typically cost $2,500 to $3,500.
How to Save on Porcelain Countertop Costs
Porcelain is a great option for homeowners with a mid-range budget. It’s not the most expensive but isn’t considered low end. If you’re looking to install kitchen countertops on a budget, there are some ways you can lower the cost of porcelain. You just have to get creative.
1. Choose Porcelain Tile
Tile can cost considerably less than a slab when you factor in installation. You can even find porcelain tiles for as little as $10 per square foot. It may be tempting but don’t reach for the least expensive option. You’ll need a tile with a Grade 3 PEI rating or higher to hold up in a kitchen.
2. Choose Larger Tiles
You may envision countertops with a gorgeous, detailed mosaic. Unfortunately, that’s not how you’ll save. Larger tiles take less time to install and require less grout, leading to a smaller price tag. Plus, larger tile is ideal for a kitchen because fewer grout lines make cleaning easier.
3. Choose a Standard Edge and Finish
To keep things budget-friendly, go for a square or eased edge countertop. These edges are standard and don’t come with additional fees. You can also usually save money by choosing the standard polished finish, whereas unpolished tiles cost slightly more.
4. Do the Demolition Yourself
If you’ve done renovations before, you can save a couple hundred dollars by doing some of the demolition on your own, like removing your own countertop and preparing the room for installation. Just make sure not to mess with any plumbing, electrical, or gas lines. Keep safety in mind, and wear protective equipment when necessary.
5. Tackle Similar Projects
When swapping out your countertops, you may want to add-on other renovation projects. Contractors often offer reduced installation rates if you have other jobs for them. For example, you could save money overall if you replace your sink and refinish your cabinets at the same time.
6. Get Multiple Quotes
To get a feel for the market, getting estimates from at least three contractors is important. You want to find someone with experience with porcelain. The least expensive contractor isn’t always the best. If a price is significantly lower than the rest, it’s often a red flag, so do your research.
Pros and Cons of Porcelain Countertops
Porcelain countertops are quickly gaining popularity because they’re attractive and long-lasting. But that doesn’t mean they’re the right option for every homeowner. Here are some benefits and drawbacks of porcelain countertops in your home.
Pros
Sturdy
While anyone who has dropped a porcelain dish may worry about the durability of countertops made from the same material, the reality is that on countertops, porcelain is a long-lasting, sturdy material. While it can still chip, it is less likely to do so than many stone countertop materials.
Glazed porcelain countertops are scratch, stain, and heat resistant but not completely impervious to damage, so you should still use chopping boards, immediately wipe away spills, and place trivets under scorching hot pans.
Versatile
Unlike many other countertop materials, porcelain sheets can be cut and shaped to fit just about any surface, enabling homeowners to easily coordinate their backsplash, wall panels, island legs, and more. It’s available in a wide array of colors and patterns—it can even look like stone—so this material can work with any kitchen style.
Easy-to-Clean
Porcelain can be washed and sanitized with most cleansers, including those containing bleach and ammonia.
Sustainable
Made from natural clay, porcelain is more eco-friendly than stones engineered from polymers and plastics. Similarly, it is more sustainable than natural stone pulled from quarries. The material is also biodegradable and recyclable when you’re ready to change things up again.
Easy to Install
Since this material is available in large, thin sheets, it can easily be installed with limited seams, making cleanup easier. You can even install it directly over your existing countertops if they are in good condition.
Cons
Only Skin Deep
Porcelain countertops can be printed in various patterns, but the design is only on the surface, not throughout the material. This means if you chip your counter, it could be very obvious, depending on the pattern you chose. Beyond that, your finishing options are somewhat limited, as the installer cannot change the edges of the material.
Costly
Because they are still relatively rare and often custom-made, porcelain countertops are expensive, especially if they have unique patterns.
Design Choices Can Reduce Functionality
While some people prefer the look of unglazed porcelain tiles, they are more prone to staining. On the upside, the matte appearance makes it easier to replace a section without making it obvious.
Similarly, while you may be attracted to a lovely mosaic design on your countertops, keep in mind that while the tiles may be easy to clean, grout isn’t.
Less Available
Though porcelain isn’t necessarily difficult to install, it is still an uncommon option in the U.S. Unfortunately, this means you might have a hard time finding a local fabricator to make your countertops and a local stone countertop installer who is familiar with this material.
Mariel Loveland contributed to this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Porcelain and granite countertops can be similar in price, but it depends on the quality of the granite. Granite slab installation generally costs $50 to $200 per square foot, while the average porcelain countertops cost $50 to $70 per square foot. High-end granites, like Blue Louise and Costa Esmeralda, cost significantly more than porcelain—especially if you choose a high-end finish—but you can choose a lower-quality stone for a similar price.
Porcelain countertops are slightly more affordable than quartz. Most quartz countertops cost $50 to $200 per square foot, whereas porcelain typically costs $50 to $70 per square foot. However, lower quality builder’s grade quartz is similar in price to porcelain. This type of quartz contains more resin and fillers, making it less vibrant.
Porcelain is a relatively affordable, mid-range countertop. It’s less expensive than other popular materials, including quartz, slate, concrete, and marble. It’s similar in price to the average, low-end or mid-range granite or quartzite countertop (high-end options cost more). It’s more expensive than laminate, acrylic, and ceramic.
However, note that porcelain doesn’t come with very many long-term maintenance costs. If it breaks, you’ll still need to make repairs, but it won’t need regular sealing like concrete and natural stone.